2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Château de Vaudieu

The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Château de Vaudieu reveals a gourmand, harmonious bouquet of peonies, dark berries, dark cherries and spices mingled with delicate notes of chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, round and sappy, it's delicately juicy with good depth at the core and a succulent, charming profile. More immediate than its 2022 predecessor, this blend of 71% Grenache Noir, 10% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault, all destemmed, will drink well young.

Blending 60% Grenache with the remainder split between Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an instant classic, unwinding with ripe strawberry, raspberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Full-bodied, fruit-forward and refreshing, the well-balanced 2023 is grounded in ripe tannins, checking out with continuity on the savory close.