L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011

A nice plump, juicy style, offering lots of melon, peach, pear and yellow apple flavors mixed together and banded with notes of straw and heather. Creamy finish. Drink now through 2013. 2,000 cases made.

30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 10% Bourboulenc. Sweet and floral. Just a bit tight. Very fresh. (JR)

The 2011 Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is outstanding. A blend of 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, and 10% Bourboulenc that was aged mostly in stainless steel (Clairette aged in barrel), it is classic on the nose, with stone fruits, honeycomb, spice, mineral, and hints of brioche all showing. Structured, medium+ bodied, and with excellent acidity and richness, it’s a knockout white that will shine for 3-5 years, possibly even longer.