Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée des Générations Marie-Léoncie 2017

90% old vine Roussanne, 10% Clairette

95 Robert Parker, 94 Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Wine Enthusiast, 4.4* Vivino, 1* Guide Hachette 2020

Very small production, probably the finest white Châteauneuf du Pape around. An auspicious birthday or wedding gift - who can resist the gift of generations!

Tasting notes: Dense amber nectar, opening with notes of mango and poached pear. On the palate, a rich enveloping textured vanilla custard, brioche, and salty minerality. Drink now or hold up to 2027 for notes of gingerbread, honey, and truffles to develop. 

Drink with: On its own to savour the heady aromas, or with luxurious foods like lobster, monkfish, foie gras. Excellent with anything that has pears - blue cheese, walnuts and pears; pear tart. Serve at 14-16C. 

Winemaking notes: Vines are 60+ years old, at 40-100 metres altitude and planted mostly on Urgonian limestone giving the wine excellent minerality. Early harvest to preserve maximum freshness. Most notably, the Roussanne ferments in large oak barriques, providing excellent integration of oak to the wine. You'll taste the smoothness, promise.