The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape white is a relatively limited cuvee made from 70% Grenache blanc and 30% Roussanne. Only about 2,000 bottles are produced, and the wine is aged 70% in stainless steel and 30% in barrels. It is a straightforward, pleasant wine with hints of pineapple, pear and white currants. Medium-bodied and fresh, it is also best drunk over the next year. This is another estate that did not want to present their 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape (which I didn’t particularly care for last year), but both 2009s showed very well. Again, I question whether there needs to be a special cuvee, given the minor differences in quality, but perhaps the decision by so many producers to make prestige cuvees in 2009 will be justified with another 6-12 months of upbringing in tank, barrel, or foudres. Importer: Milton Road Trading, LLC, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 948-MRTC, and Vins du Midi Wine Importing, Eugene, OR; tel. (541) 485-0151