2018 Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5L)

 "Dark in color, the wine shows a black fruit character with accents of spice, white flowers, and pepper. Black raspberries and herb-tipped kirsch create the core of the wine, which is lush, supple, deep, and fleshy. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated and there is a flamboyance to the character that gives this vintage a uniqueness of character. The hedonistic nature of the finish makes this a joy to taste, with a palate-staining finish leaving you with black cherries, licorice, cocoa, chalk, and peppery kirsch. The wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Mourvedre, and a bit of Syrah, and various, allowable grape varieties. The grapes are as always 100% destemmed. Due to attacks of mildew in the spring, the yields were the lowest in the history of the estate at only 9 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2023-2038." - 97/100, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider