2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Prestige

Even better, and flirting with perfection, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige Blanc is 60% Roussanne and 20% each of Grenache Blanc and Clairette, aged in 50% new demi-muids. Truly sensational notes of tangerines, quince, white flowers, smoke, and crushed stone emerge from the glass, and it’s full-bodied, with a Grand Cru Burgundy-like sense of minerality, perfect balance, and a great finish. There are fewer than 200 cases produced, but this is world class in every way. It too will evolve for 20-25+ years.

The stunning 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee Prestige features dramatic flavors of honey, pineapples and tangerines. It's broad, full-bodied and expansive in the mouth, imbued with palate-saturating richness. A blend of 60 Roussanne, 20 Grenache Blanc and the rest a blend of other permitted varieties, fermented and aged in 500- and 600-liter oak barrels, it boasts a flamboyant, exotic personality that I prefer to enjoy in its first several years.

One of the finest whites made in the vintage is unquestionably the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Blanc from Janasse. Based on 70 Roussanne, 20 Grenache Blanc and the rest a mix of varieties, vinified and aged in demi-muids (there are only two barrels), it has rock star notes of white peaches, caramelized citrus, white flowers, spice, and subtle tangerine-like exotic notes. It’s a rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated white that has vibrant acidity, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. There are few Rhône whites better than this beauty. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.