Domaine Grand Veneur 2024 Chateauneuf-du-Pape "La Fontaine" Blanc 750ml

Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Grape Variety: 100% Roussanne, from vines approaching a century old

Medium gold-hued, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Fontaine Blanc offers rich, complex aromatics of ripe orchard fruits, white flowers, almond paste, and hints of fresh croissant. It's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, and it's beautifully layered and textured, with integrated acidity and a blockbuster of a finish. Pure gold in white Rhône, I wouldn't push the aging curve here and would drink bottles over the coming 5-7 years, possibly a decade. Don't let that deter you, though. This is absolutely riveting stuff. Drink 2025-2032.

Score: 98 points -- Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, 2025

Food Pairing: Butter-poached lobster, or roast chicken in a tarragon cream sauce.