2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes

Along with a deep purple color, the 2006 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes sports loads of cassis and blackberry fruit, classy oak, spiced meat and licorice notes on the nose. Intense, rich and yet focused and classy at the same time, this has awesome aromatics. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied with a structured, classic feel, gorgeous fruit and loads of ripe tannin on the finish. This serious wine should evolve over the next 5 to 7 years and then drink well over the following 2 decades.

Deep ruby. Powerful aromas evoke raspberry, cherry, garrigue, rose and tobacco. Pliant and sweet, with impressive depth to its vivid red berry and kirsch flavors. Becomes smokier with air, picking up anise and Indian spice qualities. The raspberry-flavored finish refuses to let go of the palate. The yield from some of these vines was as low as 10 hectoliters per hectare, winemaker Voeux told me.

The Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes was one of the first luxury cuvees of old vines made in Chateauneuf du Pape, the first vintage originating in 1972. There are usually anywhere from 500 to 1000 cases of it. The 2006, a blend of 41% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre, and 27% Syrah, is a brilliant wine for the vintage. Deep ruby/purple to the rim, with a hint of spicy oak, but dominated by black cherry and black currant fruit as well as licorice, incense, and spice box, the wine is rich, broad, full-bodied, with terrific intensity and a layered texture. It should drink nicely for at least two decades. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 179 Oct 2008