The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (an equal part blend of Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache, aged in stainless steel) is a brilliant white. Fresh pear, white peach and honeysuckle aromas jump from the glass of this perfumed, honeyed wine. It possesses zesty acidity, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and a long finish. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Impressive!
One of the issues that was relatively consistent in 2009 is that the differences between the old vine and/or single vineyard cuvees compared to the regular, more traditional, so-called classic cuvees were less dramatic than what I have noticed in previous top vintages in Chateauneuf du Pape, particularly 2007 and 2005. Here is an example of two outstanding Chateauneuf du Papes whose price difference will be much more significant than their difference in quality. Perhaps the special cuvees are just taking longer to show their full personalities in the vintage, which was difficult to vinify and slow to digest all of the sugars. Chante Cigale has been making some terrific wines under the Favier family for a number of years, and it is good to see these two offerings perform as well as they did.
Importers: Fruit of the Vines, Inc., Long Island City, NY; tel. (718) 715-5335; Elite Estates, Braintree, MA; tel. (781) 348-8000 and Wine Adventures, West Des Moines, IA; tel. (515) 222-0866
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