100 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Probably, one of the greatest white wines outside of Burgundy. The old-vine Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is produced from the original three-hectare parcel planted in 1909. The wine needs to be decanted to reveal a perfume so extraordinary, I am struggling to find the correct words. Complex layers of honey, wildflowers, nectarine, marmalade and hot wet stones. The palate is an incredibly intense experience – full-bodied, extravagant, viscous with an intense grip that doesn’t let go. Still primary and requires a decade to reveal its true self. Honey is intermixed with buttery fruits and lots of minerals. It’s vibrant and the acidity is mouth-watering (in a great sense). This is a wine which is relentless and doesn’t stop giving. Put a stopwatch to the length and you’ll be there until tomorrow. This is one of those ‘rare’ wine moments when words seem pointless.” Served using Zalto’s Bordeaux Glassware…
97-99 Points - Wine Advocate "The 500-case production of this wine comes from a three-hectare parcel of Roussanne planted in 1909. The Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes takes the quality of Beaucastel's traditional white and raises it another level. Caramelized pineapple sounds sweet and cloying, but it isn't when it's backed by amazing texture, citrus zest and a briny sensation on the never-ending finish. As this was the last wine of my visit to the estate, I found it especially hard to spit out."
