As Good As Beaucastel at a Fraction of the Price? It Sure Is!

As Good As Beaucastel at a Fraction of the Price

Michel Gassier is definitely on a crazy hot streak with all of the wines he produces in partnership with importer, Eric Solomon, and the Southern Rhone's viticultural aficionado, Philippe Cambie.  He's the same guy that's the driving force behind numerous beautiful Chateauneuf Du Pape wines that everyone loves, such as Clos Saint Jean, Donjon, and Prefert.  Obviously, he also has a very apt hand with his white wines as evidenced by his 2011 Nostre Pais Blanc.

This great find, which incidentally only costs $17.99, is a blend of organically grown, old vine Grenache Blanc (90%), Viognier (5%) and Roussanne (5%), fermented in stainless steel and aged on the lees for 6 months.  "I know some readers will find it hard to believe, but the 2011 Nostre Pais Blanc's aromas and rich, honeyed, full-bodied texture reminded me of the famous white Chateauneuf du Pape made by Chateau Beaucastel, which sells for three or more times the price."  That's a bold statement made by none other than Robert Parker who went on to award the wine 93 points!

When I pulled the cork on this one, needless to say, I was a bit skeptical.  How could this $17.99 bottle even mildly compare to the incomparable white from Beaucastel?  But, as Parker said, "you have to taste it to believe it."

The aromatics were so intense and in-turn complex that I took my time to actually taste it.  I wanted to see if it developed even further.  Sure enough, it did.  Dried floral notes exploded from the glass, and the delicate white peaches and subtle tropical aromas were sublime.  I had to check the label once more to confirm that this gorgeous wine was from the Costieres de Nimes and not from Chateauneuf du Pape.  Yes, it sure was!  I never would have guessed.  I finally tasted it and thought?WOW!   Full bodied, lively, with a length that only comes from wines that cost much, much more.  If any of you are interested in sharing this incredible find, you'll need to act quickly because we only picked up a few cases, and I'm buying some for myself RIGHT NOW!