Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc “Vieilles Clairettes”

Famille Isabel Ferrando
France
Rhône
2022

100% Clairette from 80-100 year-old vines in the Serres lieu-dit. Very low yields of 15hl/ha. Fermented and aged in glass demi-johns for 18 months. Bottled exclusively in magnum with limited availability.

98 points
"The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Speciale Vieilles Clairette is heavenly juice, and I don't think anyone in the world is doing Clairette at this level. Possessing a Burgundian-like subtle reductive character as well as incredible notes of ripe pineapple, crushed stone, honeyed flowers, and spicy, very subtle toasty nuances, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, focused mouthfeel, riveting precision and purity, and a great finish. The 2022 is all old vine Clairette Rose raised in demi-muids and, I believe, smaller foudres."
Jeb Dunnuck,
JebDunnuck.com
October 2024
95 points
"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Spéciale Vieilles Clairettes has come together beautifully since I tasted it from foudre last year. Medium- to full bodied and bursting with energy, the 2022 showcases prominent quince, grapefruit, ripe pear, yellow apple, melon and honeysuckle. Focused and layered, the concentrated 2022 closes with a delicate salty sensation and excellent length."
Nicolas Greinacher,
www.vinous.com,
June 2024
94 points
"Strong smoky bacon and struck-match characters here, leading to a medium-bodied palate. This has more freshness than most white Châteauneufs in 2022, it has detail and pep. On the palate it's quite richly fruited, with citrusy acidity. Not too full or alcoholic, this is one of the more successful white cuvées this year."
Matt Walls,
www.decanter.com
September 17, 2023

SKU/Code: 
DB7353-22
Product Line: 
National Portfolio
Wine
White
Varietal: 
Clairette
Farming Type: 
Organic