Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Fontaine 2016

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The flagship 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Fontaine is a more substantial, serious effort that offers notes of caramelized citrus, brioche, honeysuckle and orange blossom. Rich, layered and concentrated, yet also fresh and lively, it's a terrific white that's going to sing on the dinner table. Drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years (it will keep even longer). (10/19/17)"

94 points Decanter: "Almond and poached pear on the nose with some noticeable oak influence. Rich on the palate, broad, flowing and silky. Good acidity and a mineral finish give this shape and length. It's always a rich style, but a little more tucked in than usual, with very good length of flavour. 100% Roussanne. Drinking Window 2018-2022. (Oct 2017)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "[$70 list] Vivid straw-gold. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe pear, candied orange, smoky minerals and chamomile, along with a deeper suggestion of honey. Energetic, palate-staining citrus and orchard fruit flavors show outstanding clarity and slowly put on weight and spread out with air. The mineral note reappears on the finish, which shows a noteworthy combination of richness and sharply defined, bright, filigreed character. Drink: 2022-2028. (Oct 2018)"

92-94 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "The full-bodied, creamy-textured and amazingly plush 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc La Fontaine is a blend of barrel-fermented and tank-fermented Roussanne. The aromas of honey, vanilla and bergamot are intense, as are the pineapple notes on the palate. The wine finishes long, given definition by briny and bitter notes. My advice is to opt for caution when aging these big whites and drink them while the fruit is still paramount. Drink: 2017-2020. (Oct 2017)"