Châteauneuf du Pape, Blanc, 2009
A blend dominated by Roussanne (80%) and Grenache Blanc (15%). 30% of the wine is fermented in new oak barrels and 70% in vats, followed by ageing in the same proportions for 8 months. The 2009 is flamboyant but very well balanced, plump and fleshy with strong exotic fruit overtones kept in check by fine thread of freshness. The texture is buttery and the wine full flavoured, bursting with Mirabelle, greengage, guava and citrus fruit with touches of cashew and roasted almond.
critic reviews
(80% roussanne, 15% grenache blanc and the rest the other permitted white varieties): Light gold. Richer and more pungent than the 2010 version, offering an array of floral, orchard fruit and spice scents and a hint of candied ginger. Fleshy and expansive, with very good depth to its pear, peach and honeydew flavors. A note of iodine adds an exotic touch to the long, sappy finish.