The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc (80% Roussanne and the rest Marsanne Picpoul and Bourboulenc) possesses classic notes of orange marmalade honeysuckle and rose petals a full-bodied unctuous texture gorgeous purity and richness and a stunningly long finish. It can compete with the finest full-throttle dry whites of France as well as the world. It is difficult to find a better white Chateauneuf du Pape than Beaucastel. Much like their reds their whites are made in a style that is atypical for the appellation. It is put through full malolactic and one-third is barrel fermented then blended with the two-thirds that is aged in tank. Extraordinarily rich and honeyed it is ideal for drinking with intensely flavored culinary dishes.

Densely layered showing peach cobbler graham heather chamomile almond and brioche flavors that glide along the creamy-textured palate with a long smoke-tinged finish. Still youthfully raw so drink the 2005 while you wait for this to come together. Best from 2010 through 2021. 1850 cases made.

(18/20) Roussanne 80%, Grenache Blanc 15%, various varieties 5%. Drink 2008-09 and then maybe 2014-19. Lively and open and rather hauntingly herby. Edge of near-decay but lovely too. Just fully evolved and this would beguile any drinker. Molten and lovely satin texture.