2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

Even richer and more concentrated than the 2011, the blockbuster-styled 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is almost overflowing with notes of marmalade, ripe pineapple, white flowers and assorted honeyed nuances. A big, ripe and layered white, it stays remarkably fresh and lively on the palate, although I suspect there's little real acidity. Beautiful on all counts, it's so good now, I don't see a need to hold off, but it will be very long-lived.

(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.