2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

Richer than the 2017, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc comes from a vintage described as “extraordinary” by Sophie Armenier, who compared it to 1990. The same two-thirds Roussanne and one-third Bourboulenc brought up in demi-muids and tank, this beauty reminds me of a top Hermitage Blanc with its building minerality and rock star nose of buttered citrus, honeycomb, spice, and flowers. Deep, rich, and opulent, with full body, it nevertheless has terrific acidity and stays balanced, pure, and vibrant on the palate. Brilliant wines emerge from this estate located in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape which is run with incredible talent and passion by Sophie Armenier. They produce a terrific Côtes du Rhône and Lirac as well as the top Châteauneuf-du-Papes, and their white is increasingly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.

This biodynamically run estate has only one hectare of white grapes. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is roughly 70% Roussanne and 30% Bourboulenc, although Sophie Armenier did admit that there's probably some Grenache Blanc and Clairette as well. One batch of Roussanne was fermented in a single oak barrel, while all of the other grapes went into stainless steel. Honeyed pineapple on the nose is focused and channeled by vibrant lime flavors on the medium to full-bodied palate, drawing to a long, briny finish.