2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

A smoking white that’s a blend of 75% Grenache Blanc and 25% Roussanne, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc offers up thrilling notes of apple tart, buttered peaches, brioche and lemon curd to go with a medium to full-bodied, supple and textured profile on the palate. While a ripe, layered effort, its richness is beautifully balanced by integrated acidity and it stays focused and clean on the finish. Superb on its own, it has the balance and class to be versatile on the dinner table. Enjoy it over the coming 2-3 years. Drink now-2017. This large estate is run by the Brechet family and includes a whopping 175 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape (as well as significant holdings in Gigondas). An impeccably run estate, Laurent Brechet is in charge of the winemaking in Chateauneuf du Pape, with his younger brother, Julien, managing Domaine des Bosquets in Gigondas. They’re both assisted by oenologist Philippe Cambie. The style here is relatively modern, with the majority of the cuvees seeing time in demi-muid (some new), yet these wines display fabulous Southern Rhone character, loads of fruit and overall seamless profiles. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC: tel. (704) 358-1565

A smoking white that’s a blend of 75% Grenache Blanc and 25% Roussanne, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc offers up thrilling notes of apple tart, buttered peaches, brioche and lemon curd to go with a medium to full-bodied, supple and textured profile on the palate. While a ripe, layered effort, its richness is beautifully balanced by integrated acidity and it stays focused and clean on the finish. Superb on its own, it has the balance and class to be versatile on the dinner table. Enjoy it over the coming 2-3 years. Drink: 2013 - 2017. Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013