September 20, 2024
The Montrachet of the Southern Rhône: A Magical White
This article was published on 20th September 2024. Prices may have changed if you're reading it after this date.
"One of my favorite whites in the world is the old vine Roussanne cuvée from Beaucastel, which comes from a single 3-hectare parcel just outside the domaine, in the northern, cooler part of Châteauneuf du Pape." - Jeb Dunncuk
Beaucastel consistently produces some of the most profound, age-worthy wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape marrying power and elegance whilst showcasing the terroir. Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is one of THE benchmark red wines in the region.
Today however, we have something extra special from them which comes in the form of white wine. I was contemplating just keeping them for myself as they are incredibly rare to come by. Still, I decided to share this exceptional find with you, as it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Crafted exclusively from very old Roussanne vines, this wine is harvested at just the right level of ripeness. The vineyard sits atop a Miocene seabed, enriched by alpine gravel deposits. Grapes are handpicked into small cases, meticulously sorted, and then pneumatically pressed. After settling, fermentation occurs—30% in oak and 70% in tanks—followed by eight months of maturation before bottling. The result is a wine of rich texture and vibrant freshness, featuring exquisite aromas of white flowers, honey, crushed almonds, and citrus zest.
In each vintage, only 500 cases are made, making this an incredibly rare find. It's about as rare as the Le Montrachet that Jeb Dunnuck has described the wine as in this tasting note as; "unquestionably the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône and a magical white"
The lowest listed price on Wine-Searcher in Europe is €181 IB per bottle and our special offer price today comes in at €125 IB per bottle, showing a discount of approximately 31%. This is a rare opportunity to add one of the most unique and sought-after white wines to your collection, it does not come around often.
Beaucastel CNDP Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2019
99 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
One of my favorite whites in the world is the old vine Roussanne cuvée from Beaucastel, which comes from a single 3-hectare parcel just outside the domaine, in the northern, cooler part of Châteauneuf du Pape. The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is another thrilling example of Roussanne and offers a vivid gold hue as well as gorgeous notes of white currants, honeysuckle, white flowers, crushed stone, and hints of gunpowder. With beautiful freshness, full-bodied richness, and ample power, it’s unquestionably the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône and a magical white. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming decade, then it’s best forgotten until around 20 years after the vintage.
One of my favorite whites in the world is the old vine Roussanne cuvée from Beaucastel, which comes from a single 3-hectare parcel just outside the domaine, in the northern, cooler part of Châteauneuf du Pape. The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is another thrilling example of Roussanne and offers a vivid gold hue as well as gorgeous notes of white currants, honeysuckle, white flowers, crushed stone, and hints of gunpowder. With beautiful freshness, full-bodied richness, and ample power, it’s unquestionably the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône and a magical white. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming decade, then it’s best forgotten until around 20 years after the vintage.
98 Points | Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwinski
There are a mere 500 cases of the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, which derives from vines planted in 1909. Showing fabulous richness and opulence allied to an impeccable sense of balance and nearly infinite persistence, it's a tour de force of white Châteauneuf. Hints of roasted pineapple and grilled lime mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate boasts layers of honeyed, creamy decadence yet remains dry, zesty and refreshing at the same time. Like most great wines, it's a study in seeming contradictions drawn together into seamless elegance. While there's a chance this wine may go through a quiescent phase, it's singing now, and if history is any indication, it will also drink well in a decade or so.
There are a mere 500 cases of the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, which derives from vines planted in 1909. Showing fabulous richness and opulence allied to an impeccable sense of balance and nearly infinite persistence, it's a tour de force of white Châteauneuf. Hints of roasted pineapple and grilled lime mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate boasts layers of honeyed, creamy decadence yet remains dry, zesty and refreshing at the same time. Like most great wines, it's a study in seeming contradictions drawn together into seamless elegance. While there's a chance this wine may go through a quiescent phase, it's singing now, and if history is any indication, it will also drink well in a decade or so.