Kicking off the lineup, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc gives up gorgeously fresh and pure notes of white peach, white currants, honey blossom and hints of flowers to go with a medium-bodied, lively profile on the palate. A great white, it has juicy acidity that keeps everything focused and clean. Drink bottles over the coming 3-4 years (although it will probably last longer). Drink now-2017.
An estate that continues to produce a bevy of outstanding wines, Domaine Durieu is now managed and run by the young Vincent Durieu. Vincent produced some spectacular 2010s, and the 2011s and 2012s aren’t far behind. In addition, these remain reasonably priced in the marketplace. While their L’Eperdu cuvee shows a slight modern character, both the traditional cuvee and the old vine Lucile Avrile, which are aged mostly in concrete, stay distinctly traditional in style.
A Jack Siler Selection, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 644-5210; various American importers, including Route des Vins Imports, LLC, Charleston, SC; tel. (843) 737-0301