Château La Nerthe : Clos de Beauvenir 2022

A rich, flattering style nicely offset by generous salty, savory energy. Offers a toast and shortbread robe that overlays green plum and juicy nectarine flavors. Remains restrained through the long, opulent, smoke-kissed finish, thanks to a beam of finely crushed mineral accents. Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Drink now through 2027. 20 cases imported.

A refined nose of fresh citron, bay leaves, yellow plums, quince zest, white pepper and hints of mild spices. Full-bodied with impressive volume. It's vibrant and ample with so many dimensions. It's extensive and so refined with complexity, tension and great harmony all along towards the very long, focused finish. Drink or hold.

56% Roussanne, 44% Grenache Blanc. Whole-bunch pressed and vinified in demi-muids (70%) and stainless-steel tanks (30%). Aged for nine months in demi-muids. Certified organic. Tasted blind. Plenty of oak on the rich nose. A huge, mouth-filling richness and concentration of flavours – honey, flowers, toasty oak, and excellent energy as well. So much to enjoy here. Full-throttle, intense style; and it has oak that will integrate over the next five years. (AC)

Blending 56% Roussanne with 44% Grenache Blanc from certified organic grapes, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos de Beauvenir delivers. Swirling the glass unlocks fragrant pineapple, spring blossom, white peach and lemon flesh notes. Concentrated and round, this is a serious Blanc Clos de Beauvenir with the potential to gain more nuance after a few years in bottle. That said, it’s already drinking splendidly.

The smaller production 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Clos De Beauvenir Blanc comes from a vineyard just beside the domaine and is based on 56% Roussanne and 44% Grenache Blanc. Its medium gold hue is followed by a brilliant perfume of orange blossoms, honeyed white flowers, orchard fruits, and spicy wood that gains depth as well as freshness with time in the glass. Beautifully concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and broad and expansive on the palate, it's another riveting wine from this team that's geared for the dinner table. While I would drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, it will have an interesting evolution past that as well.

This wine is intense with salted almonds and stone followed by hints of pear and citrus pith. On the palate, it is layered with white peach, pear, lemongrass, salt and acacia honey. The textured, rich and complex is striking, offering a sophisticated experience.