Made from 100% Roussanne, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Extrait is a more seriously endowed effort that comes across with terrific buttered brioche, rose petal and honeysuckle notes as well as a full-bodied, layered, rich palate that begs to be drunk with creamy or intensely flavored fish or poultry dishes. This Roussanne has sufficient acidity to provide vibrancy and delineation. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
An old estate, Chante Cigale, which owns nearly 100 acres of vineyards (45 separate parcels) throughout the northern and southern sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape, is owned by the Favier family. Currently, it is managed by the young, super-talented Alexandre Favier. Some of the estate’s finest plots are planted in sandy soils (in which Grenache seems to flourish) located next to Chateau Rayas. The spectacular Vieilles Vignes cuvee, which was first made in 1996, comes primarily from Bois Dauphin as well as Les Pialons (from where Daniel Brunier’s Roquete emerges) and the plateau of Cabrieres north of the village. Chante Cigale’s 2010s may be the finest wines I have ever tasted from this estate.
Importers: David Bowler Wine (212) 807-1680; Elite Estates, Braintree, MA; tel. (781) 348-8000 and Wine Adventures, West Des Moines, IA; tel. (515) 222-0866