2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

This estate unquestionably makes some of the top whites in the region, and the base cuvée 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc checks in as a blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 31% Clairette and the balance Roussanne. Rock star notes of caramelized peach, ripe pineapple, toasted bread, and honeyed flowers all soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, layered white that does everything right, staying light and elegant on the palate, with flawless balance and a great, great finish. Don’t miss it. Château de Vaudieu is located in the center of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, just south of Rayas. The estate is impeccably run by Laurent Bréchet with the winemaking falling to consultant Philippe Cambie. Today they release a number of special cuvees based largely on individual parcels around the domaine. The winemaking can be thought of as quasi-modern, with most of the wines destemmed and brought up in older barrels and demi-muids. New oak is kept to a minimum and the wines always show Provençal, elegant characters. In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation!