CDP Clos des Papes Blanc, Paul Avril Clos des Papes 2024

Limeflower, fennel and almond; bright and straight. Touch of grapefruit citrus bitters on the palate, which is tight and direct. Lovely mineral, saline touch on the finish, along with a bit of oatmeal. Great energy and intensity, good now, will be better from 2029. Equal parts Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Piquepoul and Picardan. No malolactic, fermented and aged in stainless steel. (Drink between 2028-2048)

Crafted from six different grape varieties in equal proportions, the 2024 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is exquisite, wafting from the glass with aromas of flowers, herbs, almonds, pear and peach. Medium- to full-bodied, round and sappy, it’s fleshy with a lively core of fruit, terrific mid-palate plenitude and a long, ethereal, somewhat chalky finish lifted by a beautiful bitterness and a saline aftertaste.

A richer style of white from Vincent, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc offers honeyed melon, ripe citrus, flowers, and mint on the nose. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. This beauty will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Drink 2029-2045.Paul-Vincent Avril continues to be one of the most talented and passionate winemakers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape today. From his estate located on the southern end of the village and pulling from roughly 90 acres of vines spread throughout the appellation, he makes a single white and red Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has resisted the urge to produce any special cuvées. The red is always based on roughly 55-60% Grenache, 20-30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, completely destemmed and aged entirely in older foudre in a temperature-controlled cellar. Always from tiny yields, his Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a staunchly traditional and world-class wine that always shines for its elegance and texture. The 2024 red shows the classy, elegant style of the vintage and should surpass both the 2008 and 2021, while the 2023 brings more depth and concentration. The whites here are sensational, with the 2023 showing a touch more depth and volume compared to the 2024. (Drink between 2029-2045)