2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Clairettes

Still not yet bottled, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Spéciale Vieilles Clairettes is another thrilling white from this address. Pear, honeyed melon, pineapple, flowers, and hints of brioche all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity of fruit, a rich yet still lively and fresh mouthfeel, and a great finish. Along with Beaucastel's Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, this cuvée is at the top of the appellation and is utterly world class. All the wines previously under the label Domaine Saint-Préfert and Isabel Ferrando are now grouped under the Famille Isabel Ferrando label. The lineup includes two whites, a Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc and Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Spéciale Vieilles Clairettes; and three reds, a classic Châteauneuf Du Pape, a 100% Grenache Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, and a 100% Cinsault Châteauneuf Du Pape F601. The quality remains sky high at this estate, and it’s impossible to go wrong with any of these new releases.

Ho hum, another year, another terrific example of old-vine Clairette. The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee Speciale Vieilles Clairettes hints at honey and white peaches, then rounds into shape with the addition of gentle toast notes and plenty of lime zest. It's medium to full-bodied, clean and refreshing, with hints of fennel fronds. It's long, sleek and classy. As usual, this will be bottled only in magnum. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.