Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel, Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2021

Floral pear notes on the nose, an attractive and lively aromatic display. It has the characteristic generosity on the palate of this cuvée, but with slightly higher acidity than a typical vintage, and a beautifully fresh finish. Harmonious, appealing and enticing, and a touch of spice adds complexity. From a single parcel of Roussanne, planted in 1919 and grown biodynamically. Aged in one-year-old demi-muids and barriques. Maximum of 6,000 bottles per year. (Drink between 2025-2055)

It's really hard to do the aromas of this wine justice, such is their complexity, extending from the whole range of candied citrus through ripe apricot to dried thyme. Amazing mouthfeel, the creamy stony and delicately zesty aspects of the wine beautifully interwoven to create a ravishingly beautiful whole. In spite of the power this is light on its feet at the very long, refined finish. 100% roussanne from ancient vines. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.Stuart Pigott

In contrast, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes (100% Roussanne) is brought up in all new oak, and it has a normal pH of 3.7 and an alcohol of 14.5%. (In comparison, the classic white has a pH of 3.6 and slightly less alcohol at 14%.) Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has a gorgeous perfume of caramelized white peach, acacia flowers, toasted spices, and orange blossom. One of the most powerful, concentrated whites in the vintage, its oak is perfectly integrated, it's flawlessly balanced, and as I've written in the past, it's the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône!

Brimming with citrus and acacia-blossom aromas, this extremely concentrated dry white has astonishing tension and vitality for this appellation. How can you resist the floral honey note at the fleshy heart of this masterpiece, or the astonishing mineral freshness at the super-long finish? 100% roussanne from ancient vines. From organically grown grapes.