Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2021

The classic cuvée is the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, which is based on 43% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc, and 2% Bourboulenc. It’s brilliant stuff, offering lots of bright lemon and pineapple-like fruits as well as white flowers, honeysuckle, and a kiss of chalky minerality. Beautiful on the palate as well, it’s medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity and just flawless balance. It ranks with the finest whites in the vintage and is well worth seeking out. It should have over a decade of prime drinking, although there’s no need to delay gratification. Maturity: 2022-2032. Score – 97. (jebdunnuck.com, Nov. 11, 2022)