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Producer | Domaine de Saint Prefert |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone Valley |
Varietal | Clairette |
Vintage | 2020 |
Sku | 210000018634 |
Size | 1.5L |
Ho hum, another year, another terrific example of old-vine Clairette. The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee Speciale Vieilles Clairettes hints at honey and white peaches, then rounds into shape with the addition of gentle toast notes and plenty of lime zest. It's medium to full-bodied, clean and refreshing, with hints of fennel fronds. It's long, sleek and classy. As usual, this will be bottled only in magnum. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Spéciale Vieilles Clairettes is (as always) all Clairette Rosé that will spend 18 months in demi-muids. Honeyed pear, melon, dried pineapple, and white flower notes are just some of the nuances here, and it has a subtle kiss of oak, medium to full body, beautiful overall balance, and one heck of a great finish. It's going to benefit from a year in bottle once released and have 8-10 years of prime drinking, and I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for much longer as well.