2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Clairettes
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Tasting notes
This cuvée has quickly jumped to the top of the hierarchy in Châteauneuf du Pape Blancs, and it’s a world-class white that’s as good as anything out there. The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Speciale Vieilles Clairettes offers a light gold hue as well as a captivating nose of lemon curd, white flowers, toasted brioche, and honeysuckle. This carries to rich, powerful, medium to full-bodied white that has flawless balance, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. It’s one of those great wines that possesses power and richness with no sensation of weight or heaviness, and it’s lip smacking finish keeps you coming back to the glass. This is a true gem of a 2018 Southern Rhône to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve even longer.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
About the producer
Domaine Saint-Préfert was one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s leading names, known for crafting some of the region’s most elegant wines. The wines are now bottled under the Famille Isabel Ferrando name.