2017 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

Firm yellow robe; Candy, mulled peach-nectarine fruits on the nose, with aniseed prominent, pear also. It’s open and full of running, a great sensaround whirl it gives. The palate has iodine threads, is also on aniseed, delivers good, chewy matter towards the finish. The Bourboulenc and Picpoul role here is important in freshening it. Grenache blanc was down from 16% to only 8% this year due to the coulure. This is STGT Chateauneuf blanc, gives a real sense of place. There are dried fruits, nuttiness in the flavour, with good late spring of life, freshness, likeable late crunch, essence of fruits, infused tea, camomile. This has character, really gives a picture du sud. Bottled Feb 2018. Drink through 2041-43. 5*