Domaine des Senechaux : Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2022

32% Roussanne, 31% Grenache Blanc, 28% Clairette, 9% Bourboulenc. Macerated and vinified in old oak barrels (22%) and stainless-steel tanks (78%). 22% was aged in old oak barrels for six months, 78% in stainless-steel tanks for eight months. Tasted blind. Honeyed pears and anise notes on the nose. Full and ripe, with a very sweet feel to the attack. Huge intensity and moderate acidity. Layered and opulent finish. Full throttle! (AC)

Ripe pears, honeyed orange, and some subtle toasty nuances all emerge from Senechaux's 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, a medium-bodied, ripe, layered, textured white that holds onto a terrific sense of freshness and purity. Drink this outstanding white over the coming 2-4 years. I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it have an interesting evolution beyond that as well.

This delicious, textured and flavorful white has aromas of sliced apples, pears, blanched almonds and sweet spices. Medium-bodied, focused and driven, yet subtle on the palate. Balanced and savory. Drink or hold.

The 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a blend of 32% Roussanne, 31% Grenache Blanc, 28% Clairette and 9% Bourboulenc. Made in a combination of stainless steel and older oak, the fruit notes of melon and pear come through clearly on the nose, accompanied by just a hint of fennel. It's full-bodied, with ample concentration and length, but it seems a bit soft and broad, maybe even a touch warm.