2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee Tradition

A blend of 45% Clairette, 35% Grenache Blanc and 20% Bourboulenc, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc was made mostly in stainless steel, with 20% fermented and matured in demi-muids, one-third of which were new. It's ripe and nicely rounded, with notes of white peach, pear and a hint of pineapple on the nose. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, clean and refreshing, with a long, silky-textured finish and mouthwatering citrus.

There are two whites from this estate. Starting with the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, it's a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Rosé, and a smaller amount of Grenache Gris. Light gold-hued with a kiss of grey, it offers beautifully ripe apple, lime, and tangerine-like notes to go with a crisp, clean, medium-bodied package that's wonderfully balanced and long. It's a classic, impeccably made white from this region that will evolve for a decade if well stored, although I'd drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years.