2014 Château des Tours Blanc – Rhône Valley Côte-Rôtie Blanc
Although Château des Tours is better known for its reds, its white bottling from the Rhône Valley — typically a blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne — has quietly earned a reputation for serious texture and depth. The 2014 vintage, tempered by an erratic season that leaned cool and classical, produced whites with freshness and aromatic definition rather than hedonistic opulence. In bottle today, this wine shows real precision and poise.
On the nose there’s a crystalline interplay of lemon blossom, white peach and pear, married with hints of crushed stone and herbal nuances that suggest thyme and wild fennel. Subtle notes of almond skin and honeysuckle lend complexity without veering toward heaviness. The palate is medium-bodied and focused, where bright acidity lifts flavours of citrus pith, orchard fruit and a distinct saline minerality. A gentle texture from lees contact gives weight without blunting the wine’s tension, carrying through to a clean, lingering finish of citrus oil and light spice.
This is Rhône white at its most composed — expressive yet reserved, mineral-driven and built with balance that rewards both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful sipping.
Corked Points: 92/100
