2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Roussanne V V
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Tasting notes
While 2021 was a challenging vintage, there are some undeniably brilliant whites in the vintage, and the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes showed amazingly well. Crushed citrus, quince, orange zest, and minty minerality all shine in this deep, rich, layered, medium to full-bodied white. I called it the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône on release, and it shows this beautiful Montrachet-like mix of richness, freshness, and minerality in spades today. All Roussanne brought up in new barrels, it's going to be incredibly long-lived. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades. Drink 2029-2046.
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Caramel and honey notes add an extra layer of richness to the ripe pineapple and melon fruit in the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes. Full-bodied and rich without seeming heavy, with a wonderfully long, silky finish, it should provide exceptional drinking for at least another 15 years.
Cropped at a tiny 12 – 18 hL/Ha, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is at eye level with the 2020. It displays magnificent aromas of honeysuckle, yellow apple, ripe pear, grapefruit, lemon flesh, cedar and hints of herbal tea so typical of the Roussanne variety. Full-bodied, layered and kept in check by lively acidity, it concludes with a round and persistent finish. Only 4,000 bottles produced.
It\'s really hard to do the aromas of this wine justice, such is their complexity, extending from the whole range of candied citrus through ripe apricot to dried thyme. Amazing mouthfeel, the creamy stony and delicately zesty aspects of the wine beautifully interwoven to create a ravishingly beautiful whole. In spite of the power this is light on its feet at the very long, refined finish. 100% roussanne from ancient vines. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
About the producer
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate is one of the Rhône’s most famous addresses. With a history stretching back to the 16th century, Beaucastel remains family owned and run, with the fifth generation of the Perrin family – Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu and César – at the helm today.