The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes blanc is 100% Grenache blanc made from 57-year-old vines and aged on its lees in new oak. The wine does not show any wood whatsoever, which is amazing, but it does display loads of honeyed citrus, white currants, grapefruit and a hint of apricot. Exotic, medium to full-bodied, and refreshing at the same time, this is an impressive wine that should drink nicely for several years, if not longer. Baptiste and Dominique Grangeon own a total of 32 acres of vines in the northeastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, so this is not a large estate by any means. However, Domaine de Cristia has produced brilliant wines in both 2009 and 2010, and the Grangeons are also responsible for the wines called Chapelle St.-Theodoric (in conjunction with importer Peter Weygandt) that are reviewed elsewhere in this report. The 2009s have turned out exceptionally well, and 2010 looks to be the estate’s finest overall vintage since 2007. Not surprisingly, the 2010s exhibit even deeper colors than the relatively dark colored 2009s, and are tighter and more tannic as well as fresher and richer. Importers: Wine Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (800) 331-2829; Galaxy Wine Co., Portland, OR; tel. (503) 248-9493; George Molitor, Fine Vines, LLC, Melrose Park, IL; tel. (708) 343-6702; Wine Symphony, New York NY; tel. (212) 226-8283; ABC Fine Wines and Spirits, Orlando, FL; tel. (407) 851-0000

In contrast to the regular bottling, the Vieilles Vignes is honeyed, full-bodied, impressively rich, and long with a white Burgundy-like texture and character.