2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clairettes de Gabriel Blanc Chateau de Vaudieu

A single-varietal Clairette, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Les Clairettes de Gabriel aged for nine months in 50/50 new and old oak barriques. Prominent straw, lemon peel, crushed flower, apple skin, cedar and discrete vanilla notes are all brought forward. Full-bodied, rich and expressive, this is an excellent white Châteauneuf from Château de Vaudieu. It closes with good length on the layered finale.

Last of the whites, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Clairette De Gabriel Blanc checks in as 100% Clairette brought up in equal parts new and used barrels. It's medium-gold hue is followed by a gorgeous perfume of white peach, tart pineapple, brioche, and subtle honeyed white flower-like nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has a focused, pure, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful depth, and a great finish. It's another remarkable white from this talented team that will benefit from a year or two of bottle age and keep for a decade.