Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc AOC Boisrenard 2022 (0.75l)

The Coulon family is very happy with the 2022 vintage overall. Despite multiple hailstorms in the summer and extreme drought, healthy, ripe grapes were harvested throughout September from the deep-rooted, and therefore well-nourished, old vines. The Chateauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard Blanc, as always, consists of the region's six white grape varieties, with a predominant share of Clairette and Roussanne. Fermented in small, used barrels and then aged for six months. Initially, the Boisrenard appears somewhat more closed and less playful on the nose than in 2021. With aeration, it gradually opens up, revealing more and more ripe, yellow stone fruit, peach, and mirabelle plum, all underpinned by a dark, somewhat tart spiciness and nutty notes of hazelnut and almond. The palate then reveals the expected texture, density, and depth. With a tightly woven phenolic structure, the wine coats the entire palate with soft velvet and silk. It has so much substance and textural density, yet is never sticky or heavy. Extremely high intensity, buttery-smooth tannins, great extract, and very fine, ripe fruit paired with saline notes on the endless finish. The 2022 Boisrenard is once again a truly great Chateauneuf Blanc. With aeration, it's a dream right now, but it can also slumber in the cellar for ages. If you let it.