A white that probably should have been consumed earlier in its life, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc nevertheless gives up juicy peach, lemon curd and hints of flowers in its medium-bodied, straightforward profile. Lacking texture and richness, it’s time to drink up.
In charge at the estate since 1999, the Brothers Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio produce up to three red Chateauneufs in any vintage; their classical blend, a Grenache-dominated Cuvee De Mon Aieul; and the smallest production cuvee, the Reserve des Deux Freres (which was not produced in 2004). While I generally recommend drinking their traditional cuvee in its first 6-8 years of life, this 2004, although fully mature, was drinking beautifully. This estate is at the top of its game today and needs to be on every Southern Rhone lover’s radar.