Xavier Cuvée Anonyme Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2012

The first vintage of the cuvee and also brilliant, with a similar level of richness, yet additional focus and purity, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme (50% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc and 10% Clairette all aged two-thirds in barrel and one-third in stainless steel) is pure class. Rich white peach, toasted almonds, white currants and citrus all emerge from the glass, and it shows a similar saline-like minerality on the palate. A big wine, it stays beautiful fresh and lively. Like the straight Chateauneuf, it should drink nicely for at least 2-3 years. Drink now-2017. Score - 94. (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013)