"92-94 Points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate
Tasted prior to bottling, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc contains a whopping 80% Roussanne. There's 15% Grenache Blanc, with the balance being a blend of the appellation's various permitted white varieties. It's a rich, full-bodied example of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with honeyed notes of pineapple, peach and citrus all playing leading roles, while a touch of anise appears on the lingering finish. Drink Date 2019 - 2025. Published: Aug 31, 2018
This storied property continues to hit on all cylinders. Marc Perrin describes 2017 as "a 'Californian' kind of vintage," but also says, "It's amazing how balanced the wines are. Across the board, these are the best pair of vintages since 89/90. I love the balance … and the best word for 2016 is purity. I don't think we've done a better vintage since I'm part of it." Certainly, the wines are breathtaking at the upper levels, but the Perrin family continues to put effort into the entry-level wines as well, from the Coudelet de Beaucastel, which is always one of the top Côtes du Rhône wines, to the other wines reviewed under the Famille Perrin heading."
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.
This 2017 vintage will be remembered as the year of all records: the driest year in 30 years, non-interventionist vineyard work, optimal harvest conditions, a very small yield due to climatic hazards, and wines with very rich potential. Roussanne 80%, Grenache blanc 15%, Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc 5%
