2019 Blancaneaux

Always a white wine that I love, and that has a real sense of vibrancy and pleasure. This is a Rhone blend from the Napa, absolutely packed full of pleasure; white pepper spice, a ton of freshly cut herbs, citrus, apricot, peach pit, those slightly bitter stone fruits that keep focus and tension. 8 months on the lees, 60% stainless steel, 40% French oak, 22% new.

38% Viognier, 35% Marsanne, 27% Roussanne. Pale lemon colour. Soft pear, walnut and beeswax on the nose. The palate follows, with a rounded texture and fairly soft acids. Round and plump, it should be drunk in youth. (TP)

Strong aromatics on the nose and palate, floral and summery with pear, apricot and lemon zest alongside some fresh herbal, peppery notes. Round and full on the palate but offering a delicate balance between freshness and approachability and power and structure. Precision winemaking here, this feels well constructed with the ability to age. First produced in 1999 as a partner to Rubicon, this is a blend of the estate’s three white Rhône varietals; 38% Viognier, 35% Marsanne and 27% Roussanne. Wines are aged for eight months on the lees, 60% stainless steel, 40% French oak.