Drinking at point, the absolutely stunning 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vielles Vignes shows how good these dry whites from the south of France can be. Based all on very old vine Roussanne raised in demi-muids, it...
Drinking at point, the absolutely stunning 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vielles Vignes shows how good these dry whites from the south of France can be. Based all on very old vine Roussanne raised in demi-muids, it has a vivid gold hue (there's just subtle hint of evolution) to go with incredible notes of orange marmalade, lemon oil, quince, acacia flowers, and almond paste. Full-bodied, concentrated, and as powerful as they come, it nevertheless is flawlessly balanced, has a remarkable sense of freshness, and a finish that just about makes your eyes roll back in your head. Given this showing, I would enjoy bottles any time over the coming decade, but I have no doubt it will evolve longer, although I feel that the risk versus reward starts to climb dramatically in this range.