Settled and harmonious, with touches of dried pear and quince. Fresh, on its rails, not as explosive as it was just after bottling, showing lovely weight and size, plus touches of hazelnut to the waxy quince and anise flavours. This is dry and broad, with a little chalkiness to the texture. Equal amounts of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Picardan, Piquepoul Blanc and Roussanne, all co-fermented in stainless steel, no malo and no oak ageing. (Drink between 2020-2040)

Starting with the 2018s and aged all in stainless steel and bottled in February, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc shows the more medium-bodied, forward, supple style that's common in the whites in the vintage. Light spice, pear, quince, licorice, and crushed citrus notes all give way to a medium-bodied, silky, elegant white that's drinking beautifully already. I don't expect it to be the longest-lived white by Avril's standards, but it should easily evolve nicely for 5-7 year

Clos des Papes's white is roughly equal parts Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne, but the exact proportions vary from year to year. The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has less Bourboulenc and Picpoul. Tangerine and lime aromas lead the way, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, plump and silky, perhaps a bit lower acid than the 2017 yet still fine, elegant and lingering on the finish.