Château de Beaucastel 2021

Savory and intensely mineral-driven, with wet stone, flint and salty mineral notes overlaying a core of lemon peel and fresh apple. Builds in richness on the round palate, with a waft of smoke moving through. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2030. 135 cases made.

Honeycomb oak on the nose, then quite a broad and generous palate. Sappy acidity, although not as high as some white Châteauneufs this year, and a long finish. This has a good sense of lightness, drinkability and balance. The oak is quite forthright for now, so give this some time to come together. 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache and Clairette, plus 10% of Piquepoul Blanc, Picardan and Bourboulenc. Part of the blend was matured in two- and three-year-old barriques for a year.

Stone fruits, crushed chalk and oyster shell with chamomile notes. A rounded and rich palate with honeyed notes, crackling acidity and freshness with a firm, detailed, opulent palate of honey, lemon verbena and roasted almonds – very well-judged oak. Really lovely balance of freshness and the fatness of Roussanne. (AC)

Light greenish lemon with silver reflections. Delicate nutty-smoky tones underlying reductive nuances, white tropical fruit, some dried apricot, a hint of lime: a multi-faceted bouquet. Juicy, fine yellow fruit notes of peach and mango, discreet acidity, balanced and elegant. The wine is already very well developed with subtle sweetness on the finish.