Le Plaisir Blanc Roger Sabon Vin de France 2021

This is a wonderful Rhône grape focussed white from a family estate, set up as late as 1952 by the inspirational Roger Sabon. The estate has slowly expanded over the years, recently reaching a total of 50 hectares, including some enviable, high-class vineyard holdings which can be found in Châteauneuf, Lirac and Côtes du Rhône However, it is perhaps the work they do with their Vin de France vines that is the most exciting. This cuvée is crafted from hand harvested fruit which is whole bunch pressed followed by a low controlled fermentation in stainless steel to preserve the natural grapes character. The finished wine comprises of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier and Roussanne and is fresh on the nose with an obvious and exciting grapefruit character. There's a nice natural feel to the fruit, quite tight to start but becomes more generous, with some lovely fleshier white peach character.