Quite a complex white Rhone with aromas and flavours of quince, citrus, apricot, tropical notes (banana, pineapple) and mineral. The mouthfeel is creamy and leesy with medium plus body and alcohol. There's a slightly reductive sulphury note with a savoury/bitter late palate. Not quite balanced as acidity doesn't match the weight and alcohol heat is pronounced. But can't deny the value and my local LCBO has it discounted to $11. Bonus! April 2016.

This lovely CDR blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc seems to be very much a reflection of sunny southern France. Pear dominates the nose, but other notes include ripe apple (Royal Gala), pineapple, lime, minerals, and nuts, with a touch of smokiness emerging towards the end, some bitter grapefruit pith entering on the finish, and a wispy florality flitting about here and there. All this is packed into a nice frame, the texture rich and oily (not in a bad way) but balanced with refreshing acidity, the finish quite dry. And all this at a fine value. Nice stuff from Chapoutier.