Chateau Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2022

Maker: Château Mont-Redon will be familiar to those who know and love Châteauneuf-du-Pape being well recognized as the owners of one of the most highly regarded vineyard sites in the appellation. The superb quality of its vineyards has been recognised throughout history and prior to the adaptation of the appellation controlee system it was one of the few ‘Grand Crus’ in the region (together with Chateau Rayas). There has been considerable investment at Mont-Redon over the past twenty years. The entire winery has been completely renewed and is now naturally climate controlled utilising the water which lies deep below the clay plateau. From this water, cool air spills down into the winery cooling every level so that the whole winery retains a very cool temperature with natural humidity. Rows of oak barriques have replaced the old large foudres of yesteryear, and large temperature controlled stainless steel vats now line the walls, resulting in wines of freshness and finesse in both red and white wines. More recently optical sorting machines at harvest time have helped to remove any unripe or shriveled grapes as well as any vegetation resulting in remarkable precision for every single wine. In recent years the developments have continued at a great pace with Pierre Fabre being installed as wine-maker from 2008 and in 2017 Pierre took over management of the estate from his father and uncle. In 2017 he produced the first Gigondas from purchased fruit and in 2019 the purchase of more vineyards have been made in the southern Rhône. This remarkable estate will continue to develop apace as the potential of its great terroir is realised under the guardianship of Pierre Fabre. Mont-Redon is clearly a candidate for not only the most improved producer and the best value producer of the Southern Rhône but now also one the very best producers in the large historic appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Mont-Redon looks destined to become one of the highest achievers of the Rhône Valley in the coming decade. Recent reviews confirm this trend. Vineyard: With almost 100 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape under vine, the majority of Mont-Redon’s vineyards are located in the appellation’s most favoured area, the high plateau which is covered in the large round pudding stones galets roulets that Châteauneuf is so well known for. At this high point the huge pudding stone galets lie over a rich layer of clay which retains water and keeps the earth below cool as it helps the vines resist the torrid heat of each summer. In the 1960’s some limestone terroir on the western edge of the appellation was planted to white varieties which are perfectly suited to limestone soil and give whites of great freshness and purity. This remarkable property is in fact a single vineyard which is very unusual in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where holdings are usually quite scattered and parcellated. Wine Style/Cuvee: 55% Grenache blanc, 20% Clairette, 10% Bourboulenc, 10% Roussanne and 5% Picpoul, whole-bunch pressed and cold settled, then cool-fermented in stainless steel at about 15 °C over 3 to 4 weeks, without malolactic conversion. Matured on fine lees for 4 to 8 months depending on vintage. Mont-Redon have long been regarded as one of the best producers of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape (and are also one the largest) owning some of the best limestone terroir that suits some of the white varieties so perfectly. Tasting Notes: Nose – Focussed, Blossoms, Crush Stone Impressive aromatics of pear, honeyed apples, crushed stone minerality and a hint of brioche. Palate – Racy, Pure, Elegant It’s medium-bodied, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel. Finish – Good Acidity, Concentrated, Flawless Flawlessly balanced and has bright acidity as well as a great finish. Incredibly mineral and saline with astonishing focus and precision for this very warm location. Great lemon aromas ranging from blossoms to the peel. Great concentration, but no less vitality. Amazingly long finish that reminds me of great Alsace dry rieslings, like Clos St. Hune! Drink or hold. – James Suckling, 96 Points. The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and smaller amounts of Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc. Ripe citrus, crushed stone, white flowers, and even a kiss of brioche all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, good acidity, and a great finish. It’s going to evolve for 10-12 years, if not longer, if well stored. – Jeb Dunnuck. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Grenache Blanc 55%, Clairette 20%, Viognier 10%, Bourboulenc 10%, Picpoul 5% Country –