Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2021 (750ML)

96-98 JD / 96 DE / 95 JS / 93-95 WA / 94 VM / 94 WS / 17 JR

Mostly Roussanne bought up in equal parts once- and twice-used barrels, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is a thrilling white that, quite frankly, seems to be almost as good as the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes release at this stage. Exotic honeyed flowers, citrus, orange blossom, white peach, and chalky minerality all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, layered mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great, great finish. - Jeb Dunnuck

Honeycomb oak on the nose, then quite a broad and generous palate. Sappy acidity, although not as high as some white Châteauneufs this year, and a long finish. This has a good sense of lightness, drinkability and balance. The oak is quite forthright for now, so give this some time to come together. 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache and Clairette, plus 10% of Piquepoul Blanc, Picardan and Bourboulenc. Part of the blend was matured in two- and three-year-old barriques for a year. - Matt Walls, Decanter

All the power and textural complexity that we expect from the whites of this appellation is combined with wonderful lemon freshness and a pronounced salty minerality. A slew of candied citrus, pineapple and dried pear character. Wonderful silkiness at the very long, well-structured finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. From organically grown grapes. - James Suckling

The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc—roughly 80% Roussanne, with the rest a mix of other permitted white varieties—has turned out well, with slightly floral nuances to the peach and pineapple fruit, plus subtle cinnamon and nutmeg shadings. Full-bodied, silky-textured, concentrated and long, it's a real beauty. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Composed of biodynamically cultivated grapes, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and the remainder split between Bourboulenc and Piquepoul. Lively aromas of honeysuckle, acacia, grapefruit, lemon peel and white peach waft from the glass, with a touch of reduction. Slightly oily-textured and medium to full-bodied, it is distinctively juicy and fresh. Winemaker César Perrin recommends enjoying this wine until 2026 and then again after 2036. I’m slightly less enthusiastic with regards to the drinking window, but this is a delicious and ageworthy white. -- Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media

Savory and intensely mineral-driven, with wet stone, flint and salty mineral notes overlaying a core of lemon peel and fresh apple. Builds in richness on the round palate, with a waft of smoke moving through. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2030. 135 cases made. - Kristen Bieler

Stone fruits, crushed chalk and oyster shell with chamomile notes. A rounded and rich palate with honeyed notes, crackling acidity and freshness with a firm, detailed, opulent palate of honey, lemon verbena and roasted almonds – very well-judged oak. Really lovely balance of freshness and the fatness of Roussanne. - Jancis Robinson