2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Prestige

70% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette. Whole-bunch-pressed. Vinified in new oak barrels (20%) and concrete tanks (80%). Aged for 14 months in new (20%) and used (50%) oak barrels and concrete tanks (30%). Cask/tank sample. Tasted blind. A touch of reduction, along with lime and a slight toasted character. The palate shows plenty of that nutty character, with quite a dry and austere mid palate. Feels very introverted at the moment but has good concentration of fruits. (AC)

There are two demi-muids of the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige Blanc (one being new), and it's mostly old vine Roussanne from the sandy portions of the La Janasse lieu-dit. Another thrilling white from this incredible team, it has awesome aromatics of honeyed tangerines, white flowers, citrus oil, and toasted spices, with a kiss of chalky minerality. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it’s concentrated yet vibrant as well.

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Prestige is exquisite. Partially barrel-fermented, it showcases pronounced flintstone, lemon flesh, cedar, yellow apple and dried flower tones. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it packs enough acidity to balance all that substance and power. An ambitious Blanc Prestige, this ranks alongside the delicious 2021.