Circa J.L. Chave Sélection Saint-Joseph Marsanne Roussanne

Great bang for buck. Nectar-like. Real concentration and affability.

Thick texture and lots of dry extract. Papaya like ripeness. Vanilla, citrus, cream and spice. A lot to like here, some real complexity, though I wonder whether the grapes were picked a few days past perfection; very honeyed with not quite enough bite for my palate.

Medium yellow. 60/40 Roussane/Marsanne. Fermentation 100% in barrel. Aged in Barriques for 14 months. Ripe citrus and tropical fruits: Meyer lemon, papaya, mango, pineapple, yogurt, yellow flowers, celery, hints of honey and ginger, bergamot oil, marzipan, and crushed stone. Medium acid, 14.5% abv, vanilla toast and baking spices with a creamy and round mouthfeel. Long finish.

Rich, round, lemon peel, lime pith, almond and exotic citrus.

Honey, waxy, hint of apricot, medium minus acid, dried herbs and wet stone.

Butter, cream, lemon curd, white flowers

Big and intense. A red drinker's white. Still a touch of elegance on the palate that makes it lush and enjoyable.

Big and fat northern Rhone with oxidation and buttered popcorn

Blanc.

Fresh nose with lemon peel, waxy pear and a touch of spice. Richly textured but still has a sense of focus with pear and orange fruit tones.