Marked by intense florals set against notes of pomegranate and red berries, Vaudieu's 100% Grenache 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is full-bodied, almost creamy in texture, concentrated, ripe and rich. Tasted blind, I wrote, "I just like the flavors of #152 more (which was the L'Avenue), but this is right up there." Both are fine examples of Grenache from this serious estate.

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G is named after Admiral Gérin, lieutenant in the Marseille Admiralty, who built Château Vaudieu back in 1767. This single varietal Grenache bursts from the glass with well-defined aromas of redcurrant, red and black cherry, thyme, dried herbs and a pinch of white pepper. Full-bodied and layered, it's refined and polished, with a juicy core of fruit and good persistence on the sapid finish.