CUVEE SPECIALE VIEILLES CLAIRETTES 2017

Parker review

Now that it's in the bottle, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee Speciale continues to impress. Gentle toast and honey notes accent white peaches in a wine that really does resemble a top white Burgundy. Yes, it's a bit fuller-bodied and more flavorful than most, but then it finishes long and crisp. Wow! 96/100.

Press

JebDunnuck.com:  95-97/100   I was able to taste two barrels of the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clairette Vieilles Vignes, both showing different profiles, one richer and fatter, the other fresher and more focused. Both had classic honeyed citrus and mineral aromas and flavors, some oak to integrate, terrific concentration, and a big finish. It's going to unquestionably be another great vintage for this cuvée, and there are few whites out there that can pull off this rich, concentrated, yet vibrant and complex style so well. Don’t miss it.

Antonio Galloni's Vinous.com:  95-96/100  Pale green-hued yellow. A highly complex, mineral-accented bouquet evokes ripe citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, buttered toast and pungent flowers, and a hint of anise emerges with air. Shows superb depth and clarity, offering vibrant orange, pear nectar, sweet butter and fennel flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Powerful yet graceful in style, displaying superb focus and minerally thrust on an impressively long finish that features lingering floral and orchard fruit flourishes.