2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
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Tasting notes
The last vintage of this wine to be bottled under the Saint-Préfert label (rather than Famille Isabel Ferrando), the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of 60% Clairette and 40% Roussanne aged in demi-muid. This still feels like a baby: the nose combines waxy minerality, orange peel, apricot and honey – stereotypical white Châteauneuf in all the best ways. The palate is all about texture, rather than fruit, with savoury, earthy, mineral weight, a stoniness that cries out for food. Balanced and powerful, with plenty of freshness, this is showing well now but will only improve over the next five years or so.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc shows fragrant tertiary characteristics. It opens with bright aromas of dried ginger, jasmine, baked apple, mango, honey and hints of petrol. Coming in at a moderate 13.5% alcohol, this 2020 is a medium-bodied, delicate white with bright acidity and a clean finish.
The final vintage under the Saint Prefert label. Future vintages will be sold as Familie Isabel Ferrando. Here you find white peach, pineapple, candied lemon peel and orange spice on the nose. There freshness pops on the palate, giving energy and lift to all the yellow fruits. The wine blends 60% Clairette with 40% Roussanne. You can enjoy this on release. This is the first vintage using glass vats to age a portion of the wine. 10% of the crop was aged in the neutral glass vats which add a lot of freshness to the wine that is instantly noticeable. Drink from 2022 - 2029.
A blend of 60% Clairette and 40% Roussanne, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc features subtle cedar and vanilla shadings set against a backdrop of ripe white peaches, Anjou pear and mixed citrus. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and even a bit broad across the mid palate, then fresh, citrusy and zesty on the long finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.
About the producer
Famille Isabel Ferrando is a leading wine producer in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Product details
Clairette, Grenache Blanc / Garnacha Blanca, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Marsanne
White
Dry