2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Château de Beaucastel, Rhône

Cask sample.

Lovely nutty notes on the nose – almond, marzipan and spiced pear. A rich and dense mouthfeel – textured and full and almost sweet. The marzipan comes through on the finish. Honeyed and powerful and very rich finish – broad and golden. Well balanced but very big!

Drink 2026 - 2032

Roughly 80% Roussanne, with the balance a mix of other permitted white varieties, Beaucastel's 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a fine, fine effort. Tangerine and peach notes are plump and round on the full-bodied palate, which is quite rich and plush in feel yet long and harmonious on the finish. The ability to be so ripe and sumptuous yet balanced is truly remarkable.

Drink 2023 - 2030

An aromatic vintage at this stage, with honeyed pear and honeysuckle characters. Full, round and generous, with plenty of glycerol, all cut through by a strong beam of acidity. Alcohol is just gently warming. Certainly a rich vintage, all about power, weight and ripeness.

Drink 2024 - 2035

Fragrant honeysuckle, lemon peel, white peach and ripe pear aromas highlight the delicious 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. Vibrant and focused, it checks in at 14% alcohol and delivers a mouthful of gorgeous white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Finishing with discrete saltiness, the 2022 gracefully walks off the stage. I loved it!

Drink 2024 - 2034

Fantastic nose of cooked apricots, a wide spectrum of candied fruit and toasted nuts. Full-bodied, concentrated and creamy, with a very caressing texture on the mid palate and a very long finish that has great restrained power. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.