Little information was included with the sample of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, but what I can tell you is that it tastes balanced and fresh, with mandarin orange and lime flavors, ample weight on the palate and a tight, crisp finish. While probably best young, it has enough zest to keep it a few years.

The quality at this estate has soared in recent vintages. One of the top whites I was able to taste for this report, the 2014 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (which was still in barrel at the time of this tasting) exhibits gorgeous notes of white peach, crushed mint, citrus and hints of tropical fruits. It is made from a blend of 50% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette and the balance Bourboulenc. It’s medium-bodied, beautifully textured and has a terrific finish. This beauty shines for its purity of fruit and will impress for 4-5 years, possibly longer.

The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a good, medium-bodied and straightforward effort that offers up notes of honey blossom, stone fruits and hints of minerality. Staying nicely focused and fresh, it’s a solid effort to drink over the coming couple of years. Drink now-2015. Importer: Shaw-Ross, Miramar, FL; tel. (954) 430-5036

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc is a solidly constructed, medium-bodied, fresh, lively white revealing hints of melons, candle wax, pears and honeysuckle. It is best drunk over the next year. This is another estate that did not want to show any of its 2008s, which is hardly an endorsement of what they produced in this challenging vintage. However, all four of their 2009s performed well. Not to be overlooked is the Brunel family’s Chateau St.-Roch estate in Lirac, from which some terrific bargains emerge. That said, I was not impressed with their 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau St.-Roch, and thus it is not being reviewed. However, I love what they have accomplished with their Lirac and Cotes du Rhone. Importer: Shaw-Ross, Miramar, FL; tel. (954) 430-5036.