2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu Château de Vaudieu

Based on 40% each Grenache and Syrah with 20% Mourvèdre and aged 18 months in a mix of demi-muids (60%) and new barrels (40%), the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Val De Dieu offers darker berries, peppery garrigue, sappy flowers, and crushed stone minerality. It's medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mid-palate, ripe and building tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. Balanced and with outstanding length, it should gain complexity with 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years.

Checking in at the same quality as the equally nice 2022 I tasted last year, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu is a total treat. Perfumed raspberry compote, licorice and dried herbs are all pushed forward. White pepper adds more spice. Full-bodied, round and composed, the inviting 2023 strikes impeccable overall balance and checks out with persistence on the spicy resolution.