Rte de Sorgues, 84230 Châteauneuf du
Pape
Phone: +33 (0)4 90 83 70 11 Fax: +33 (0)4 90 83 79 69
E-mail: la.nerthe@wanadoo.fr
Interest in the wines of Châteauneuf du Pape seems to have
exploded in the last year or two. In particular, the celebrated 1998
vintage has been a real hit, and prices are climbing fast. La Nerthe
is a historical property, dating back to the sixteenth century, and it
seems from this showing that the wines, made from some 70 ha of
vineyards, are of a high standard. In particular, the 1997 is worth
looking out for as it will probably be pretty reasonably priced
compared with the hyped 1998 -- I've seen it for as little as £12.
For what it's worth, both the white and the red Châteauneufs from
1998 get two stars in the most recent Hachette
guide. Unfortunately, they decided not to show their prestige
cuvée, 'Les Cadettes'.
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 1998
A southern Rhône white I actually like! Full nutty nose with some
citrus elements. Attractive fruity, rounded palate showing peach,
apricot and lemon fruits. Very good+
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf du Pape 1996
This was a tricky vintage in Châteauneuf du Pape; most of the
wines are early maturing and are now drinking well. This is a deep red
colour with a browning rim. The nose is open and shows sweet herbs. On
the palate it is quite tannic and stern without the rich fruit of the
1997. Dense and a bit hard, but still very good.
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf du Pape 1997
Light red colour with an appealing nose of dense, herby fruit. The
complex, rich palate shows herbs, spice and warm fruit. Lovely. Very
good/excellent
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf du Pape 1998
This is a bold, full flavoured wine, with a deep red colour. The
sweet herby nose has some ripe fruit and leads to a palate with herbs,
spice and warm fruit. Very good/excellent
Clos de la Granière Châteauneuf du Pape 1998
Light cherry red colour. Sweet herbal nose with cherry fruit.
Herby and tannic on the palate with sweet fruit. A lighter style. Very
good
Domaine de la Renjarde Côte du Rhône Villages 1998
Bright red purple with good concentration. Sweetly fruited; soft
and approachable. Good/very good
Domaine de la Renjarde 'Cassagne' Côte du Rhône Villages 'Cuvée
Prestige' 1998
Grenache-dominated, this red/black wine is full and quite tannic.
Slightly muted nose. Very good.