2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

Starting with the 2018s and aged all in stainless steel and bottled in February, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc shows the more medium-bodied, forward, supple style that’s common in the whites in the vintage. Light spice, pear, quince, licorice, and crushed citrus notes all give way to a medium-bodied, silky, elegant white that’s drinking beautifully already. I don’t expect it to be the longest-lived white by Avril’s standards, but it should easily evolve nicely for 5-7 years. Clos des Papes remains one of the true reference point estates in Châteauneuf du Pape and is a safe buy in just about every vintage. I’ve yet to see the estate put a foot wrong, and even in more difficult vintages, they produce a beautiful, age-worthy wine, both with their white and red. The 2017 Châteauneuf du Pape is a profound wine that flirts with perfection, and comes in just behind the magical 2016 and 2007, and maybe the 2010, but time will tell. Regardless, comparing these great vintages over the coming two decades will be an incredible joy for any wine lover out there.

Clos des Papes's white is roughly equal parts Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne, but the exact proportions vary from year to year. The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has less Bourboulenc and Picpoul. Tangerine and lime aromas lead the way, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, plump and silky, perhaps a bit lower acid than the 2017 yet still fine, elegant and lingering on the finish.