Château La Nerthe : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021

La Nerthe's 2021 Châteauneuf du Pape offers up subdued hints of leather, black cherries and plum on the nose. A blend of 39% Grenache, 33% Mourvèdre and 25% Syrah, with a few percentages of other permitted varieties, it's full-bodied and powerful but not overly concentrated, with a velvety feel on the dark chocolate-tinged finish. I'd opt for drinking it on the young side.

Reveals a meaty, wild game quality that infuses a broad range of red plum and roasted garrigue notes, all supported by black tea tannins. Nicely savory, with cigar box and smoldering spice elements that glide through the lingering finish. Open-knit and beautifully textured, this is pretty and solid. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. 2,000 cases imported.

A focused expression, this wine delivers pure red and black fruits unfolding against a delicate rose-petal backdrop. Silky yet chewy tannins gradually reveal layers of red cherry, pomegranate, spice, violets, and a hint of clove. Its elegance is underscored by fine tannins, suggesting a wine that, while quiet now, holds the promise of revealing its full beauty with time in the bottle. Cellaring through 2028+ before revisiting should prove to be rewarding.

A seductive nose of cherries, wild berries, cocoa powder, vanilla and some dried herbs. Medium body with fine tannins. Juicy and creamy with a polished structure. Poised and silky with a succulent core of cherries at the finish. Drink or hold.

Vinified from certified organic grapes, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a little reductive at this showing. Time in the glass brings out ripe red fruits mingling with licorice and leafy undertones. Smooth tannins gently frame the medium- to full-bodied 2021, culminating in a bright and fruit-driven finish.

Incense, spice, red fruits, pepper, and red fruits fill the nose, mid-palate and finish, leaving you with layers of creamy-round, sweet, ripe, red and black fruits with freshness. The fruit normally reserved for Cadettes was placed into the Tradition this year, giving it extra lift and depth. Drink from 2024-2033.

The classic 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this terrific estate checks in as 39% Grenache, 33% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault. It's one of the stronger efforts in the vintage and has a charming, up-front perfume of red and black cherry fruits, lavender, and Provençal garrigue. This ruby-hued, supple 2021 has a layered, elegant palate and medium-bodied richness and depth. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so.