2017 Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Blanc

Vivid straw-yellow. Highly perfumed citrus and orchard fruit and floral qualities on the mineral-accented nose. Shows excellent concentration as well as vivacity, offering palate-staining pear, Meyer lemon and brioche flavors that stretch out steadily with air. The floral and mineral elements return emphatically on the intense, sharply focused finish, which lingers with serious persistence.

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a stunningly concentrated effort produced from minuscule yields of only ten hectoliters per hectare. Made and aged entirely in stainless steel, it offers aromas of apple blossoms and tangerines. This medium to full-bodied white combines richness and lime zest, and it seems to be developing quickly. Already showing hints of honey and truffle, I would opt for drinking it on the young side, although Paul-Vincent Avril likes his whites after ten or more years of cellaring.