550 meters from Château Rayas. That's it. That's how close Chateau de Vaudieu is to one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's most revered estates.

This 18th-century château isn't just sitting pretty in some valley—it's commanding an empire of terroirs that'll blow your mind. Sandy soils up north, limestone and clay in the forest hills, and those famous sun-baked galets stretching across the plateaux. Every single plot tells a different story.

Back in the day, this place was shipping wine all over Europe like it owned the continent. Then 1955 happened. Gabriel Meffre swooped in and turned 25 hectares into 70 hectares of pure Châteauneuf magic. In this region? That's basically impossible. But he did it.

Now his grandkids Laurent and Julien are running the show, and they're not messing around. Laurent's been on a mission—expanding those limestone plots everyone else ignored and bringing in Philippe Cambie (the 2010 Oenologist of the Year by Robert Parker) to dial everything up.

Here's what gets us excited: over 80% of this place is pure Grenache. Not just any Grenache—we're talking 40 to 70-year-old vines growing in some of the sickest plots in the region. The "Val de Dieu" vineyard? That's where the oldest, gnarliest vines live, and they're producing liquid gold.

Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is absolutely next level. While everyone's obsessing over the reds, Vaudieu's quietly crafting some of the most electric white wines in the appellation. Rich, complex, with that signature CDP white power that'll make you forget everything you thought you knew about white Rhône wines.

These aren't just wines. They're statements. Bold, modern, but rooted in centuries of tradition. Every bottle is proof that when you combine killer terroir, ancient vines, and next-level winemaking, magic happens.

This is Châteauneuf-du-Pape at its most exciting. Period.

52% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc and 8% Clairette.

This estate’s base 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc should be snatched up by readers. While it's easy to focus on the single vineyard releases, this is absolutely brilliant and worth seeking out. Ripe stone fruits, pineapple, toasted bread, and some floral notes all define the aromatics, and this beauty hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. The blend is 52% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc, and 8% Clairette. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

A lush cascade of apricot, warm peach and persimmon is ripe, broad and refined, with a bitter mineral swath anchoring the plush palate. Fennel, macadamia nut and lemon cream add detail to the creamy palate, which shows balance and energy. Drink now through 2029. 1,700 cases made, 300 cases imported. ~93 Wine Spectator

Lovely nose of yellow plum and marzipan, combining fruit and subtle oak work. Full-bodied, rich on the palate, broad and voluminous, but with good acidity and freshness. This is a particularly powerful and complex Tradition (standard bottling) that's likely to offer very good value. Mostly grown on limestone, with a small proportion on galets roulés. Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale. ~93 Decanter

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