2007 Château Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (Pre-Arrival)

95 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc is even better. Meriting the same rating as I gave it last year, it is a delicious, beautifully textured, light gold-colored white revealing plenty of white peach, apricot, nectarine, and honeysuckle notes as well as a distinctive florality and minerality. More honeyed and fuller-bodied than its 2008 counterpart, it should drink beautifully for 7-8 years, then go into an oxidative state. It is somewhat of a gamble as to what will happen thereafter. Beaucastel's limited production luxury cuvee first produced in 1986 is their 100% Roussanne Vieilles Vignes offering. Fifty percent is barrel-fermented in one-year-old barrels, but no new oak is utilized." (10/09) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Very ripe, but pure and well-defined, with lush mango, dried pineapple, Jonagold apple and Cavaillon melon notes, all laced with heather honey and brioche hints. The long, creamy finish lets a stony note ripple through. Drink now through 2019." (06/09) 92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Light, bright gold. Ripe pear and white peach aromas are complemented by marzipan, honey and dried flowers. Sappy pit fruit flavors stain the palate and are firmed by juicy minerals, picking up subtle herbal and mineral notes on the back end. Finishes with excellent clarity and cling, the honey note repeating. This could handle the richest fish preparations." (Jan/Feb 2009) ETA: May 2010.