Domaine Pierre Usseglio Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2023

The full-bodied 2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Premiere Pierre was bottled only three days prior to my visit. Fermented entirely with Indigenous yeasts, the open-knit 2023 delights with ripe pear, honeysuckle, lemon flesh, yellow apple and a dash of jasmine. Balanced by soft acidity, this is a lovely white Chateauneuf that checks out with a refreshing finish.

A blend of 50% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc, 5% Bourboulenc and other authorized grapes, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Première Pierre exhales an oaky, dense bouquet of clove, spices, licorice, ripe orchard fruits and lemon oil. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with a fleshy mid-palate, it's a bit heavy on the finish. Matured in a combination of large barrels, new barrels, used barrels, terra cotta jars and stainless steel, it's a rather muscular, almost overripe Châteauneuf-du-Pape.