Tasted out of bottle and a blend of 47% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 22% Mourvedre and the balance Cinsault, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape spent 12 months in mostly barrels, one-third being new. Showing the up-front and perfumed style of the vintage, with loads of spice, licorice, cedar and savory berry fruit, this medium-bodied, supple effort has excellent balance, good freshness and fine tannin. It should drink nicely through 2021. Drink now-2021.
One of the larger estates in Chateauneuf du Pape, covering over 200 acres, all of which are in the southeastern portion located around the estate, Chateau La Nerthe is owned by the Richard Family, with Christian Voeux making the wines since 2008. While the winemaking here falls firmly in the modern camp, with a plenty of small barrels utilized (and some new), the wines never seem overly oaked and always hold on to classic Southern Rhone flare.
Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110