"94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate
One of my favorite vintages for this cuvee, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc never fails to impress. Revealing a medium-gold color, it has gorgeous richness and depth in its honeyed stone fruits, peach, buttered-citrus and salty minerality. Voluptuous, full-bodied and decadently textured, it has both freshness and focus, both of which come through on the finish. I'd drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years, or hold off for a decade. Drink Date 2015 - 2041. Published: Sep 14, 2015
Roussanne 80%, Grenache blanc 15%, Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc 5%"
The production of white wine at Beaucastel is limited as they only have 7 hectares planted in white vines. The main variety is Roussanne, which represents 80% of the blend, supported by 15% Grenache Blanc, and up to 5% Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc.
Handpicked in small cases, sorting of the grapes, pneumatic pressing, settling of the juice, fermentation (30% in oak barrels, 70% in tanks) for 8 months. Bottling after 8 months.
The 2011 vintage is a vintage of contrasts. That is to say an unusually hot, dry spring followed by a wet and rainy beginning of July and then an Indian summer lasting until the end of October. Carefully sorting and destemming the harvest allowed for a great vintage, particularly for the late harvest varieties.
