Chateauneuf du Pape blanc 2005

Lobenberg: November 2013 nachprobiert: Die Evolution Richtung feinster Blüten- und Akazienhonig ist einfach phänomenal, dahinter pikante Passionsfrucht, zarte Mango, Feigen, Dörrobst, Birnenschale. Feinste weiße Birne und reifer Weinbergpfirsich, der cremige Mund mutiert zum reifen Marsanne der Nordrhône, ein Hermitage mit toller weißer Frucht und hellem, salzigen Kalkgestein. Rosenblüten und Jasmin in der Nase spielen mit den Honignoten. Renekloden drängen sich auf im Mund, reifste Ananas, Honigmelone. So wunderschön mit salziger Mineralität nachhallend. Dieser Wein hat noch viel Zukunft. 96-97/100

-- Winespectator: Terrific purity and precision. Like a young Meursault, with acacia flower, blanched almond and honey notes pushed by a tangy, driven, minerally finish. Should age well. Drink now through 2016. 94/100

-- Parker: This is one of the finest estates for white Chateauneuf du Pape, which can often be very long-lived. None of it goes through malolactic fermentation and they never acidify the wines. In 2005 it is made primarily from Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Clairette, white Grenache, and Picpoul. Notes of marzipan, honeysuckle, pear, and white flowers jump from the glass of this full-bodied wine that tips the scales at about 13.9% alcohol. Interestingly, the Avrils say their white Chateauneuf du Pape is much lower in alcohol than their red. By the way, they also made terrific white Chateauneuf du Pape, assuming you can still find any, in both 2004 and 2003, but sadly only around 1,000 cases are produced, which is significant for an estate Chateauneuf du Pape. 93/100