2008 Château de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Bright crimson. Full, ripe, lustrous fruit on the nose. Very sweet, charming start. Good density and a bit of character! There’s enough fruit weight for the tannin here and the acidity is not noticeable. (JR)

The well-made, dark ruby-hued 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape, a blend of mostly Grenache with some Syrah and Mourvere, reveals abundant raspberry and kirsch notes intermixed with notions of incense and licorice. It is a seductive, pure, medium-bodied effort to drink over the next 5-7 years. (Not yet released) One of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape (the winery, which is actually a true chateau, was constructed in the mid-1700s), Chateau de Vaudieu is located adjacent to Rayas, just a few kilometers northeast of the village. One of the appellation's largest estates (175 acres in vine), Vaudieu's quality has soared over recent years as the famed oenologist Philippe Cambie has been working here since 2003. Importers: Potomac Imports, MD; (no phone number available); Old World Wine, FL; (no phone number available), Premier Wine, Richmond, VA; (no phone number available); Triage, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 883-0543, Miller Squared, Buffalo Grove, IL; tel.(847) 403-7215, and Calice Wine, Houston, TX; tel. (713) 290-9460