2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Famille Isabel Ferrando (St.-Préfert)

The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Ferrando offers a beautiful minerality as well as rich, full- bodied aromas and flavors, ample honeyed notes, remarkable purity, and a great finish. It's rich and textured, yet also fresh and lively.

A 60-40 blend of Clairette and Roussanne that was barrel fermented and aged in one-third new demi- muids, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is rich, ripe and luscious, with just enough crisp lime notes to give it focus but with more honeyed pineapple and peach flavors. Drink this lush, verging on decadent, wine over the next couple of years. 2018 - 2020.

Light bright yellow. Expansive aromas of pear and peach nectar are joined by honey, fennel and candied ginger nuances. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering concentrated orchard and pit fruit flavors and a touch of bitter quinine that adds back-end cut. Closes smooth and sappy, showing impressive persistence and a subtle floral nuance.