Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2020

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. 1,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

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.

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.