2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

Probably the finest white Chateauneuf du Pape I have ever tasted from Brunel is the 2005 Les Cailloux Blanc, which is made from 80% Roussanne and 20% Clairette, all aged in tank with no malolactic fermentation. This is a beauty with a light greenish hue to the color, a gorgeous nose of honeysuckle, lilies, citrus, but then as the wine hits the mouth there is full body, terrific acidity, freshness, and real presence and character. This is a food-friendly beauty. Andre Brunel has always been one of the most progressive and brilliant proprietors of Chateauneuf du Pape and the good news is that he has purchased 40 hectares (that’s over 100 acres) of high-class Cotes du Rhone vineyards near Chateauneuf du Pape, so we can expect to see larger quantities of serious wines emerge. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083