It's mainly Clairette and Grenache Blanc, but does the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi Blanc take the Burgundian ideology perhaps a bit too far? Delicate hints of pencil shavings accent lime zest on the nose, while the medium-bodied palate is lean, tight and focused, linear and direct, tart and citrusy. Is this really Chateauneuf du Pape?

A blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Roussanne, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi Blanc spent five months in barriques, giving it a hint of praline-like nuttiness on the nose and a bit of honeyed richness on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, the main impression is of pineapple and citrus in this medium-bodied effort that shows ample focus and length.

A blend of 55% Grenache Blanc, 40% Clairette and 5% Roussanne, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi Blanc was almost entirely barrel fermented (10% new oak). It shows the darker hue of a barrel-aged wine, plus attractive notes of toasted almond, white peach and citrus. Medium to full-bodied, it finishes clean, long and refreshing despite the wood.

Mostly Clairette and Grenache Blanc, with 11% Roussanne, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi Blanc is mostly barrel fermented and matured, with about 25% new oak in total. Scents of toast and mocha emerge from the glass, followed by a full-bodied wine with lush tangerine fruit and mixed citrus zest on the finish.

Fruity and plump, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi Blanc blends oranges and pears into a medium to full-bodied wine that finishes crisp and citrusy. Drink it over the near term.