Wine of the Week

For the Rhone Valley, the 2000 vintage was fantastic, especially in the south. Paul Avril’s Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Clos des Papes” is consistently one of the best in the appellation, and unlike some of the other stars in Chateauneuf, somewhat underpriced. It’s rare to get both power and elegance, but Avril has achieved it. This is a benchmark Chateauneuf, absolutely gorgeous. Drink it now or stow it away for a special evening.

About $38. Available at Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and The Wine Club in Santa Ana, (714) 835-6485.