2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Avenue Château de Vaudieu

Made from 100% Grenache from a parcel next to the domaine, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape L'Avenue spent 18 months all in demi-muids. Notes of blueberries, spring flowers, sappy garrigue, and green peppercorns all give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated Grenache that has beautiful mid-palate density, building tannins, thrilling purity, and a great, great finish. It's a singular Grenache from this estate that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for 15+. It's brilliant.

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape l'Avenue is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Full-bodied, yet deceptively lithe and agile on the palate, it delivers a cornucopia of mixed red fruit-cherries, raspberries and strawberries-on the nose. In the mouth, it seems to darken a bit into black cherries, while adding a refreshing minty overtone. Tasted twice (once blind), with more tannin noted on one occasion but with a similar overall impression: a lovely expression of Grenache fruit that finishes silky and sublime, with a subtle dusting of Asian five spice powder. 2020-2030