Clos Petite Bellane (France) Cotes du Rhone Blanc 1999
The winemaker at this domaine has, apparantly, served his time at no less a winery than Chateau Petrus of Pomerol, on of the world’s most exclusive and sought after domaines. I tasted the red version of this during the week too and it is excellent in its own right, but I decided on this white as my Wine of the Week. A 50/50 blend of Roussanne and Viognier, this richly golden wine has delicious aromas of peaches and butterscotch, with a floral lift and a tantalising glimpse of burnt orange. On the palate it is full, rich and lush with a heady blend of sweet fruits, alcohol (though it’s rated a moderate 13%), an underlying nuttiness and good acidity. Quite long, this finishes with fine balance yet plenty of powerful personality. Oddbins 5.49
