Château La Nerthe : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023

Aromas of ripe orchard fruits, lemon oil, peanuts, pear and clove introduce the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc from Château la Nerthe. It is a medium- to full-bodied, enveloping and layered white wine that’s vibrant and fresh on the mid-palate and concludes with a long, delicate finish. This classic is a blend of 44% Roussanne, 41% Grenache Blanc, 11% Clairette and 4% Bourboulenc, all matured for six months in a combination of large barrels (50%), new barrels (20%), used barrels (20%) and stainless steel (10%).

An opulent, fleshy style, with a core of star fruit, Cavaillon melon and quince. Creamy in feel, with baking spice and macadamia nut accents, plus salted buttercream for added richness. Smoky mineral and dried thyme elements add savory depth. Offers juicy deliciousness and harmonious pleasure from start to finish. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2030. 450 cases imported.

Fresh and expressive, very full-bodied and opulent on the palate. There's a hint of inner sweet ripeness to the mango and quince core; the alcohol is perhaps a little raised, but this has great length and generosity. The 20% new oak is well integrated, there's a lot to enjoy here. Fifteen percent of La Nerthe's production is white wine, nearly twice the average.

A well-balanced, supple and aromatic blend of 44% roussanne, 41% grenache blanc, 11% clairette and 4% bourboulenc. This shows notes of dried lemons, spiced apples, blanched almonds, honeysuckle and sweet spices. It's medium-bodied with a delicate character. Silky and poised with a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

I loved the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, an absolutely banging white with ripe citrus and honeyed, spicy nuances in its medium-bodied, wonderfully pure, focused profile. A blend of 44% Roussanne, 41% Grenache Blanc, 11% Clairette, and 4% Bourboulenc, it shows the softer style of the vintage and brings plenty of fruit while staying balanced, focused, and light on its feet. It’s a brilliant wine, and I suspect it will age gracefully over the coming decade or more.

Clad in an intense golden hue, opening on a rich, opulent nose with hints of quince, this wine shows a fine balance between richness and delicacy of texture, with well-integrated ageing. It is a classic Châteauneuf blanc that ticks all the right boxes, marked by fine bitters and notes of candied citrus on the finish.