2011 Côtes du Rhône Villages, La Cadène Blanc, Domaine Chaume Arnaud

Rich yet elegant, with bold flavours, the fantastic palate envelops a textural quality that white Rhône often delivers. Citrus and almond abound in the mouth, which is not short in length. Clichéd and often said, but quite how the supposedly lesser appellations of the Rhône valley have kept their affordable price tags is beyond me. I love this wine for its ability either to provide good picnic fare or more cerebral experience if you choose.
Matthew Cobb, Wine Sales

An honorary roll-call of the white varieties of the Southern Rhône; the cast in order of appearance is Marsanne and Viognier taking centre stage then Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. Quite why Vinsobres does not have its appellation of the whites seems counter-intuitive, all the more given the quality on display here; agrume, nougat, gingerbread and quince all evidenced, the rich texture balanced by a finely poised twist of citric acidity at the end of the palate.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

The elevation to Cru status of the appropriately lofty vineyards of Vinsobres came in recognition of the quality of the soils and the distinctive elegance of its wines. Indeed, after Gigondas, Vinsobres is now the most talked about village outside of Châteauneuf-du-Pape; the combination of altitude and increased Syrah is a winning one, as the wines here run less risk of being too alcoholic when there has been a hot summer. When there has not, as in 2011, they are blessed with unparalleled elegance.