Rotem & Mounir Saouma Chateauneuf-du-Pape Arioso white 2020

Aged entirely in demi-muids, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso Blanc 2020 is without question one of the greatest whites of the vintage, capable of rivaling a Burgundy grand cru. It reveals aromas of orchard fruits and white peach, honeysuckle, toasted brioche and a minerality reminiscent of crushed rock. On the palate, it is a concentrated white wine, medium- to full-bodied, of extreme elegance, taut, pure and perfectly controlled. It shows superb tension and remarkable precision. One wishes to see more whites like this in the Southern Rhône. It will benefit from a year in bottle and can be cellared for two decades.