M Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Bernardine 2022
(Southern Rhone, France) - [JD 95] [JS 94]

About the Winery:
The name Chapoutier occupies a storied place in the history of the Rhône Valley, beginning 1808, when the family first settled in the Rhône Valley. Throughout the 19^th century and well into the next, M. CHAPOUTIER and its eponymous winery grew steadily, producing wine from esteemed vineyard sites such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, 1990 was a watershed moment for the winery, with the arrival of Michel Chapoutier. Under his leadership, the maverick winemaker established bold initiatives. For example, the introduction of Single Vineyard Selection that express the unique terroir of a site, or wine labels embossed in braille for the visually impaired. In each instance, Michel’s decisions were, and continue to be, driven by a deep respect for the soil, climate, and his fellow human beings.

About this Wine:

Grape variety -  A blend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties, predominately Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Clairette and Roussanne

Ageing potential -  5 to 10 years.

Terroir - Old quaternary terraces with the surface covered by large, round pebbles from the Alps. The soil is also composed of Miocenian safres situated on Villafrancian terraces with a clay matrix. 

Harvest - The harvesting date is determined by the acidity level sought in the wine. The natural acidity of the must ensures a good stability of the wine. Exclusively hand-harvested grapes which maintains the integrity of the grape.

Vinification - After pressing and settling, vinification is carried out in thermo-regulated stainless still tanks.

Ageing - Ageing for 8 to12 months. This takes place both in French oak demi-muids (600l barrels) and stainless steel tanks. The wines are matured in stainless steel tanks on its fine lees. This type of ageing process gives the wine structure and complexity. Early bottling is carried out to ensure the freshness of the wine is preserved.

Tasting -  Colour: golden, yellow, brilliant. Nose: hints of vine blossom and lily. Palate: frank attack, well-balanced, fresh. Candied citrus aromas.

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Mostly Clairette (there's 20% Grenache Blanc), the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine Blanc has a gorgeous array of ripe pears, honeyed tangerines, white flowers, and a wonderful sense of stony minerality. This all carries to a medium to full-bodied, richly textured, and flawlessly balanced white with integrated acidity and outstanding length." - Jeb Dunnuck (Oct 2023)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Full, expressive nose of candied citrus, dried pear and vanilla that pulls you into this very structured, full-bodied white Chateauneuf, which has energetic acidity for this hot and dry vintage. The positive, fine tannins really help to drive this cuvee with clairette from the extreme east of the appellation and grenache blanc from the extreme west. This was vinified in a mix of demi-muid and foudre oak casks. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold." - Stuart Pigott (Apr 2024)