One of the best white Chateauneufs I've tasted—outdoing its fine performance last year prior to bottling—the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee A Tempo is equal parts Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, vinified and aged in a combination of barrique, concrete egg and stainless steel. Full-bodied, rich and lush, it shows honeyed bergamot and pineapple fruit balanced by clean citrus and anise notes. Bravo!

Transparent yellow-gold. An impressively complex, mineral-accented bouquet displays aromas of ripe citrus and orchard fruits, nori, buttered toast and jasmine, and a hint of anise sneaks in as the wine opens up. At once deep and lithe on the palate, offering vibrant Meyer lemon, pear, gingerbread and fennel flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Displays superb tension and thrust on a mineral- and floral-driven finish that refuses to let up. I'd have absolutely no problem lining up this remarkable wine alongside a group of high-end Grand Cru white Burgundies from that region's biggest names.