The cooler temperatures and shortened daylight of fall, along with the bounty of the harvest, always make me think of braised foods. Earthy and warming with complex flavors made up from diverse ingredients. Not unlike the amazing whites of the Rhone Valley. While some are single variety, it is the mélange presented from the marsanne, roussane, viognier, grenache blanc and other white grapes that gives these wines so much depth and subtlety. They are often powerful, sometimes rich and mouth-filling, and always elegant. 

Enjoy any of these wines in the near future, or give them a few years in your cellar. You won’t be disappointed. 

2021 Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

Roussanne Vieilles Vignes

$189.89 (750ml) In Stock – Buy Now

96-99 JD / 98 DE / 97 JS / 95-97 WA

96 VM / 95 FS / 18 JR

The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes (100% Roussanne) is brought up in all new oak, and it has a normal pH of 3.7 and an alcohol of 14.5%. (In comparison, the classic white has a pH of 3.6 and slightly less alcohol at 14%.) Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has a gorgeous perfume of caramelized white peach, acacia flowers, toasted spices, and orange blossom. One of the most powerful, concentrated whites in the vintage, its oak is perfectly integrated, it's flawlessly balanced, and as I've written in the past, it's the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône!-Jeb Dunnuck

Great concentration this year, making for a really intense, sappy Roussanne; pear tarte tatin flavours, alongside the intense cigar tobacco, cedar and sandalwood. Dense and concentrated, it's weightier than the 2020 vintage, and riper and denser than most 2021 Châteauneuf blancs. Huge length. The oaking is robust, it shows quite strongly so give this time. All aged in oak, half new, half one-year-old, mostly demi-muids.-Matt Walls, Decanter

2019 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc

$169.89 (750ml) In Stock – Buy Now

98+ JD / 97 WS / 97 DE / 96 WCI / 94-96 WA

95 JS / 95 VM / 18.5 JR 

On another level, the 2019 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is more reductive and tight, with a brilliant, concentrated, full-bodied, layered profile on the palate. White currants, quinces, scorched earth, and charcoal all define this backward, primary beast of a wine that will probably merit a triple digit rating in 4-5 years. It should have decades of longevity.--Jeb Dunnuck

A complex, densely packed white that opens up to reveal layer after layer of warm apple strudel, honeysuckle, citrus oil, ground ginger and lemon curd flavors, glazed over with warm oak spices and toasted cedar. Round and stylish, with serious hedonistic pleasure set against a spine of minerality and racy acidity. A bit of time in bottle will allow all the elements to integrate -- put this in the cellar for a bit. Marsanne and Roussanne. Best from 2025 through 2038. 50 cases imported.--Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator

2021 Lionel Faury Condrieu Le Mornieux

$55.89 (750ml) In Stock – Buy Now

96 DE / 93 WS / 17 JR

Intense violets on the nose, this is hypnotically aromatic. Very full-bodied and generous, with delicious peach fruit. Has a sense of sweet ripeness on the palate that's balanced by acidity and salty extract. This has real depth and will satisfy Condrieu lovers. La Berne was not bottled separately this year due to frost.—Matt Walls, Decanter

An exuberant, fragrant white, with melon, nectarine and peach flavors that are juicy and fresh on the glossy palate. Shows savory green herbs that march through, while clementine-laced acidity brings a zesty edge and drives the succulent finish. Delivers smoke, flint and pretty floral highlights that cruise alongside salted buttercream hints.-Kristen Bierer, Wine Spectator

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