Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Rhone, France 2007 帕普教皇新堡白葡萄酒 2007

The aging trajectory of top-tier Rhône whites has long incited lively debate. Despite varied opinions, general consensus suggests either drinking the wines young for their fruit or much later after they have emerged from a long, dormant midlife.  It's an odd but useful either/or, one seemingly the unique demesne of the region’s whites. 

Paul-Vincent Avril of Clos des Papes advocates such a view.  He's shared often that his white shows best in the full flush of youth or, alternatively, in the fullness of time, typically meaning a dozen years or more.  I tend to feel that his white CDP really hits its stride about 10-15 years after the vintage.  The treat is one of positive development (almonds, honey) unimpeded from any sense of decline.