The red NV Le Petit Vin d’Avril is even better. A kitchen sink blend of Grenache, Syrah, Marsalan, Merlot and Carignan that comes from vines located near the Rhone River, it’s a brilliant bistro-styled wine that dishes out tons of pleasure. Aged one-third in barrel, with tobacco, chocolate, mineral, pepper and licorice, this medium-bodied wine has solid richness and depth, as well as a chewy finish. Buy it by the case and enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years. Drink now-2019. One of the benchmark estates, Clos des Papes covers close to 90 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and is run by the incredibly talented Paul-Vincent Avril. Favoring a single cuvee, his Chateauneuf du Pape is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre 10% Syrah and the rest a mix of Vaccarese, Counoise and Muscardin. No new oak is used in the winery and all new barrels and foudre see three vintages of his non-vintage Le Petit Vin d’Avril before being used for his grand vin. Starting out, the two non-vintage Le Petit Vin d’Avril are both beautifully made (the vines are farmed just like Paul-Vincent Chateauneuf du Pape terroirs and the yields are miniscule) and well worth checking out. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173