Châteauneuf du Pape, Roussanne V.V., 2010
Always more restrained and mineral than Beaucastel white, which itself is excellent, but this is an even bigger step up; long, deep, mineral and layered, very classy indeed this has an exquisite finesse and seamless balance to it, glorious flavours of dried flowers, melting butter, herbs, rock minerals, citrus rind, juicy greengages. This has everything, texture, ripeness and a fine acidity. A beauty from a wonderful single parcel of Roussanne vines planted in 1920.
critic reviews
Light yellow. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes Meyer lemon, pear skin, jasmine and minerals. Sappy and penetrating, projecting a compelling blend of richness and vivacity. Powerful, incisive orchard fruit and candied citrus qualities put on weight with air and pick up a touch of bitter quinine that carries through the very long, palate-staining finish. Marc Perrin told me that it's a mistake to associate roussanne exclusively with opulence because when it's planted on limestone it keeps its freshness. The numbers are low on paper but what's in the glass is bright and contradicts the math and oenologists' predictions.