Always one of the leading whites in the appellation, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc checks in as a blend of 80% Roussanne (from 40-year-old vines) and the balance Grenache Blanc, Picardan, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Aged 70% in tank and 30% in barrels, it displays terrific notes of white currants, dried pineapple, flowers and salty minerality that flow to a medium to full-bodied, gorgeously textured and rich palate feel. Despite the richness level, it stays lively and fresh, and should drink nicely for 3-4 years. It will, of course, keep longer, but these are notoriously finicky in how they age. Drink now-2018+.
Covering a full 175 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, with significant holdings throughout the Southern Rhone (mostly vinified at and released under their Famille Perrin brand), Chateau De Beaucastel is a benchmark estate that excels at all price points. Looking at the wines reviewed here, 2011 is surprisingly strong (especially for the Chateauneufs) and with their perfumed aromatics and supple textures, they show a lot of similarities to the 2009s. The 2012s as a whole show more freshness and purity, with good concentration, and should require more bottle age to come around. Both vintages are worth seeking out. Looking at the 2011s across the board, all of which were in bottle, it appears to be a strong vintage here. While the vintage suffered due to uneven ripening in the Grenache, it was actually a solid vintage for Mourvedre and this shows, particularly in the Chateauneufs.
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
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