2017 Ogier Clos de L'Oratoire Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

After more than 160 years, Ogier has grown to become one of the leading producers in the Rhône Valley. Most of its land holdings are in the Southern Rhône area producing wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Lirac. The estate quietly produces wine from 100% organic grapes and produces wine in a very traditional method. Ogier’s wines are an ode to finesse, elegance and freshness.

Created in 1880, the 'Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes' is an iconic wine from the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. The story began when Edouard Amouroux obtained the famous plot of Syrah vines, through his marriage, located at the place known as Tresquoy. The property owes its name to the oratory dedicated to St Mark which stands on the edge of the plot. This terroir's great quality helped this wine to quickly become a leading product of the appellation. In 1999 Ogier purchased Clos de l'Oratoire and has run it to their standards since. 

Although Châteauneuf du Pape wines are well-known today, in particular for their great red wines (95% of the appellation) mainly from Grenache Noir varieties, connoisseurs will recognize in the white wines all the signs of a great 'terroir'. Two limestone plots at the Terroirs du Clos are kept for a wine whose uniqueness has no equal with regard to its delicacy, which will seduce palates that are seeking freshness and minerality.

The region’s distinctive soils of large rounded pebbles and stones are evident throughout the Ogier vineyards.  Located in the center of the village in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the centuries-old winery is home to over 8,000 hectoliters of vats, barrels, demi-muids, casks, and truncated vats, a tribute to its original craftsmanship as barrel maker.

25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, 25% Roussanne, 25% Bourboulenc.

The color is a beautiful golden yellow with glints of green. The nose expresses the specificity of this wine, with aromas of white fruit (apple, pear), orange blossom, aniseed, lemon, and woody undertones. The palate has muchpresence, is very fruity, with finesse, breadth, and sweetness, but retaining a good balance of freshness.  

Fresh, meadow flowers, lemon blossom and a nicely played, savory thread of pastry and lightly toasted biscuits.The palate has impressive tension and restraint, the acidity and tannins working smoothly and in unison, to deliver length and freshness. Drink or hold. ~93 James Suckling

A near carbon copy of the excellent 2016 version, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes is an equal-parts blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. One-fourth was barrel fermented—just enough to provide asense of richness to the stone fruit and tangerine flavors, while finishing crisp, briny, and fresh. ~90 Wine Advocate

Slightly better, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes Blanc is equal parts Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Clairette. It too has a green herb/green tea-like character as well as perfumed citrus fruits,medium body, good depth of fruit, and a refreshing, balanced style. ~90 Jeb Dunnuck

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