Stony, pure and driven, with melon rind, white peach and verbena notes offset by fine cut and precision, as mineral, salted butter and quinine notes ripple through the very lengthy finish. Lovely now, with the fine acidity to develop nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2018. 800 cases made. –JM

The 2010 Clos des Papes blanc, which as I said earlier is an equal part blend of Grenache blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc, is aged in stainless steel, with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve all of its acidity. The 2010 displays honeyed grapefruit, licorice and an almost exotic pineapple note along with a hint of truffle. The wine has superb fruit, precision, minerality and freshness, and should drink nicely for 20-25 or more years. - Robert Parker