Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2014

Presentation

Presentation
Considered as one of the greatest white wines in France, only 6000 bottles of this wine are produced. It's made with 100% very old Roussanne vines and harvested slightly over ripe. This exceptional wine must be drunk within 3 years or after 15 years. To be enjoyed with gastronomic cuisine.
The vintage
The 2014 vintage is surprising for the region. It is characterised by a mild, damp winter, a hot and dry spring and a temperate and humid summer. An unusual year, a winemaker year. Bud break was very early, flowering took place in ideal conditions and fruit set was excellent, especially on Grenache. However, work in the vineyard and rigorous monitoring of the vineyard until harvest were necessary with wet months of July and August, favouring the vegetative growth. The harvest of white grapes took place under bright sunshine, with very nice analytical balances.
Location
Château de Beaucastel has 7 hectares planted with white varieties.
Terroir
Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles).
Ageing
The grapes are hand picked in small cases and sorted, pneumatically pressed. Settling of the juices and fermentation (30% in oak, 70% tanks). Bottled after 8 months.
Varietal
Roussanne : 100%

Advice

Serving
14°C in tasting glasses.
Tasting
A beautiful bright yellow color with green highlights.
The nose is discreet, stylish and elegant, with notes of rose petals and beeswax.
In the mouth the wine grows and turns rich, with notes of Gingerbread, cinnamon, clove and white pepper. The finish is beautifully balanced between salinity and minerality.

Reviews

95/100
"Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes (aged in a 50/50 blend of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for eight months): Pale yellow- gold. Explosive, mineral-accented aromas of tangerine, poached pear and jasmine show superb clarity and pick up ginger, nougat and chamomile nuances as the wine opens up. Juicy, densely packed citrus and orchard fruit avors thoroughly stain the palate and become more energetic with air. The mineral and oral notes come back emphatically on the strikingly long and incisive nish, which shows impressive, nervy tenacity and focus."
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95/100
"A big step up over the classic cuvee (which isn’t always a given), the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is 100% Roussanne from ancient vines, some of which are over 100 years in age. A deeper, richer version of the traditional cuvee, it reveals a medium-gold color to go with sensational notes of white currants, quince, brioche, honeysuckle and lemon curd. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and rich, yet with plenty of acidity, drink this elegant, balanced beauty anytime over the coming 2-3 decades."
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95/100
"2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes (aged in a 50/50 blend of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for eight months): Pale yellowgold.
Explosive, mineral-accented aromas of tangerine, poached pear and jasmine show superb clarity and pick up ginger, nougat and chamomile nuances as the wine opens up. Juicy, densely packed citrus and orchard fruit flavors thoroughly stain the palate and become more energetic with air. The mineral and floral notes come back emphatically on the strikingly long and incisive finish, which shows impressive, nervy tenacity and focus.
"
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96/100
"This is on the bold side of the ledger, with a nearly exotic display of creamed peach, mango and papaya flavors, lined with just enough light citrus and floral notes to stay honest. Piecrust and orange sabayon details line the finish. Drink now through 2024. 500 cases made."
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96/100
"100% roussanne planted in 1909, there’s a low yielding concentration.
The richness and texture is impressive,but it has a lightness, too. Bright
peach and chalky minerals, with iodine and saline. Fresh and long. A great vintage with decades ahead.
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