The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige Blanc is pure gold and a magical, perfect wine from this incredible family estate. Based largely on Roussanne with smaller amounts of Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it was brought up in used demi-muids. Honeyed pineapple, caramelized white peach, mango, honeysuckle, and exotic rose petal notes all emerge from this full-bodied white, which has bright acidity, incredible depth of fruit, and flawless balance. This extraordinary white needs plenty of air to show at its best (you could even open it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator overnight), and I suspect it will have two decades or more of overall longevity.

Sourced from sandy soils in the lieu-dit of La Janasse, this bottling is comprised of 70% Roussanne augmented with 15% each of Grenache Blanc and Clairette. Vinified and matured in neutral French oak, its crisp pineapple and quince flavors are piercing and fresh, edged by hints of smoke, white pepper and toasted hazelunts. Concentrated and rich in texture, the wine will improve through 2035 and continue to gain savory nuances for decades beyond. — Anna Lee C. Iijima