The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Barville Roussanne Blanc exhibits a light gold color along with a nose of brioche, almond paste, candle wax and orange rind/marmalade. This rich, powerful, elegant, pure, fleshy, expansive, dry white will offer enjoyable drinking over the next few years.
Laurent Brotte continues to take this historic negociant firm to higher and higher heights in Chateauneuf du Pape. No doubt the hiring of Philippe Cambie several years ago has aided in this dramatic improvement. My recent tastings here revealed very good 2011s and 2010s, the latter perhaps being the finest vintage I have yet tasted from Brotte. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799