2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml)

Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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"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.

97JS

96JD

Smelling this great Chateauneuf is like gazing into a deep chasm. Amazing complexity with aromas ranging from black raspberries through to candied orange, but also notes of raw meat and licorice. Super-concentrated, super-structured, but also more elegant than a wine built on this monumental scale can theoretically be. Extremely long, complete finish. A cuvee of 80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

97 points, Stuart Pigott, James Suckling (May 2023)

Lastly, and surpassing what the estate achieved in 2019, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Lucile Avril is based on 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre that was brought up all in concrete tanks. It's the deepest ruby-colored wine in the lineup and boasts a brilliant perfume of pure blackberries, ground pepper, licorice, dried garrigue, leather, and Asian spice. Pure, seamless, incredibly elegant, and full-bodied, it's another straight-up gorgeous wine from this team that readers will love to have in their cellar.

96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 15.5%

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$44.98

Compare At: $49.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 7/11/2024. 60+ bottles available.

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