2019 “Nature” Côtes Du Rhône Blanc - Famille Perrin

Lemon pith, fresh thyme, Asian pear. Peach pit, almond skin, yellow apple core. Complex and crunchy bursts of white nectarine, grapefruit peel, and yellow cherry highlight an intriguingly bold yet crisp-fruited foundation intricately sprinkled with hints of marjoram, dry grass, and stoney minerals. Well integrated notes of granite and dusty soils advance delightfully rugged and earthy undercurrents with further help from sage and a medley of lightly bitter herbs. Wafts of wildflowers and orchard blossom arise to reveal subtle yet pretty floral aromas that playfully intersect with white pepper and coriander in a subtle dusting of spice. Delicate impressins of peanut shell and hard cheeses round out the attack with faintly phenolic leesy qualities that complete a gorgeous balance of fruit and non-fruit characteristics. Excitingly full, deep, and layered on the palate while simultaneously remaining surprisingly lean and restrained; exhibiting nice precision and dimension that presents as both firm and finesse-driven. Medium plus in body while carried by elevated acidity. This 2019 "Nature" Côtes Du Rhône Blanc by Famille Perrin is an impressively serious and delicious white from the Rhone Valley.

While the southern portion of France's Rhone Valley is best known for producing rich and robust red wine, this classic region is also home to some extremely interesting and compelling whites. This bottling, crafted by Chateau Beaucastel's Famille Perrin using a blend of Grenache Blanc/Viognier/Roussanne/Marsanne sourced from an organic vineyard in the commune of Vinsobres, is an outstanding example of the power, complexity and finesse this region's underrated whites can achieve. While it contains no shortage of ripe and energetic fruit this wine is equally driven by gorgeous notes of dry stony soil, delicate flowers, and garrigue. It is nicely structured and focused while simultaneously remaining friendly and forward; effortlessly showcasing the strengths of the oft-underappreciated genre of Rhone white wines. Well done.