Orange zest and mandarin add juice and focus, along with citrus and lime, good pace and character. Technical director Jeanne Lacombe has teased fresh acidities and grip out of the vintage. Impressive, although heavy bottle.

The 2020 Pape Clément Blanc is a clear step up from the Le Prélat and Clementin, delivering taut, mineral-rich citrus fruit aromas with vibrancy and tension. The palate is well balanced and seems less oaky than previous vintages when tasted from barrel. Ginger and lemongrass enliven the finish on this excellent Pape Clément Blanc.

The 2020 Pape Clément Blanc is remarkably understated. Passion fruit, white flowers, lemon confit, ginger and white pepper are all very nicely lifted. In 2020, the Blanc is decidedly airy and less unctuous than it has been in the past. It will be interesting to see where things stand at the end of aging,