Chateauneuf du Pape blanc Chateau de Beaucastel 2011

-- Internet: -- JDRR: Checking in as a blend of 80% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc, the rest an assortment of varieties - all vinified separately in stainless steel, with the exception of the Roussanne which sees barrel aging - the 2011 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a smoking blanc that is up there with the best of the vintage. Deep and tight, with firm notes of white peach, apricot, crushed stone minerality, and hints of crème, this full-bodied beauty hits the palate with a pure, focused texture, clean, crisp acidity, and building richness that comes out with air. Very long on the finish, there is actually some tannic structure here. As with most top Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blancs, this can be enjoyed over the coming 3-4 years, or cellared for a decade. 94/100 -- BD: 18/20

-- Katalog: WS: A lush, tropical style, with a lovely core of papaya and creamed peach backed by acacia honey and lightly toasted macadamia nut notes. The long, creamy finish has a beautiful mouthfeel, while the papaya note echoes on. 95/100

Lobenberg: Blasses Goldgelb mit grünem Schleier. Sehr intensive Nase, Quitte, Birne, Aprikose, etwas Rosmarin neben Zitronengras und etwas Akazienhonig. Schöner Druck im Mund, Karamell, Honigmelone, tolle Länge zeigend. Rassiger Antrunk. Immense Länge, beeindruckende Rasse. Der Wein singt und hat diese wunderbare frische Intensität. Ganz klar einer der besten weißen Chateauneuf, groß! 95/100

-- Parker: One of my favorite vintages for this cuvee, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc never fails to impress. Revealing a medium-gold color, it has gorgeous richness and depth in its honeyed stone fruits, peach, buttered-citrus and salty minerality. Voluptuous, full-bodied and decadently textured, it has both freshness and focus, both of which come through on the finish. I'd drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years, or hold off for a decade. 94/100