Château La Nerthe : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

La Nerthe's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, 7% Cinsault and 2% others. Aged in a substantial portion of new oak (20%), it shows hints of toast and vanilla on the nose, then plenty of concentrated cherry fruit on the palate. It's full-bodied and plush in texture, making it approachable now, but there's enough tannic backbone and length on the finish to think it will drink well for more than a decade.

Creamy textured plum and raspberry sauce notes glide through, flecked with black tea and pastis flavors and framed by a subtle apple wood hint. Flattering in feel, but shows latent cut and drive, so there's no rush. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2020 through 2034. 12,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

Blackberry and black-cherry flavors are opulent in this rich, ample-bodied wine. It's intensely fleshy in fruit character but muted by hints of earth and savory spice as well as a whisper of violet. Ripe, finely woven tannins accentuate the immediate appeal but should structure the wine well through 2028.

Tank sample. Deep, ripe core of fruit and tannin punctured by a tremulous acid line. Vibrant, juicy blackberry and black cherry fruits, with a fragrant violet end. Light on its feet and very drinkable.

Up-to-date, classical style with alluring red florals, red berries and light, herbal accents. The palate rolls out plush, plump, dark berries in a silky, smooth chassis. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. La Nerthe boasts 90 ha (222 acres) in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, two-thirds of which surround the château, while the final third is located on the famous plateau of La Crau. All the vineyards are farmed organically. Since young winemaker Ralph Garcin joined the estate in 2016, small yet significant changes have been made here. Ralph has introduced vinification by plot, investing in smaller fermentation tanks and larger ageing vessels. He’s also been making improvements to their viticultural practices, such as introducing organic farming. 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 27% Mourvèdre, 7% Cinsault. Vinification in mix of large, medium and small barrels. Aged for one year prior to bottling. Mid crimson. Nose so much more diffuse than the northern Rhônes! Sweet but a bit formless for the money. I’m sure there is more structure to this than the average Châteauneuf but it’s still a bit too chewy for comfort. Sweet tea leaves is the overriding impression. A bit stringy, and little bit hot, on the end. (JR)

Bright ruby. A highly perfumed nose displays ripe red fruit, lavender and woodsmoke scents that pick up licorice and allspice accents with air. Supple and broad in the mouth, offering sweet raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. Hangs on very nicely on the penetrating, appealingly sweet finish, which features velvety tannins and a hint of cola.

Smoke, incense, herbs and red fruits come through on the nose. On the palate, the wine is round, sweet and ripe, offering smoky, dark red berries and finishing with a real sense of plushness. Concentrated and polished, it is made mostly from Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvedre and several other assorted grape varieties, which can vary widely from vintage to vintage.

Deeply colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties. With classic notes of currants, ripe black cherries, new saddle leather, and peppery herbs, it's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a pure, focused style that's going to age gracefully for 15-20 years. It's one of the finest classical cuvées I can remember.

From a selected plot in Les Clavelles, the La Nerthe terroir in the southern part of the appellation, this Grenache is vinified with whole clusters. A chocolatey nose with a hint of candied orange peel. Full on the palate, supported by fine tannins and a generous core of fruit. Its delicate texture comes from the grapes’ high ripeness.