2008 Domaine de la Bécassonne, 55% Roussanne, 15% Clairette and 30% Grenache Blanc, Côtes du Rhône, France

This Côtes du Rhône is made from 55% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 15% Clairette and fermented in tanks. Andre Brunel, the winemaker, is one the most respected in this area. Ban all Chardonnay and convert to this buxom beauty. It’s full-bodied but has the acid to balance it out. An all-around great wine, you can enjoy it with appetizers as well as many main courses. One of my favorite selections, I like to always have a bottle at the ready. Previously, Parker said, “This is about as good a white Côtes du Rhônes as readers will ever find. This wine is tank-fermented and the malolactic has been blocked to preserve the wine's vibrancy and acidity.”