Vaudieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Val de Dieu 2015 (750ML)

95 WS / 95 WA / 94 JD / 93-95 VM

This has the fleshy, pure and driven vintage profile of cassis and raspberry running right down the middle, with an amped-up finish of roasted apple wood, graphite and ganache notes providing a thumping bass line. Needs a little more time to knit fully, but that won’t be a problem. Best from 2020 through 2040. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

A traditional blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre and aged predominantly in demi-muids, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Val de Dieu is richly tannic yet plush, marked by its stay in oak. Vanilla and baking spices abound, yet they blend readily with the mixed-berry fruit and velvety texture. It's approachable now if you're partial to vanilla, berries and cream, but I expect it to develop some more savory characters within a few years. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) offers a similar style, with notes of caramelized raspberries, spice-box, dried garrigue and hints of vanilla. Elegant, full-bodied and utterly seamless on the palate, it has ripe, sweet tannin and a great finish. Like the tradition, it's a more elegant, silky style of wine that's already a joy to drink. - Jeb Dunnuck (formerly Wine Advocate)

Brilliant ruby. Sexy, intensely perfumed raspberry, boysenberry and rose pastille scents are complemented by hints of cola, rhubarb and peppery spices. Palate-staining red and blue fruit flavors show impressive power as well as vivacity thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. The floral quality comes back emphatically on a very long, sappy finish shaped by smooth tannins. This wine's urgency and power are superb, as is its balance. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media