White Pape

White Chateauneuf-du Pape is not a
wine you find regularly on the shelves...
it's only occasionally one comes along..
maybe because the consumer just does not know it and therefore not sellable for a merchant.
The greatest is from Chateau de Beaucastel..
where they produce 2..the 'simple' one..
and another with Vieilles Vignes (old vines) where the cépage is 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc .
Both are very attractive young..but are made to age...and the only drawback is that they go into a shell..if you try them in their 'hibernation'.. you may be disppointed.
I have 2 vintages..the 1991 looks distinctively dark...has anyone tried them recently?


Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2006
Domaine Du Vieux Lazarat
Côtes du Rhône, France
This one is in the 'drink me now' style..the mix being 45 % Grenache blanc, 30 % Clairette, 20 % Bourboulenc & 5 % Roussanne.
Fresh acidity, minerally nose..honey, nutty...leading into a flowery flavour. Good length and lively in the mouth, with a touch of apricots..exotic finish..which may be the Rousanne..
A good aperitif or with fish(fresh salmon was my choice).
Points 16