Domaine Clos des Papes Paul Avril Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

"The medium to full-bodied 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc boasts impressive concentration and richness, allied to terrific freshness and length. As I was tasting it, I kept shaking my head marveling at how this blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne achieved such a wonderful sense of balance. Hints of anise no doubt play a prominent role in achieving this, enlivening the melon and pear that form the wine’s core, to be elegantly replaced on the finish by lingering notes of ripe citrus. Certainly this is one of the most impressive whites I can recall tasting from this benchmark estate."