Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc “Vieilles Clairettes”

Famille Isabel Ferrando
France
Rhône
2021

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.

95+ points
"Bottled in February of 2023, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Special Vielles Clairettes is another fresh, focused, vibrant white with so much to love. Crushed pineapple, white flowers, chalky minerality, and spicy nuances all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has an incredibly focused, precise, layered mouthfeel, good acidity, and a great finish. It's still tight and inward and needs 2-3 years of bottle age, but this is another riveting example of old vine Clairette made by a master."
Jeb Dunnuck,
www.jebdunnuck.com,
November 2023
95 points
"A glossy beam of fruit -- melon, green plum, star fruit -- is firmly grounded by a layer of minerality in this contemplative, very savory white, which is both racy and lush, with layers of smoky, saline-infused flint and warm buttered brioche. Savory acidity brings energy, with citrus blossom perfume and hints of toasted macadamia nut. The finish is marked by a bitter quinine element that brings a refreshing closing note. "
Kristen Bieler,
www.winespectator.com
94 points
"Aged partly in wine globes (glass) and partly in demi-muids, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Clairettes offers up just the merest hint of pencil shavings, with more emphasis given to the white peach fruit of the grape and a tinge of baking spices. It's perhaps a bit tamer and less flamboyant than previous vintages, but it's still impressive, with a cool, refreshing finish."
Joe Czerwinski,
www.robertparker.com,
October 12, 2023

SKU/Code: 
DB7353-21
Product Line: 
National Portfolio
Wine
White
Varietal: 
Clairette
Farming Type: 
Organic