2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

The 2010 La Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape blanc is sensational, one of the best regular cuvees of this white I have tasted, with hints of honey interwoven with orange marmalade, rose petals, lychee, sweet citrus and spice. Full-bodied, with good minerality, terrific acidity, and a penetrating, full-throttle mouthfeel, this is a big, luscious white to drink over the next 5-7 years. Readers should realize that neither the luxury cuvee, the white Chateauneuf du Pape, La Nerthe Clos de Beauvenir, not the sensational top red cuvee called Cuvee des Cadettes were produced in 2011. The seriousness of La Nerthe is evidenced by the introduction of a second wine in order to preserve the integrity and exquisite quality of their top cuvees. Their new red, the Chateauneuf du Pape Les Granieres, is primarily a blend of nearly 50% Grenache and almost equal portions of Mourvedre and Syrah, with a touch of Cinsault, aged largely in old wood foudres, but with some of the Syrah and Mourvedre components in small barrels. Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110