2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos de Beauvenir Ch. La Nerthe

Possessing more brioche, honeysuckle, citrus and white flowers, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Clos de Beauvenir Blanc is a more focused, fresh and lively example of this cuvée. Made from a similar blend of 59% Roussanne, 33% Clairette and the balance Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc aged ten months in 88% French oak, the wine is medium-bodied, elegant and seamless, with terrific length on the finish. This beauty will be better in another year and evolve for a decade or more, although, as always, drinking in the first 3-4 years is always the sound bet.

Light, bright yellow. Intense, mineral-accented orchard and pit fruit scents, developing vanilla, ginger and lemon curd nuances in the glass. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated oak-spiced pear and nectarine flavors that are lifted and given spine by a smoky mineral quality. The vanilla and lemon notes come back stealthily on a very long, pure, focused finish.