95pts Jeb Dunnuck
Mostly Clairette (there's 20% Grenache Blanc), the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine Blanc has a gorgeous array of ripe pears, honeyed tangerines, white flowers, and a wonderful sense of stony minerality. This all carries to a medium to full-bodied, richly textured, and flawlessly balanced white with integrated acidity and outstanding length.
94pts James Suckling
Full, expressive nose of candied citrus, dried pear and vanilla that pulls you into this very structured, full-bodied white Chateauneuf, which has energetic acidity for this hot and dry vintage. The positive, fine tannins really help to drive this cuvee with clairette from the extreme east of the appellation and grenache blanc from the extreme west. This was vinified in a mix of demi-muid and foudre oak casks. From organically grown grapes.
91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape la Bernardine Blanc—tasted as a tank sample in the summer of 2023—boasts attractive aromas of clover honey, fresh limes, white peaches and crushed stone. Only medium to full-bodied, I'd prefer to see a bit more richness in this wine, but it's clean, crisp and nicely balanced.
Tasting Notes
Golden, yellow and brilliant in color with notes of vine blossom and lily in the nose. The palate well-balance and fresh with flavors of candied citrus. Pair with grilled and roasted white meats, as well as monkfish and scallops. Also, an excellent pairing with brandade or Camembert cheese.
About the Wine
"La Bernardine" is the name of the house, sitting in the middle of the vineyards, which was bought by Michel's grandfather. Golden, yellow and brilliant in color with notes of vine blossom and lily in the nose. The palate well-balance and fresh with flavors of candied citrus.