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Rotem and Mounir Saouma

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Magis 2020

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Another unsurprising but jawdropping discovery when encountering the Saouma wines: Magis, Mounir’s white Châteauneuf from the heavily limestone Pierredon vineyard in Bedarrides. It makes sense that a producer of great white Burgundy would quickly become enchanted by the possibilities here. Only 3% of Châteauneuf is white, and virtually all of it is bottled after 6 months. Mounir’s Châteauneuf is aged 18-24 months and has already been compared to some of the great white Burgundy crus for its depth and minerality.

Vineyard

From the first little bottling of white that Mounir did, he became more intent on buying and in fact planting vineyards to produce white Chateauenuf. This wine has been in the past fully from the heavily limestone Pierredon vineyard in Bedarrides, but additional plots in Courthezon have been planted.

Winemaking

Harvest took place in late September under clear skies. The whites are elegant with great length and nobility, their elegance and freshness enhanced by the careful élèvage.

Vintage

2020 is another excellent vintage for the Rhône Valley. Another dry spring was followed by a moderate summer, this time without the extreme heat spikes of 2019. Harvest occurred early – particularly for whites and Rosés – but the weather was even and temperate throughout. The grapes were ripe and concentrated with excellent natural acidity – superb raw materials across all AOPs. The wines are rich, balanced, and expressive.

Tasting Note

Mystifying how this wine exhibits both suppleness and tension, and a piercing minerality that is unique among Châteauneuf whites we have experienced.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne

Appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Alcohol

15%

Reviews

96

"Glistening beam of yellow apple"

Wine Spectator - October 26, 2023

"Powerful and sleek, this shows a glistening beam of yellow apple wrapped in stylish oak, with tremendous underlying concentration. Modern and very well-executed, with a saline streak, this hums with mineral energy and impressive structure on the seemingly never-ending finish." - K.B. 10/23

 

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape Magis Bottle Shot

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