Pesquié Ventoux Cuvée Artemia 2020 | Rhone Blends - Red from Côtes de Ventoux, Rhône, France

Gutsy and forward, with a cascade of mulled dark plum and black cherry. Shows grippy tannins and cast iron minerality that power through the formidable finish,.

Silky-textured, with glossy red and black fruit. Gains shape from gently grippy tannins, while crushed iron details add savory dimension. This is flecked.

Barton & Guestier - Chateauneuf Du Pape 2018 (750ml) available at Sal's Beverage World in Villa Park, IL

Chateau Fortia - Chateauneuf-du-Pape 750 2020 available at Valley Fine Wine Super Liquors in Simsbury, CT

Rhone lovers know how tough it can be to find a great Chateauneuf du Pape for under $40. How about one with scores and pedigree from a benchmark producer.

Coudoulet De Beaucastel Cotes Du Rhone Rouge 2021 (750ml) available at Beacon Wine & Spirits in New York, NY

Domaine Roger Perrin - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (750ml) available at Burlington Wine & Spirits in Burlington, MA

Giraud - Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (750ml) available at Wayne Bottle King in Wayne, NJ

Giraud - Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (750ml) available at Wayne Bottle King in Wayne, NJ

With a higher proportion of old vines than the regular bottling, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard (blended for the American importer) is a bit richer.

2020 was an outstanding vintage, and one that Grenache based wines, like Cuvee de Baron benefited greatly from. Wine Spectator calls these ideal bottles.

The Avril family, with an extensive history in the region, founded Domaine Juliette Avril in 1927; it took ten years, however, before wines were produced.