Domaine Juliette Avril Châteauneuf du Pape 2022

The Avril family's roots are long in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and they helped create the standards for the AOC when it was first established.

Marie Brun took over the estate in 1988, succeeding her mother Juliette Avril, and was then joined by her son Stephan in 2000 (image, below). Dedicated and devoted to producing great wines, they also have great respect for the environment and practice the highest levels of 'lutte raisonnee' in their 48-acre vineyard. Quality terroir, low yields from old vines (avg of 50 years) and careful maintenance allows them to make beautiful Chateauneuf even in less than stellar years. 

Grenache (65%), Syrah (25%), Mourvedre (10%). Soils are clay and limestone, covered in the river rocks from eons ago that typify the vineyards of CdP! The vineyards are manually harvested and undergo traditional vinification in temperature-controlled steel tanks, followed by oak aging. A minimal filtration may be used when deemed necessary. 

The wine shows great concentration, with aromas of red and black bramble fruits (raspberries/blackberries) that tease at what the palate delivers. Smooth, silky and complex, as one finds in a well-balanced CdP!

Ratings: James Suckling 94/100