2014 Chateauneuf du Pape la Fontaine Blanc
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Tasting notes
Bright yellow. Ripe melon and nectarine aromas are brightened by suggestions of lemon zest, white flowers and smoky minerals. Round and seamless in texture, offering juicy honeydew and white peach flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Shows very good focus and lift on the nervy finish, which leaves behind notes of fresh citrus and pit fruits.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
100% Roussanne. Oak impact on the nose. Smells creamy and rich. Oaky on the palate too but the fruit stands up to it, with lemon, orange pith and a nutty finish. Full flavoured if not that intense and deliciously fresh. (JH)
One of the top whites from Châteauneuf du Pape is unquestionably the La Fontaine cuvee from the Jaume family. Made from 100% Roussanne, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape La Fontaine Blanc sports a medium-gold color to go with fabulous notes of honeysuckle, crème brûlée and citrus. Medium to full-bodied, fresh, clean and crisp, it’s slightly more fresh and focused than normal, but that’s the vintage for the whites. It will be better in 6 months (probably by the time you read this) and have a decade or more of longevity. As always, the safe bet is to enjoy these in the first 5-6 years after the vintage.