As always, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is all Grenache that comes from a single parcel near the estate. An incredible bouquet of Kirsch liqueur, seaweed wrapper, black licorice, and roasted Garrigue gives way to a medium to full-bodied, powerful Grenache that has a stacked mid-palate, beautiful tannins, and more power and richness than just about every other wine in the vintage. Nevertheless, like all great Grenache, it stays beautifully balanced and weightless on the palate. It’s already complex that promises 15 years or more of prime drinking. Château de Vaudieu is located in the center of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, just south of Rayas. The estate is impeccably run by Laurent Bréchet with the winemaking falling to consultant Philippe Cambie. Today they release a number of special cuvees based largely on individual parcels around the domaine. The winemaking can be thought of as quasi-modern, with most of the wines destemmed and brought up in older barrels and demi-muids. New oak is kept to a minimum and the wines always show Provençal, elegant characters. In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation!
Culinary Recommendation: To serve 16 C - 18 C. Good match with Camargue bull stew, or a lamb.
Award:
96 points Jeb Dunnuck
96 points Wine Spectator
95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
93-95 points Vinous
Vivino: 4.5
