Château de Vaudieu L’Avenue Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015 | 750 ml.

VN93+ Vinous Mar 2017

"Lurid ruby. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the explosively perfumed nose, complicated by hints of smoky minerals, incense and potpourri. Palate-staining, spice-laced cherry and black raspberry flavors show impressive depth and clarity, and a spine of juicy acidity provides lift and focus. Finishes extremely long and sweet, delivering solid thrust, a hint of candied flowers and suave, harmonious tannins." (93–95 pts.)

SP96 Wine Spectator Oct 31, 2017

"Very silky in feel, with beguiling rooibos tea, bergamot and blood orange accents sitting atop the large core of cassis and raspberry pâte de fruit. Everything is in lockstep through the finish, where buried minerality adds the final touch. Best from 2020 through 2035. 50 cases imported." (96 pts.)

RP94+ Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 28th Oct 2016

"100% Grenache that’s aged all in demi-muids, the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape L’Avenue is similar to the Amiral G., yet is slightly more tight, focused and concentrated. Coming from a tiny strip of vines located right next to Rayas, it offers sensational notes of strawberry jam, kirsch, mulled blackberries, graphite and exotic spices to go with full-bodied richness and depth, as well as fine, sweet tannin. Give bottles 2–3 years of cellaring, count yourself lucky, and drink them over the following 15 years or more." (94–96 pts.)