Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016

2016 is a vintage in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region that will not be forgotten any time soon --- it is one of the finest in decades. Of course, you know this, and are likely already off and grabbing a case!

Located about a five minute drive outside the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape along the road which leads to Courthezon, you will find Chateau de Vaudieu. It is one of three 18th century Chateaux located in the appellation, tucked into a small valley surrounded by hills and plateau. It is at the intersection of several major terroirs: sandy soils to the north, along a border it shares with Chateau Rayas (one of the best wines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape but not actually a Chateau), pale limestone and clays centered around a forested hillock, and two large plateaux of the somewhat overexposed galets.

We had a look at Wine Spectator's other 94-point scoring Chateauneuf-du-Papes in the 2016 vintage, and it becomes abundantly clear what a score today's offer is: Chateau La Nerthe Les Clavelles 2016 ($295), Chateau Maucoild L'Esprit 2016 ($100), Bosquest des Papes A La Gloire de Mon Grand Pere 2016 ($79), Domaine de Cristia Renaissance 2016 ($75).

You get the idea... Run, don't walk to snag some of this crazy deal!