Château La Nerthe - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée des Cadettes' 2020

Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and dates from 1560. Château La Nerthe has 227 acres of vineyards that surround the château and top the renowned La Crau plateau. The terroir is typical of the region. Vineyards run along a slope and grow in sandy-clay soils. The ground is covered by a layer of ‘galets’ – large, round, well-worn stones that were carried down from the Alps by glaciers during the last ice age. All the 13 permitted primary varietals are planted here. Grenache dominates 62% of the vineyards and the average vine age is over 40 years old. The grapes are hand harvested and sorted on tables. The grapes are then put into vats for almost 4 weeks with regular pump overs and punch downs. The must is tasted every day during fermentation to ensure the best extraction of the berry compounds. At the end, the wines are racked into oak vats for malolactic fermentation. The cuvée is then aged in large French oak casks and barrels for 12 months before blending. Bottling takes place 6 months later.

“A perfumed nose of dark cherries, sweet spices, cocoa powder, dried thyme and hints of cola. It's full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Elegant and layered with a restrained character. Harmonious structure with a bright core of berries and herbs leading towards the focused, long finish.” - 95 Points, James Suckling

“Plum reduction and cherry preserves are ripe and decadent in this red, backed up by slightly chewy tannins that give this good grip. Shows attractive concentration, but good energy too, with crushed iron laying a solid groundwork, while singed alder, dried flowers and toasted aniseed detail the long finish. Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2035.” - 94 Points, Wine Spectator 

“The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes is a blend of 48% Mourvèdre, 32% Syrah and 20% Grenache from vines with an average age of 80 years. Pronounced aromas of red and black fruits, thyme, mint, cloves, crème de cassis and a dash of white pepper usher in the 2020 Cuvée des Cadettes. The result is a terrific red with a muscular profile, framed by velvety tannins and balanced by lively acidity. Full-bodied and bold, the finish is persistent and has the edge over the 2019.” - 94 Points, Vinous

Producer: Château La Nerthe

Country: France

Region: Rhône

Varietal: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre

Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml