2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Domaine des Sénéchaux
Critics reviews
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 31/10/2012
Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com 26 Feb 2013
This nearly 65-acre estate is owned by the famous and much loved Bordeaux proprietor, Jean-Michel Cazes. To say that he and his family have done a terrific job improving the quality at this estate is an understatement as it has become one of the “go to” wines of the appellation since Cazes purchased the property in late 2006. Their vineyard holdings are located in several top terroirs, particularly Le Grand Pierre, Les Reves and Bois Senechaux.
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #204, Dec 2012
About this WINE
White Rhône Blend
With the exception of the wines from Condrieu and Château-Grillet virtually all Rhône Valley whites are made from blends.
In the north, the white wines of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St-Joseph, and St-Péray are produced from blends of Marsanne and Roussanne. Generally Marsanne is the dominant partner and it lends colour, body and weight to the blend, as well as richly scented fruit. Roussanne, a notoriously low yielder and pernickety to grow, produces intensely aromatic wines which contribute bouquet, delicacy and finesse to the blend.
Until about 15 years ago there was very little interest in southern Rhône whites as it was widely believed that the combination of dull non aromatic grapes and the baking summer heat meant quality wine production was nigh impossible. Since then the quality has improved markedly through the introduction of cool fermentation techniques and increased plantings of northern Rhône white grapes.
The base of many blends is still Grenache Blanc, a widely planted variety producing fresh wines with apple-like fruits, often with hints of aniseed. Ugni Blanc is still found in many blends, as is Clairette though their general lack of character and definition has led to a reduction in plantings. The future for southern Rhône whites appears to lie with Roussanne, Marsanne, and, increasingly, Viognier.
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Description
A soaring nose of saffron, vanilla and fine spice from 31% oak-aged Roussane and 28% Grenache Blanc, combined with fresh lime and acidity from 32% Clairette and 9% Bourboulenc. Smooth and rich on the palate, with excellent freshness, this is absolutely ready to go and will be excellent alone or with food.
Hamish Orr-Ewing, Private Account Manager
This white is a joy from start to finish and it is a shame that there is so little made. The blend is 33% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc and the rest Bourboulenc, all aged on its lees in tanks and with some new oak for the Roussanne. The rich pear-skin honied style of the Roussanne finds a perfect foil in the spicy crisp Clairette. The subtle shift in encepagement over the years has led to an extremely positive re-appraisal of the whites from this famous bastion of powerful red wines and this is a perfect example.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Domaine des Sénéchaux continues to climb the village’s unwritten hierarchical ladder. The Cazes family (Ch. Lynch-Bages), who own the property, are generous both in their financial investment and in their lack of interference. Winemaker Bernard Tranchecoste has done them proud. 2011 was marked for him by the contrast between its early flowering and the slowing down of the hitherto precocious cycle with some tricky weather towards the end of July. Oidium was conquered finally and the harvest was brought in, in good volume, but over an extended period. The harvest was finished by the end of the first week of October.
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