Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes 2017

Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving.

Founded by the Tulle de Villefranche family back in 1560, Chateau La Nerthe is one of the oldest and most prestigious estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In total the property has 92 hectares under vine which are split into 57 distinct plots to give the winemakers maximum control over blending and choosing only the best fruit from each vintage.

This special cuvee is made with selected fruit from the chateau’s very oldest vineyards planted on a plot known as “Cadettes”. These 80 year old vines are predominantly Grenache along with some Syrah and a dash of Mourvedre. The fruit is carefully picked by hand and vinified together in a wooden tank before being transferred to a combination of large oak casks and new oak barrels for 12 months to mature.

Attractive hints of leather, sweet spice, and luscious dark berries dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a generous full body, robust tannins, and a long finish seasoned with plenty of cedar, smoked meat, and toast. The bold flavour profile make this a great wine to cellar for a decade or two more, although it can also be savoured now alongside a rich venison or beef stew or barbecued ribs.