Raymond Usseglio & Fils Pure Clairette 2018 Magnum

"A terrific effort, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Exceptionnelle is all Clairette Rose and Clairette Blanche, fermented and aged in a couple of 600-liter Stockinger demi-muids and bottled in magnums. Pencil shavings accent discreet hints of peach, melon and lime. This is delicate yet authoritatively flavored, medium to full-bodied, plump, silky and long".

Also terrific, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pure Clairette (equal amounts Clairette Rose and Clairette) offers a medium to full-bodied, clean, balanced style that carries terrific notes of citrus blossom, honeyed minerality, and white flowers. Brought up in demi-muids, it has good acidity, terrific purity of fruit, and a great finish. Bottled only in magnum, it’s going to benefit from a year in bottle and keep for 7-8 years.

Petal-soft on the nose, but with considerable grip on the palate. There's a little bitter pithy twist that brings structure. This isn't complex per se, but it's deeply pure and resonant - quietly compelling with oak in the background. This is a highly distinctive, expertly made wine, but don't expect fireworks - you have to listen carefully. Only available in magnum, 800 produced. Organic Clairette grown on sand. Fermented and aged for 8 months in demi-muids.