CHATEAUNEUF CLOS DES PAPES ROUGE 2018

Débordant d'arômes éclatants de fruits rouges et de délicates notes de cannelle, de clou de girofle et d'anis étoilé, le Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 est un autre millésime exceptionnel de ce domaine. Corsé et puissant, il n'en est pas moins souple et soyeux, avec une sensation presque aérienne en bouche qui se traduit par une grande élégance en finale.

Paul-Vincent Avril winced as we discussed the yields in recent vintages. In 2017, his parcels averaged 15 hectoliters per hectare, while in 2018, he only harvested nine hectoliters per hectare. "I've never seen that before," he said. The aim at the estate is 25 hectoliters per hectare. In fact, many of the foudres in the winery held only water during my visit, as it's important to keep the staves in these massive oak vessels wet so they maintain their integrity. At least, said Avril, "The quality [in 2018] is good, because the problems were in May and June. The wines are elegant. Tannins mature, soft and smooth." Avril keeps back a portion of each vintage for direct sales to restaurants, and he'll rely on those sales of mature wines to help make up the revenue. And speaking of older vintages, readers who have the 2009s should count themselves lucky, as both the red and white are drinking well today.