2018 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml)

Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

"This terrific estate is inching its way into the crème de la crème of Châteauneuf-du-Pape."
–Jeb Dunnuck

Called "one of the up-and-coming superstar estates of Chateauneuf du Pape" by Robert Parker a decade ago, Domain Durieu has quietly risen to the top of the appellation, producing its highly-rated single vineyard Lucile Avril Cuvee from 100+ year old Grenache vines. Boasting sumptuous layers of fruit with nuances of earthy spice and wild herbs, the 95pt 2019 Domaine Durieu Lucile Avril is a classically-styled, garrigue-scented CDP with mineral-laced acidity, an outstanding old vine cuvee of limited availability, priced well below its pedigree.

Releasing their first vintage of the Lucile Avril Cuvee over 20 years ago, Domaine Durieu caught the attention of critics and wine insiders alike, steadily building its reputation for exceptional quality under third generation winemaker Vincent Durieu. Sourced from a key parcel in the Farguerol lieu-dit just north of the town of Chateauneuf du Pape, the 2019 Lucile Avril is a blend of 80% Grenache with 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, planted in soils dominated by the famed rolled "galet" stones of the region top vineyards. Vinifying the grapes separately with indigenous yeasts, winemaker Vincent Durieu aged the Grenache and Mourvedre in concrete tanks for 18 months, while utilizing new oak barrels to age the Syrah for 12 months before blending the 2019 Lucile Avril, building a framework of well-integrated tannins for decades of evolution. Tasting the range last month, this stunning 2019 might well be the best Lucile Avril produced, exceeding the excellent 2016.

Crafting "do not miss wines" that place it among the region's elite producers according to critic Jeb Dunnuck, Domain Durieu's 95pt 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Lucile Avril boasts youthful appeal and gorgeous structure poised to evolve in the cellar over the next decade and beyond, an exceptional small production, single vineyard cuvee that fans of powerful Southern Rhone reds won't want to miss.

93WA

93JD

Scents of bay leaf and clove accent red raspberries and Bing cherries on the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Lucile Avril, a cuvée dominated by old-vine Grenache. Medium to full-bodied, gorgeously silky and fine, with ample complexity, this delivers the goods, finishing in a gentle wash of soft tannins and hints of dark chocolate and licorice. It should drink well for up to a decade, perhaps even a bit longer.

93 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Issue # 251 - Oct 2020)

Continuing to show well, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Lucile Avril offers lots of up-front charm with its soft, seductive, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel as well as classic red berry fruits, notes of spice, flowery incense, and garrigue, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It's beautifully done and one of the top wines in the vintage.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 15.0%

#FRDUGR18AE

$39.98

Compare At: $49.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

Add a Case of 12

Add to Wishlist