2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes Ch La Nerthe

52% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah. Cask sample. Upfront oak spice on the nose but sumptuous bramble fruit matches it on the palate, giving a generous, full-bodied and delicious mouthful. Fine tannin with good persistence and excellent flavour definition. (RH) 15% Drink 2020-2040 .

Fermented in tronconic vats then aged in barriques for 12 months, 70% new. Very dark, brooding and inky on the nose. The concentration of the fruit helps to tackle the large proportion of new oak used for the elevage, which has been reduced of late, to its advantage. Mourvèdre does well at La Nerthe thanks to its water sources, and it shines through in the blend. Seamless on the palate. Certified organic.

Berry and plum pastry with poached, red fruit and an array of wild herbs. The palate delivers rich, spicy, dark berries with convincing depth and drive. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2020.

Similarly colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes is a Grenache-heavy blend that includes 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. It was not destemmed and was brought up in 28% new barrels, with the balance in foudres. It offers more cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and minerality, full-bodied richness, a deep, powerful texture, integrated acidity, and awesome structure. It's a rock star wine from this estate that won't hit maturity for a decade and will keep for 10-15 years after that in cold cellars. It's the finest wine from this estate since the 2010, 2005, and 1998. 2025 - 2040.

Spicy, sweet, soft and fresh, the vibrant red fruits offer length, precision and length with complexity. It is going to take time in the cellar ti come around, so be prepared to wait. The wine was made from blending 52% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre.

Ripe and well-packed, with warm plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors, this drips with fruit but displays drive too. Sparkles of anise and fruitcake add energy, while a streak of graphite gives the finish cut. Best from 2020 through 2035.