Appellation : Châteauneuf-du- Pape
Color : white
Vintage : 2016
Alcohol level : 14,5% vol.

 

Grapes : 60% Roussanne, 40% Grenache
Density : 4.500 vines per hectare on average, 3.500 vines per hectare for the old vines.
Micro-plot of 27 ares
Yield : 30 hectoliters per hectare maximum
Terroirs : rolled pebbles on chalky clay soils and limestone facing south, on the places known as “The Old Woman Wood” (« Le bois de la Vieille”)
Harvest : Full hand-picking
Ageing : 100% in French oak ”demi-muids” (500 liters casks) for 7 months.
Micro-production : only 1.000 bottles in 2016, fully hand-bottled.

 

Soil analysis: Claude and Lydia Bourguignon (Laboratory of Microbial Soil Analysis)
Support for the conduct of the vineyard and vinification: Pierre-Jean Villa

 

Tasting :
John Livingstone : Attractive fine yellow robe, a little pear in it. The nose is refined, has Roussanne elegance and “sparkle”, citrus touches with white flowers, a subtle white peach. It’s a deft combination of grace and quiet sudiste/southern depth. The palate starts with a fresh tremor, develops a lissom gras, a plump, textured content, ending freshly. Elegance is foremost, with sympathetic oaking, too. It grips neatly on the finish,
the length good and fine. Good detail here – the Grenache blanc plays a good role on the gras, the Roussanne on the elegance. It is harmonious, fine and tasty, and deserves classy cuisine. There is a touch of oak-honey on the aftertaste. Day 2: has a buttery-lime aroma,
mild vanilla. The palate has a fresh debut, carbonic gas present, the finish neat – ****.

 

Jeb Dunnuck : The 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Blanc Thaïs is outstanding and offers terrific notes of brioche, honeysuckle, white flowers, and caramelized peach. Based largely on Roussanne, with 35% Grenache Blanc, it’s medium to full-bodied, rich and interesting, with good acidity and a clean, dry finish – 91/100.