2010 Domaine Marcoux Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc

(93 points) The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc, a blend of 70% Roussanne and 30% Bourboulenc aged in stainless steel, displays beautiful crushed rock and spring flowers as well as honeysuckle and white pit fruits in a striking bouquet. It is medium to full-bodied, extremely fresh, and although it is 15% natural alcohol, the wine is amazingly precise and delicious. It is difficult to estimate how long these wines will last (they generally age much better than I give them credit for), but given how wonderful this wine is already, I would drink it over the next 3-5 years.

Given the fact that the Armenier family can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to 1344, one could say that they may have even more experience than the Chaves up in the northern Rhone, which only go back to the late 15th century! Run for well over a decade now by sisters, Sophie and Catherine, this biodynamically administered estate of 42 acres produces some of the very finest, complex, and most natural wines not only in France, but anywhere in the world. Perhaps the wine that is most under the radar for consumers is their brilliant white Chateauneuf du Pape. Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011