PRE-ARRIVAL 2022 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape 'Lucile Avril' Rouge

A great masterpiece of elegance and finesse, with a cornucopia of wild herb, dried flower and red berry aromas. Huge concentration and power, but it still moves very gracefully on the full-bodied palate. A stunningly long, pure and refined finish that doesn’t want to let go.
97 points - James Suckling

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Lucile Avril checks in as 80% Grenache with the balance Syrah and Mourvèdre, all raised in concrete. It's slightly deeper hued compared to the Bois Lauzon and has a slightly richer, broader style in its ripe black cherries, peppery garrigue, spice, and leather-like nuances. With medium to full body, a beautifully textured mouthfeel, and ripe tannins, it doesn't have the precision of the Bois Lauzon yet brings a more classic, broad, textured profile. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years.
94 points - Jeb Dunnuck and No.22 in his Top Wines of 2024