Marcoux consistently fashions one of the finest white Chateauneuf du Papes of the appellation, and the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc continues their undeniable success. Only 4,000 bottles are produced of this blend of two-thirds Roussanne and one-third Bourboulenc, all aged in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation. The 2011 exhibits lots of quince, apricot and honeysuckle notes along with good acidity, full-bodied power and excellent concentration. Additionally, there is always something slightly tropical and exotic about this cuvee. It is best consumed in its first several years of life. One of the classic family-owned domaines in Chateauneuf du Pape (of which there are many), Domaine de Marcoux is run by two dynamic sisters, Sophie and Catherine Armenier. The estate, which can trace its history back to 1344, has only been estate bottling since 1978. It owns over 40 acres, all of which have been biodynamically farmed since the early 1990s as this was one of the first properties to move to this strict style of farming. Both cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape were made in 2011, and in a year that saw a relatively large crop, yields were reduced at Marcoux, averaging 22 liters per hectare. They had to do a Draconian-like triage on the grapes during the harvest. The 2010s are very successful at Domaine de Marcoux. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565