2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu Château de Vaudieu

The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Val De Dieu has a slightly more modern vibe and has a kiss of oak in its black raspberries, cassis, graphite, and violet aromas and flavors. It too is rounded, supple, and sexy on the palate, with medium to full body and ripe, polished tannins. It's impeccably balanced and a beautiful wine. The blend is 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah, brought up mostly in demi-muids, with 20% new oak.

The sample of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Val de Dieu I tasted was a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, a bit less Grenache than typical. It starts strong, with scents of cherries and dried spices, and moves into a mid-palate that's full-bodied but silky-ripe in texture. It then finishes with warm notes of dark chocolate and a hint of brine. 2020-2028.