Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

This wine is made from 4 exceptional terroirs of Nalys (“La Crau”, le “Bois Sénéchal”, “Nalys” and “Piedlong”). The blend is dominated by Rousanne and Grenache, complemented with Clairette and a touch of Picardan. Two-thirds of the wine is oak-aged bringing a dense complexity. This fine white wine of Château de Nalys is defined by elegant aromas of white flowers and light toasty notes together with a lovely balance and a long finish. In two words: nobility and complexity.

Winemaker notes

Eye: pale youthful gold, clear and brilliant.

Nose: intense nose of white flowers and citrus with a lovely vanilla note.

Palate: breadth, elegance and length.

Overall: noble wine, elegant and very expressive.

2018

Wine Advocate 94: Mainly Roussanne and about half barrel fermented, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin Blanc is a plump, silky-textured effort. Toast accents honeyed tangerine, melon and fig notes in this full-bodied, opulent wine. Without much track record for this cuvée, my guess at the drinking window is based on the variety, winemaking and sheer concentration levels.

James Suckling 94: Aromas of blackberry, cocoa, black cherry and a hint of cedar. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Tannins and fruit are very nicely integrated with real composure and structure. Focused and succinct. Coffee and plum. This will age very nicely. 59% grenache, 32% syrah, 5% mourvedre, 3% counoise, 1% vacarese. Drink or hold.

2021

Decanter 95: This is tasting well now. It's harmonious, with the oak and fruit having come together nicely – poached pear, star fruit and grapefruit inlaid with sweet spices. It has a certain acidity and cut that makes for a powerful wine, but one with edge and precision. Saline finish. Matured 15% in new oak barriques, the rest in larger used barrels.