2018 Chateauneuf du Pape la Fontaine Blanc
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Tasting notes
100% Roussanne. Aged for 10 months in oak (50% new). Tasted blind. Citrus peel, stone fruit, nougat. Rich and expressive, but not overblown. In fact, the palate is well balanced and retains refreshing acidity on the finish. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The top cuvée is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Fontaine Blanc and it's all Roussanne brought up in 50% new barrels. Deeper and richer than the base cuvée, it offers terrific notes of caramelized pineapple, honeysuckle, white flowers, and buttered toast as well as medium to full body, nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's rich, nicely concentrated, yet balanced and lively on the palate. It's geared for the dinner table and should keep for 4-5 years, if not longer.
The all-Roussanne 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc La Fontaine is barrel-fermented and aged in 50% new oak, revealed as nutty, honeyed overtones. It's brassy in color, rich and nuanced, with tropical and citrus fruit filling out the mid-palate and lingering easily on the finish. Alert readers will note that I've expanded my drinking window for this cuvée, based on a couple of recent experiences with older vintages.