White Châteauneuf-du-Pape is rare to begin with, and Marcoux's comes from just 0.8 hectares. The 2023 vintage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a dry white wine produced in the southern region of Rhône, made from a blend of old Roussanne vines planted in 1987 and Bourboulenc. The soil beneath the vines consists of chalky limestone and clay; the grapes are harvested by hand and do not undergo malolactic fermentation, so the acidity remains crisp rather than mellowing into a buttery smoothness. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks and demi-muids (600-liter oak barrels) in a ratio of approximately 60% to 40%, respectively, resulting in subtle oak notes in the background.
The summer of 2023 was hot and dry in the Châteauneuf region, with spring rains in May and June; cool nighttime temperatures helped preserve the fruit's freshness. The harvest spanned over two months across the entire appellation, from mid-August to late October, and yields were abundant. Alcohol levels were generally high throughout this vintage (14% for this wine), making balance a true challenge.
With an alcohol content of 14%, this wine is characterized by saline, dense character rather than heaviness. Marcoux practices biodynamic farming, and the estate's vineyards are certified organic. Can be enjoyed now and will keep well for another six to eight years.
Robert Parker (94)
The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a great effort at this address. Evoking a delicate, fresh bouquet of almonds blossom, pear, white peach and white fruits, it's medium to full-bodied, round and enveloping, precise and seamless, with a fleshy core of fruit and bright acids framed by a fresh, tense, ethereal finish. Matured 50-50 in large barrels and stainless steel, this blend of 70% Roussanne and 30% Bourboulenc underwent malolactic fermentation.
Winespectator (94)
A beautiful, harmonious white, with a round core of honeycomb, white flowers, ripe melon and chamomile cruising alongside fresh green herbs and bitter white tea tannins. Almost waxy in feel, with a buttercream note lingering on the well-framed finish. Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Clairette.
Vinous (93)
The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc ranks alongside the equally enticing 2022, 2021 and 2020, opening with fragrant honeysuckle, white peach, ripe pear and lemon flesh aromatics. Concentrated and rich, the 2023 packs plentiful freshness and walks off the stage with persistence on the focused finish.
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A blend of Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Clairette, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is a deeper medium gold hue and has an exotic bouquet of ripe stone fruits, honeyed toast, chamomile, and baking spices. A white that gains freshness and complexity with time in the glass, it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. This exotic, rich, textured white will shine on the dinner table.
