Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2020 (750ML)

97 DE / 95 WS / 94 WA / 94 VM / 94 JS / 94 JD / 17 JR

Closed for now, with apricot and a touch of crème anglaise. Full-bodied but not massive, this has plenty of tension that keeps things neat, a shining beam of acidity running through it. Real length and intensity here, it's remarkably saline this year, displaying great power and balance. 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and Clairette, 10% Piquepoul Blanc, Picardan and Bourboulenc. Part of the blend was matured in two and three-year-old barriques for one year.-Matt Walls, Decanter

Beautifully rendered, with a pure display of white peach, Cavaillon melon and mirabelle plum flavors gilded with honeysuckle and acacia from start to finish. A pretty wet stone note gives the finish spine as the fruit and floral notes linger. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2027.James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Beaucastel's 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is 80% Roussanne (half in new oak and half in second-use wood) and 20% other permitted varieties (made in stainless steel). Honeyed pear and pineapple notes dominate the nose, while the palate is full-bodied rich and luscious, yet remains vibrant, refreshing and long on the finish. I find it delicious now and don't see any need to age it, although it will undoubtedly hold together for several years. Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc displays enticing tertiary characteristics already at this young age. It opens with well-defined aromas of petrol, dried ginger, jasmine, lemon zest, ripe pear and beeswax. Moving seamlessly across the palate, the 2020 Blanc is medium to full-bodied, impeccably well-balanced and concludes with a bright finish. - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media

You could almost mistake this very sophisticated and elegant white Chateauneuf for a white Burgundy, if it wasn’t for the pronounced fresh-apricot note. This is ripe and fleshy, but in a refined way, the acidity at the finish supple, but it remains very clean and straight. A blend of roussanne with a small amount of grenache blanc. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

Looking at the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, which is 80% Roussanne and the rest Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it has a rocking nose of apple blossom, melon, honeyed minerality, and spice as well as medium to full-bodied richness on the palate. It picks up a terrific green almond-like nuances with time in the glass, and it’s textured, balanced, and just another brilliant white from this team.-Jeb Dunnuck

Beaucastel have 7 ha of white varieties. This is a blend of 80% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picardan, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Hand-picked in small cases, sorting of the grapes, pneumatic pressing, settling of the juice, fermentation (30% in oak barrels, 70% in tanks) for 8 months. Bottling after 8 months.
Much more complex than the Coudoulet and a big step up in concentration. Ripe pears, spices. On the palate, nutty, creamy and embryonically complex. Soft and creamy, with a subtle but sufficient freshness on the finish and great length. The oak is subtle.--Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson