2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

(34% roussanne, 29% each of clairette and grenache blanc and 8% bourboulenc): Vivid straw. Oak-spiced aromas of orange, pear and melon, plus a hint of honey. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering juicy orchard fruit flavors and a touch of bitter lemon zest. Finishes with firm grip and good cut, the lemon note repeating.

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc offers elegant notes of white currants, spring flowers, crushed rocks and pear preserves in an attractively fruity, fresh, medium to full-bodied format that cuts a broad swath across the palate. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Bordeaux proprietor Jean-Michel Cazes has done a fabulous job of elevating the quality of Senechaux since it was sold to the Cazes family in 2003. As many readers may also know, among other assets in Bordeaux, the Cazes own Chateau Lynch Bages. This property, which consists of nearly 63 acres in three separate lieux-dits, Les Reves, Grand Pierre (which is mostly sand) and Bois Senechaux, on the eastern side of the appellation. The blend is approximately 64% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault and Vaccarese, all aged in either foudres, older small oak barrels or tank. Importer: ‘59 Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-9218