2023 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, Rhone, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER NOTES:

Light yellow gold. Attractive, multifaceted aroma, youthful and moderately full, showing a mélange of quince and fennel complemented by a toasted note. The palate reveals more, notably ripe yellow fruits, spice and herbal highlights. At first open, the wine falls off slightly, then continues to reveal a persistent aromatic conclusion. Well-integrated acidity surfaces at the end together with a mouth-coating texture.

Easily the best wine for pairing with lobster but also delicious with other seafood, puff-pastries, white meats, or goat cheeses.

TASTING NOTES:

A precise, layered and attractive Chateauneuf with aromas of sliced apples, warm herbs, anise, stones and wildflowers. It’s medium-bodied with a succulent development on the palate. There’s a subtle texture, with notes of herbs, flowers, bitter almonds and fresh green pears. Plenty of patina and precision, with a long, flavorful finish.

- James Suckling, 93 pts.