Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023 Roussanne 'Vieilles Vignes' (3x75cl)

We are immensely privileged to have an allocation of one of the world's greatest white wines, the pure, old-vine Roussanne from Beaucastel. It's a keeper too although we recommend drinking it within the first ten to fifteen years (a recent bottle of 2001 was still excellent but I prefer the more fruit-forward style of the slightly younger wine). Tasted recently at the estate, this is the wine that put the biggest smile on my face!

Drinking Dates: 2027 to 2038

Cépagement: 100% Roussanne

Soil: Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles)

Upbringing: The grapes are hand picked in small cases and sorted, pneumatically pressed. Settling of the juices and fermentation (30% in oak, 70% tanks). Bottled after 8 months.

' There are roughly 600 cases of the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, a 100% Roussanne from very old vines brought up 50% new oak and 50% once-used. It too is flat-out awesome, with honeyed quince, green almond, white flowers, orange liqueur, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. It's full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, fabulous concentration, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. If you see it, buy it. I don’t see this being the longest-lived vintage of this cuvée, but who cares? It’s sensational stuff.' 98/100 (JebDunnuck.com)