Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2022

Excellent depth and complexity are on offer here in this well-constructed 2022 white Châteauneuf, particularly stony and structured. Equal parts grenache, roussanne, picpoul, clairette and bourboulenc from the lieu-dit (parcel) Palestor make up the base composition, but it’s the wood-free profile – 15% aged in oak, the rest in steel and concrete egg – clever lees influence (6 months on the fine lees), and ultimately fruit quality that make the difference in this superior example. Acids are comfortable, flavours broad and mouth-filling, and length excellent. Top notch stuff, drinking now, but surely better in 2-3 years, or hold until its 10th birthday. Tasted June 2023. Score – 94. (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com)