Chante Cigale, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2007

Straw.

Have to dig out the aromatics. Almost a beer nut quality initially (reminds me of certain Rieslings). Then we get hints of pear and almond. Other spicy stuff (quince?) too. Intriguing, needs some time. Pepper.

Then sweet, ripe, pear and lemon action in the mouth, with almond paste bringing up the rear. Quite fresh, not nearly as opulent and rich as the Clos St. Michel '06 (bottle age, vintage difference, or both?), but very nice stuff. Strong acidity/minerality drive the finish.

RFG

Day 4 - More immediate fruit on the nose now. Pear/almond/hazelnut. Nice, restrained, flesh in the mid-palate. Not as rich as the St. Michel '06, but classier, more vibrant. Could drink a lot of this.

$35