Bosquet des Papes - Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2020

45% Clairette, 35% Grenache Blanc, 20% Bourboulenc / 35-45 year old vines / Soil: Clay-Limestone

Les Bosquets des Papes has been a working vineyard in Châteauneuf du Pape since 1860. Founded by the Boiron family, the domaine has been owned by the same family for 6 generations. For a period of time, the estate produced and sold their wine under the name of Clos Chantemerle. That practice began in 1936. The name was changed to Les Bosquets des Papes in 1966.

The Southern Rhone Valley vineyards of Bosquet des Papes are like many estates, spread out over the appellation. In all, their vines are located in forty separate plots in Chateauneuf du Pape. They own old vines, While the average age of their vines is close to 50 years. The current generation, Nicolas Boiron, took control of the domaine in 1995.

There are two whites from this estate. Starting with the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, it's a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Rosé, and a smaller amount of Grenache Gris. Light gold-hued with a kiss of grey, it offers beautifully ripe apple, lime, and tangerine-like notes to go with a crisp, clean, medium-bodied package that's wonderfully balanced and long. It's a classic, impeccably made white from this region that will evolve for a decade if well stored, although I'd drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years.