2018 Gassier Nostre Pais Blanc

"The Nostre Pais Blanc is a blend of 80% Grenache blanc and the rest equal parts Roussanne and Viognier, aged on its lees for six months, with some barrel fermentation but limited exposure to oak. It comes across as a top-flight white Chateauneuf du Pape rather than a less expensive Costieres de Nimes. Light gold in color, with an extraordinary nose of vivid honeysuckle, candle wax, marmalade and tropical fruit, the wine is elegant, has good acidity, and wonderful freshness, but a surprisingly intense, full-bodied mouthfeel. Following a tasting, I had this wine with Maryland soft shell crabs, and it was an exquisite marriage. Drink it over the next year. These are two brilliant white wines from up-and-coming Costieres de Nimes producer Michel Gassier. His consultant is the irrepressible Philippe Cambie, who is, of course, a superstar for red wines, but can also turn a trick or two with some extraordinary whites. Both of these fascinating wines almost defy belief given their realistic pricing." Wine Advocate