Château Sixtine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2018

The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is all Roussanne, 40% of which was barrel fermented and aged, while the rest went into stainless steel. Toasty oak notes frame mixed citrus on the nose of this medium to full-bodied wine, which is crisp, structured and long on the finish. It might even improve if given a couple of years in the cellar, and it drink well for up to a decade.

From 100% Roussanne brought up in old barrels and stainless steel, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is made in a different style than past cuvées and is decidedly more fresh, steely, and crisp, with notes of crushed citrus, white flowers, melon, and hints of minerality. It's clean and medium-bodied, with good acidity and a crisp finish. I miss some of the richness and depth of the past vintages, yet this is unquestionably an outstanding wine.