A heavenly, world-class white, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes comes from a single parcel of very old Roussanne vines located just behind the château. Quince, honeyed minerality, toasted almond, and floral nuances all emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated beauty, and it has a pure, layered mouthfeel and a great finish. This is a tour de force that will cruise for 15+ years.

From vines planted in 1909, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is entirely barrel-fermented and matured, half in new oak from Chassin and half in second-use steam-bent barriques from Dargaud & Jaegle. It's much like the regular Beaucastel CdP Blanc, but more—and sometimes more really is more. With waves of honeyed pear and pineapple fruit folded together on the full-bodied palate, it's creamy and rich, yet vibrant and refreshing on the long, luxurious finish. The aging curve of this wine is never easy to predict, as some vintages close up tight soon after release only to open up after several years in the cellar, while others seem to exude opulence throughout their life. (JC)

Wonderful nose of acacia honey and ripe apricot. Super-concentrated with great textural complexity, this white Chateauneuf is built on a lavish scale, but is so precise and glides off into the far distance. 100% roussanne from ancient vines. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.