M Chapoutier La Bernardine Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2022 750ml

M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2022 is a rich, structured white from the Southern Rhône's prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. "La Bernardine" serves as Chapoutier's approachable "entry-level" cuvée for the appellation (named after a historic lieu-dit), drawing from a selection of plots with the classic galet-covered soils that retain heat and impart minerality. It's biodynamically farmed and emphasizes the unique white-wine potential of the region — full-bodied yet fresh, with good aging capacity. This marks a shift in your Chapoutier series from Northern Rhône whites to the warmer, more opulent Southern style.

Blend and Production

The blend varies slightly by vintage but for 2022 is typically dominated by Clairette (around 80% in some notes, or a major portion), with Grenache Blanc (about 20%), plus Grenache Gris, and Roussanne. This gives floral and citrus lift from Clairette, stone-fruit richness from Grenache varieties, and texture from Roussanne.

Grapes are hand-harvested with gentle pressing. Fermentation and aging (8–12 months) occur in a mix of vessels (often including oak casks or tanks), with some lees contact for creamy texture without heavy wood influence. The 2022 vintage was warm and generous in the Southern Rhône, delivering ripe fruit balanced by the terroir's natural structure and freshness.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Golden yellow, brilliant, sometimes with a slightly viscous or full look.
• Nose: Expressive and aromatic — ripe pears, honeyed tangerines, candied citrus, peach, dried pear, chamomile, green herbs, white flowers (vine blossom, lily), vanilla, and subtle mineral/stone notes. Some detect grapefruit, tea, or floral lift.
• Palate: Medium- to full-bodied with glossy texture, good weight, and integrated freshness. Flavors of ripe stone fruit (pear, peach), honeyed citrus, apricot, and savory herbal/mineral elements. It shows vibrant acidity that keeps it lively, a savory/mineral-driven finish with length and energy, and subtle spice or toast. Described as structured yet appealing, clean, crisp, and humming with mineral energy — not overly heavy despite the ripeness.

Critics scored it strongly: 95 points Jeb Dunnuck (gorgeous array of ripe fruit with freshness), 94 points James Suckling, 93 points Wine Spectator (big personality with zesty peach, pear, chamomile, and energized mineral finish). It drinks well now through the early 2030s, developing more honeyed and nutty complexity with time.