1997 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 1997 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique red (44% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsault, and the balance tiny portions of other varietals) is a rich, successful offering. The color is a deep, saturated ruby with purple nuances. The wine offers sweet, jammy plum/black cherry and raspberry aromas, deep, rich, full-bodied, fat flavors, some of the tell-tale pepper and spice, and a finish with substantial fruit and glycerin. This wine, which will be the first cuvee classique to be bottled without fining or filtration, appears to have the potential to drink well for a decade. Importer: Veuve Clicquot Imports, New York, NY; Tel. (212) 888-7575