Chateau de Beaucastel Blanc, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007

Revealing a touch of darker gold in its color, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is another blockbuster that continues to shine every time I've opened a bottle. Ripe, decadent and supple, it has boatloads of honeycomb, caramelized citrus, brioche and ripe tropical fruits to go with a gorgeously textured feel on the palate. I suspect it's best consumed over the coming year or two or cellared for 5-6 years.

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc is even better. Meriting the same rating as I gave it last year, it is a delicious, beautifully textured, light gold-colored white revealing plenty of white peach, apricot, nectarine, and honeysuckle notes as well as a distinctive florality and minerality. More honeyed and fuller-bodied than its 2008 counterpart, it should drink beautifully for 7-8 years, then go into an oxidative state. It is somewhat of a gamble as to what will happen thereafter. Beaucastel’s limited production luxury cuvee first produced in 1986 is their 100% Roussanne Vieilles Vignes offering. Fifty percent is barrel-fermented in one-year-old barrels, but no new oak is utilized.