Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel, Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2008

The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes is more restrained than usual, with more minerality and acidity, which is in keeping with the vintage character. While still relatively exotic, everything is more buttoned down. However, the overall impression is of a full-bodied, powerful, honeyed white wine with superb depth, richness, and potential complexity. This beauty should be at its peak between 2010 and 2015.

Creamy and lush, with lovely mango, peach, pineapple and macadamianut notes that stay bright and defined throughout. Ripeand very stylish, with an alluring whiff of toasted almond on thefinish. There's impressive mouthfeel for the vintage. Roussanne.Drink now through 2015.