ArtisanWineDepot.com

92 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
"Vivid gold. Pungent, mineral and herb-accented aromas of dried pit fruits, mango, honey and lemon curd. A smoky note comes up with air, along with a hint of anise. Then dusty, dry and sappy on the palate, with impressive intensity to the flavors of ripe orchard fruits, citrus peel and licorice. Finishes firm-edged and stony, with excellent persistence. A serious, soil-driven white wine that was raised in all neutral oak." - Josh Raynolds (Nov/Dec '10)

91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The flagship 2009 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is 62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc and 12% Picpoul Blanc. It reveals lovely delineation, freshness and verve. Scents of white peaches, flowers, minerals come together beautifully on the layered finish. The 2009 Esprit has lovely vibrancy for the vintage, mostly owing to the inclusion of 12% Picpoul, which adds much needed acidity. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." - Antonio Galloni (Aug 2011)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ('08 Vintage):
"The flagship white is the 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, a blend of 65% Roussanne, 30% Grenache blanc, and a rarity of 5% Picpoul. This is really great stuff in 2008. The wine displays plenty of honeyed citrus, spring flowers, white peach, apricot, quince, and loads of wet rocks, giving a steely definition to its opulent, full-bodied, yet fresh flavors. This is a tour de force in dry white and Rhone Ranger blends. It’s impossible to know how long it will last, but I would drink it sooner rather than later." -Robert Parker (Aug 2010)

92 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ('08 Vintage):
"68% roussanne, 22% grenache blanc and 10% picpoul) Light, bright gold. Pungently floral aromas of lime, lemongrass and green apple, with notes of dusty minerals and honey. Deep citrus flavors are firmed by gentle chalk and white pepper qualities and show a strong tangerine note. Tangy and refreshing on the finish, leaving behind sweet citrus and mineral notes. This wine is really lively for a southern Rhone white blend." -Josh Raynolds (Nov/Dec '09)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ('07 vintage):
"The prodigious 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc (68% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, and 10% Picpoul) is one of the finest white Rhone Rangers I have tasted. A beautiful bouquet of orange blossoms, honeysuckle, lemon zest, quince, and white flowers is followed by a full-bodied wine with stunning concentration, layered flavors, and good underlying minerality as well as acidity. This sensational wine should provide immense pleasure over the next 3-5 years." -Robert Parker, Aug '09

92 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ('07 vintage):
"Pale chartreuse color. Deep, smoky bouquet combines mango, pear, lees and dried flowers. Lightweight and precise, with fresh citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late jolt of tangy minerals. Deep in flavor but elegant, finishing with good mineral lift and bite. This weighs in at a civilized 13.5% alcohol." -Josh Raynolds, Dec '08

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