Domaine du Pegau "Cuvee Reservee" Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2022
(Rhone, France) - [WA 93] [VM 91-93] [WS 92] [JS 92] [JD 91]

Notes from the Winemaker:
In conjunction with the Cuvée Réserve Rouge, the Cuvée Réserve Blanc with notes of white flowers and tangy yellow fruits is the image of the traditional whites of Châteauneuf du Pape. With a small production of only 4000 bottles, the Cuvée Réserve Blanc awakens the freshness and acidity of the Clairette.

VINEYARDS
48+ acres red Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvadre, other authorized varietals including Counoise, Cinsault, Vaccarase, more). 3.7 acres white Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne), nearly 20 acres of red Vin de Table. CdP vineyards are located in the communes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Courthezon (La Crau), and Bedarrides (Cabanes de Saint Jean and Les Escondudes).

VINIFICATION
Manual harvesting, Direct pressing, cooling Stainless steel vats, Fermentation under controlled temperature: 1 month
Ageing: 8 months in stainless steel vats.

COMPOSITION: Clairette 60%, Grenache blanc 20%, Bourboulenc 10%, Roussanne 10%

VITICULTURE: Vines average 60+ years in age! Yields of 2 tons/acre.
Soil: Mainly clays and clay-limestone mixture with a ferric tendency.

Tasting Notes:

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The tank-fermented 2022 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvée Réservée is a blend of approximately 60% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc and 10% each Bourboulenc and Roussanne. Mixed citrus, pineapple, dried spices and even a hint of apricot appear on the nose, giving it a rather exotic appeal this vintage. Medium to full-bodied, it finishes silky and long." - Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2023)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Offers salty concentration, flavors of apricot, pear and green plum, plus dried green herb and chamomile accents. Reveals nice honeyed notes that glide through, with tangy acidity powering the rich, silky palate. Gains nice cut from fine-grained mineral elements. Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2028. 416 cases made, 56 cases imported." - Kristen Bieler (Mar 2024)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"An aromatic nose of cooked lemons, fresh herbs, white flowers, flower honey and hints of white pepper. Medium body with fresh acidity. Round and silky with a saline character on the mid-palate and vibrant, fresh finish. 70% clairette, 20% grenache blanc, 10% roussanne and 10% bourboulenc. Drink now." - (Apr 2023)

91-93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Réservée is showing nicely, revealing spring flower, pear, white peach and melon aromas. Medium to full-bodied and vibrant, it shows great freshness, concluding with a juicy finish. (Drink between 2023-2030)" - Nicolas Greinacher (Jun 2023)

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée Blanc showed beautifully, with an exotic, tropical style in its honeyed orange, melon, minty herb, and tangerine-like nuances. It's medium-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, good acidity, and a great finish. The classic cuvée here is based largely on Clairette (60%) yet includes smaller amounts of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Bourboulenc, and it’s raised all in stainless steel." - (Oct 2023)