2012 Chateau Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Blanc

Starting off the tasting, which was all from barrel, the 2012 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Blanc offers up brilliant notes of brioche, marzipan and white currants as well as a rich, textured and lively profile on the palate. It can certainly age, but I’d lean toward drinking bottles in their first 3-4 years of life. Most likely needing little introduction, these singular efforts are made by Emmanuel Reynaud from his tiny plot of pure sandy soils located near the center of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Surrounded on all sides by forest (which is unique) and a cool terroir, harvest here goes very late and these wines never lack for power or richness. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400