Chateau de Vaudieu “Amiral G” Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2022

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. brings more density and depth. Based on 100% Grenache aging in concrete and demi-muid, its medium ruby hue is followed by a gorgeous perfume of black cherries, wild strawberries, Provençal garrigue, leather, and peppery, spice-like nuances. It’s beautifully polished, medium to full-bodied, has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and ripe, building tannins. It’s very much in the sunny, perfumed, complex, and already accessible style of the vintage yet is going to evolve gracefully over the coming 15 years. 96pts JD

Vaudieu is one of three 18th century Chateaux located in the appellation, tucked into a small valley surrounded by hills and plateau. The estate has had a great reputation starting in the 19th century exporting wines all over Europe. They have a great and diverse terroir enabling them to blend the perfect wine. Their vineyard neighbors the superb Chateau Rayas and they have enlisted the great Phillipe Cambie ( Robert Parker’s Winemaker of the year in 2010) to assist with winemaking.

Approachable in its youth due to the sunny vintage, but structured to age gracefully through 2039–2040

The name ‘Amiral G‘ for this Château de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine honors Admiral Jean-Jacques de Gérin, a naval officer who founded and built the estate in 1767. The “G” also serves as a clever double nod to the primary grape variety used in this single-parcel cuvée: Grenache.