95 WS - Clos des Pape Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2008 (750ML)

Thought Chateauneuf du Pape was only for seeing red? Look again-some of the glorious whites, great enough to turn the head of even the most devoted Burgundy lover-come from the white varietals of this red-centric Rhone spot, which in and of themselves makes for some brain-teasing cocktail trivia beyond the knowns of Viognier, Marsanne, and Rousanne: Bourboulenc! Clairette! Grenache Blanc! Picpoul Blanc! Vacceresse! See? Total Rhone brain teasers. But what isn't test is how absolutely stunning they are blended together in all their glory, like here in this nutty, floral, peachy, honeysuckle rich and full-bodied stunner, that goes on and on tickling your tongue with its minerality long after you've swallowed your sip. A special-occasion wine like this calls for an equally special dish-we say go old school and pull out all the stops with a decadent dish like creamy, Cognac spiced lobster thermador! -- PJ