2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

Mont Redon's 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette and 5% Roussanne, with the balance a mix of Bourboulenc and Picpoul. Picked early, fermented and aged (briefly, it's normally bottled in May following the vintage) in stainless steel, it's plump, round and soft, with notes of pear, citrus and fennel. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and smaller amounts of Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc. Ripe citrus, crushed stone, white flowers, and even a kiss of brioche all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, good acidity, and a great finish. It's going to evolve for 10-12 years, if not longer, if well stored. I love seeing Pierre Fabre bring Mont-Redon back to its prior glory. I think this estate is unquestionably producing some of the top wines of the appellation today, and that should be no surprise given the incredible terroir of this estate. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, there’s a classic cuvée and a Le Plateau cuvée, both in red and white. The classic cuvée is, as you would expect, a classic expression of the appellation and brought up in tank and used oak. Both Le Plateau releases come from the prime upper plateau terroir (think La Crau, only in the northwestern portion of the appellation) and see more new oak. In general, these Le Plateau releases are serious, concentrated wines that demand bottle age. In addition to the Châteauneuf du Pape, this estate produces a bevy of releases from throughout the Southern Rhône, all of which merit attention.

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc unwinds with green apple, pear, pastry and lemon flesh aromatics. Touching the palate with lifting freshness and great tension, the medium-bodied 2022 closes with energy on the sapid finish.