2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Château de Vaudieu

I loved the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc from Vaudieu. This estate has a Midas touch with their whites. (Who am I kidding - the reds as well.) Based on 45% Grenache Blanc, 31% Clairette, and 24% Roussanne, brought up in 12% new oak, with the balance in older barrels and stainless steel, it offers terrific purity in its white peach, white flowers, and salty mineral- like aromas and flavors. It's not a blockbuster yet still packs terrific depth, richness, and length. I'd be thrilled to drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years.

The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc blends 60% tank-fermented and aged Grenache Blanc with 30% barrel-fermented and aged Roussanne, then rounds out the assemblage with 5% each Clairette and Picardin. It offers attractive notes of honeyed tangerine and pineapple on the nose, followed by a medium to full-bodied, round, silky feel on the palate. Hints of melon and anise linger on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. 2019-2021 .

This estate unquestionably makes some of the top whites in the region, and the base cuvée 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc checks in as a blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 31% Clairette and the balance Roussanne. Rockstar notes of caramelized peach, ripe pineapple, toasted bread, and honeyed flowers all soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, layered white that does everything right, staying light and elegant on the palate, with flawless balance and a great, great finish. Don't miss it.