2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée des Cadettes, Château la Nerthe, Rhône

55% Mourvèdre, 27% Syrah, 17% Grenache. Certified organic. Aged for 12 months in foudre. Cask sample.

Tasted blind. This shows a blend of restrained fruit in the background, waxy red fruit and then a dollop of ripe pastille black fruit – a nice balance. A rich texture here is carried by lively acidity on the finish. A little introverted but a lovely wine indeed. 

Drink 2022 - 2030

The 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes matured for one year in foudre and states 15% alcohol on the label. It displays aromas of very ripe red and black fruits, dried lavender, cardamon, earth and tobacco. Velvety tannins caress the full-bodied palate, nicely balanced by bright acidity. The 2019 Cuvée des Cadettes continues to provide intrigue with a complex finish.

Drink 2025 - 2040

A deep and fragrant nose with notes ranging from floral to earthy via a slew of spices. The generous, fine tannins provide precise contours and a level of elegance that makes it stand out in this heavyweight crowd. The long, plush finish has plenty of spicy complexity. From organically grown grapes.

Drink or hold

Slightly deeper hued, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Des Cadettes is a blend of 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah, 17% Grenache, and the remainder a mix of varieties. Jammy blackberries, hints of cassis, peppery garrigue, and violets all define the nose. It's pure and flawlessly balanced, with ripe tannins and a fresh yet also concentrated style. It, too, will have 15 years of longevity.

Drink 2021 - 2037

Full-bodied, this has weight and presence but isn't overly fat or gloopy. Very firm but not austere in structure thanks to the pliant Mourvèdre tannic structure. Long and deep with a dry, savoury finish. This should age with interest. La Nerthe goes from strength to strength. The estate's oldest parcels of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, all grown on galets roulés and sand, partially destemmed, all co-fermented in tronconic vats, then matured for a year in foudres.

Drink 2023 - 2038

La Nerthe's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is mostly Mourvèdre 55%), with the rest being Syrah 25%), Grenache 17%) and other permitted varieties 3%). It delivers significantly more intensity, richness and length than the regular cuvée, with bold raspberries and black cherries on the nose, ample weight and concentration on the palate and a lingering finish marked by an intricate weave of silky tannins. It doesn't need much cellaring, but it should easily age for a couple of decades.

Drink 2023 - 2040