2016 Château de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape L'Avenue 750 ml

This spectacular Châteauneuf stands with Vieux Télégraphe and the $183 Château La Nerthe Cuvée des Cadettes in Rhône expert Jeb Dunnuck’s rankings—he thinks you should “count yourself lucky” to get your hands on a bottle. We say you're even luckier if you grab it today at the best price in the country: just $75, 37% off its $120 SRP. But only 350 cases were produced, and the ones we got won’t last long. 

“A plush sexpot of a wine,” according to the Wine Advocate, this 100% old vine Grenache, grown a stone’s throw from Château Rayas and crafted by 100-point enologist Philippe Cambie, seduces with layers: Sun-kissed black fruit, savory spice, and a gorgeous structure reveal themselves slowly with time in the glass. A dusting of white pepper carries a thrilling top note, while natural fruit tannins hold firm through the memorably enduring finish.

Robert Parker once disclosed that a $1,600 Rayas was "the most prized wine” in his collection, and Vaudieu has much in common with its iconic neighbor. Located less than a two-minute drive from Rayas, Vaudieu’s vineyards benefit from the same sandy soils. L'Avenue consists solely of Grenache, even though regional regulations allow up to 13 different varieties. 

Vaudieu has a long history—the property features one of just three genuine 18th century castles in Châteauneuf-du-Pape—but the “gorgeously situated domaine” is rising toward the “highest quality level of the appellation” as we speak, according to Vinous. This is thanks to the efforts of Philippe Cambie, who Parker’s Wine Advocate once named Enologist of the Year, and Wine Spectator dubbed “Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s driving force.”

Like Rayas, Château Vaudieu loves Grenache for its long ripening period to achieve full maturity, enabling the complex layers of flavor to build slowly and articulately, especially in the miracle 2016 vintage, which Dunnuck declared “truly extraordinary for the Southern Rhône.” The 40-70-year-old vines that go into L’Avenue have naturally low yields, which are evident in the wine’s elegant concentration.

The result is a stunning and layered 100% Grenache Châteauneuf that stands with some of the best in the appellation. We’ve got just a fraction of the tiny production at the best price in the country—a formula for a fast sellout. Be quick, if you want to add this 97+ point bottle to your cellar.