Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieille Vignes 2001 Chateau de Beaucastel

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Robert Parker (97)

The surreal 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes (100% Roussanne from 85-year old vines) is pure liqueur of rose petals, marmalade, and honeysuckle. It is full-bodied, extraordinarily fresh and lively, and for me, one of the most singular expressions of white wine in the world. It is an amazing effort, but, sadly, there is little produced. Approximately 75% of this cuvee was put through malolactic and then blended with the non-malolactic portion. My experience with most vintages of this cuvee suggests it should either be drunk during its first 2-3 years of life, or forgotten for a decade. Increasingly, I tend to prefer it young.

Winespectator (90)

Tightly wound, a very fine wine, full-bodied and ripe, harmonious and rich, with mineral, apple and honey. Medium-bodied, it displays some pretty fruit but turns a bit tight on the finish.

BOW (7.25)