15% abv, Châteaunuef-du-Pape, imported by Votto Vines, Hamden, CT. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: root day. 

Winemaking notes: 60% Grenache Noir & 40% Syrah from the Farguerol terroir in the family’s holdings of 18-hectares in CDP. Argilo calcaire soils with galet stones. The grapes are partially de-stemmed and fermented for over 12 days and the wine is aged for twelve months in demi-muids. 

Tasting note: the Avril CDP is deep garnet in color with a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of violet, tar, leather, date, fig, caramel, black licorice and herbs de Provence. On the palate this wine is dry with medium acid, high tannin, high alcohol, medium body, medium+ flavor intensity and a long finish with flavors of dried lavender, violet, hibiscus, black currant, boysenberry, Turkish fig, dried date, cranberry, caramel, leather, dried sage and herbs de Provence. Drink now, this CDP from the Southern Rhône is just good: 8.7/10. The balance here suffers but it’s loaded with super ripe flavor if that’s your jam.