2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes

A cuvee that is just coming on the market at the end of 2004 is La Nerthe’s 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes (a blend of 48% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, 6% Cinsault, and 2% miscellaneous grapes), which I reviewed in issue #151. I retasted it on my September visit, and rated it 95+. There are only 1,000 cases of this spectacular Chateauneuf du Pape. It requires 2-4 years of cellaring, but it should keep for two decades. La Nerthe has purchased the Prieure de Montezargues in Tavel. They make only one wine, and the 2003 Tavel Rose is stunning. It is clearly not the season for drinking roses on the East Coast of the United States, but for those in warmer climates, this cuvee will evolve and drink beautifully through summer, 2005. Importer: Clicquot Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575