2010 Chateauneuf du Pape la Fontaine Blanc
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Tasting notes
One of the top three or four dry whites of the appellation is the full-bodied, fresh 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc La Fontaine. Made from 100% Roussanne, it offers lots of waxy vanillin notes intermixed with notions of honeyed figs, quince and brioche. It should drink well for 2-3 years. This is one of those rare cases where the 2011 is even better than the 2010. With impressive holdings in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape as well as an ever expanding, high quality negociant business, brothers Christophe and Sebastian Jaume have taken this estate, established in 1826, to new heights. The estate wines, which are sold under the Domaine Grand Veneur label, are classic, quasi-modern-styled Chateauneuf du Papes that represent brilliant examples of their impeccable viticulture and winemaking. Interestingly, all three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape were produced in 2011. That decision appears to be justified by the quality of what I tasted as well as their potential for extended maturity beyond a decade. As for the 2010s, the Alain Jaume offerings and the Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone cuvees were all reviewed in my report on the wines of Kysela Pere et Fils in Issue #201. The 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur estate wines, especially the Chateauneuf du Papes, are brilliant. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasting like a grand cru Burgundy and the best vintage of this cuvee to date (that I’ve tasted anyways), the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Fontaine is a blend of 100% old vine Roussanne that’s aged in new demi-muids for just under a year. Offering spectacular aromas of ripe stone fruits, apricot, hazelnut, honeysuckle, white flowers, and liquid minerality, this thrilling Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is full-bodied, rich, and powerful on the palate, yet has an inner grace and elegance that keeps it light and refreshing, without ever seeming heavy in the least. Beautifully fresh, with loads of integrated acidity, and a classically styled, dry finish, this exciting wine can be consumed now, or cellared for 5-7 years. 300 cases.
(100% roussanne raised in barriques): Light gold. Seductive aromas of lemon curd, truffle, anise, smoke and honey, plus a leesy nuance. Rich and spicy in the mouth, with the leesy quality adding depth to sappy citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Shows very good delineation and verve for a rich wine and finishes smooth, spicy and very long.
In conversion to Bio Certifiée France. 100% Roussanne, 10 months in barrique. Racy and dense. Much more tension than most of these 2010 whites. Not quite ready but there is lots of interest here. Racy, gouleyant with a hint of mint. (JR)