Chateau La Nerthe

The relative shift in the balance of power from Grenache to Syrah and Mourvèdre has resulted in a 2013 that is darkly coloured, rich and softly spicy. The trademark Nerthe polish is by no means absent, but there is perhaps a little more black fruit than sometimes, and a more authoritative finish.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer

Christian Voeux is better qualified than most when he compares 2013 to the most lauded vintages of the late 20th century. Before taking on the prize job at La Nerthe five years ago, Christian was the highly influential winemaker at Château Mont- Redon for 25 years. The prospect of low yields does not rule out ‘vendanges verte’, he muses, in the same way that cooler temperatures do not mean that the wines will be lacking in structure—QED. A superb 2013, La Nerthe’s classic Châteauneuf du Pape exhibits ample ripe blackberry, sweet cherries, licorice, new leather and spice. Made from 43% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 22% Mourvedre and the balance Cinsault, it spent 12 months in close to equal parts small barrel and larger foudre. Enjoy this medium-bodied, supple, elegant and downright pretty Châteauneuf over the coming decade.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014

The final blend this year will be 44% Grenache, 37% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, the Syrah now nearly achieving parity with the Grenache and in terms of taste profile it’s certainly just as influential. Maturation has been 63% in barrel, 37% in foudre and the wine rejoices in classic ripeness and purity, aromatic and subtle intensity. An archetype from the modern end of the spectrum.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Christian Voeux, with decades of experience at Mont Redon, is now really getting into his stride at the la Nerthe, probably the only property in the village which deserves its ‘château’ prefix. He describes 2012 as a Burgundian vintage, its hallmarks he cites as finesse with latent power. Both Cadettes and Beauvenir have been made this year, in itself a telling sign.. The low yields have engendered concentration and the growing season has favoured Syrah, which is a larger than usual shareholder in the blends. The putative Nerthe share price is rising all the time, it seems.

Our 2012 Rhône Vintage Recommendation: Favourite Southern Rhône Red
There’s already a huge amount of pleasure in this, with a lovely purity of rich blackcurrant fruit combined with dry spice on the nose and a wonderfully silky texture. However, it’s clear from the impressive structure that there is a lot more to come with time. A bitter-chocolate note on the finish hints at the pleasure to come once the savoury elements fully unfurl and combine with the weight of fruit already present.
Guy Davies, Wine Team

Les Cadettes is the result of rigorous selection in both vineyard and winery, so rigorous indeed that this year its volume is half that of its last manifestation in 2010, consisting of a somewhat modest 500 cases. The blend (39% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 22% Mourvèdre) has been aged in 100% new wood. Almost Bordelais aromatics of cedar, cassis and pencil shavings betray breeding and the palate, also in the manner of top Bordeaux, appears gloriously generous and indulgent in one sense yet finishes with restraint and dignity in another. Carnival should not lose sight of Lent.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Christian Voeux, with decades of experience at Mont Redon, is now really getting into his stride at the la Nerthe, probably the only property in the village which deserves its ‘château’ prefix. He describes 2012 as a Burgundian vintage, its hallmarks he cites as finesse with latent power. Both Cadettes and Beauvenir have been made this year, in itself a telling sign.. The low yields have engendered concentration and the growing season has favoured Syrah, which is a larger than usual shareholder in the blends. The putative Nerthe share price is rising all the time, it seems.

The Cadettes is unusual this year in that there is more Syrah than Grenache in the blend. The wine is appropriately dense with big colour and firm tannins; black fruit with hints of forest floor and even peat complete the picture. Southern warmth meets northern class, and they get on very nicely indeed.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer

Christian Voeux is better qualified than most when he compares 2013 to the most lauded vintages of the late 20th century. Before taking on the prize job at La Nerthe five years ago, Christian was the highly influential winemaker at Château Mont- Redon for 25 years. The prospect of low yields does not rule out ‘vendanges verte’, he muses, in the same way that cooler temperatures do not mean that the wines will be lacking in structure—QED. A classy effort that could be up with the big boys of the vintage, the inky colored 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes (42% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 21% Mourvedre) has ample black raspberry and cassis fruit intermixed with licorice, toasted bread, charcoal and background meatiness. While this cuvée sees aging in new French oak barrels, its larger portions of Syrah and Mourvedre soak up any trace of oak in its first few years of life. It’s also worth remembering that while 2013 was difficult for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre both did well. This medium to full-bodied beauty has fabulous purity of fruit, noticeable, yet ripe, tannin and solid length. It should round into form nicely with short-term cellaring and have 10-15 years of longevity.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014

Made predominantly from cask-matured Roussanne and tank-aged Clairette, Beauvenir is rich and beautifully textured. The single plot in front of the château yields old vines, exotic fruit and creamy, decadent indulgence.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer

Christian Voeux is better qualified than most when he compares 2013 to the most lauded vintages of the late 20th century. Before taking on the prize job at La Nerthe five years ago, Christian was the highly influential winemaker at Château Mont- Redon for 25 years. The prospect of low yields does not rule out ‘vendanges verte’, he muses, in the same way that cooler temperatures do not mean that the wines will be lacking in structure—QED. Possessing more brioche, honeysuckle, citrus and white flowers, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Clos de Beauvenir Blanc is a more focused, fresh and lively example of this cuvée. Made from a similar blend of 59% Roussanne, 33% Clairette and the balance Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc aged ten months in 88% French oak, the wine is medium-bodied, elegant and seamless, with terrific length on the finish. This beauty will be better in another year and evolve for a decade or more, although, as always, drinking in the first 3-4 years is always the sound bet.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014

The Beauvenir vines are located just outside the property in a homogenous plot, which is shared between several different varieties. Roussanne makes up 60% of the blend and Clairette a higher than usual 32%; the final assemblage is seductive indeed, with exotic notes of honeydew melon and pineapple tempered by spice, spring flowers, nougat and almonds. Once again the finish is very carefully drawn.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Christian Voeux, with decades of experience at Mont Redon, is now really getting into his stride at the la Nerthe, probably the only property in the village which deserves its ‘château’ prefix. He describes 2012 as a Burgundian vintage, its hallmarks he cites as finesse with latent power. Both Cadettes and Beauvenir have been made this year, in itself a telling sign.. The low yields have engendered concentration and the growing season has favoured Syrah, which is a larger than usual shareholder in the blends. The putative Nerthe share price is rising all the time, it seems. 

A rare combination of 60% Roussanne and 40% Clairette results in a rich and weighty wine with notes of hazelnut and melted butter as well as honeysuckle and lavender. The palate is full bodied as one would expect, however there is an acidity present which enlivens the wine giving it energy beyond preconceived expectation.
Nick Stewart, Wine Buying

The Beauvenir vines are located just outside the property in a homogenous plot, which is shared between several different varieties. Roussanne makes up 60% of the blend and Clairette a higher than usual 32%; the final assemblage is seductive indeed, with exotic notes of honeydew melon and pineapple tempered by spice, spring flowers, nougat and almonds. Once again the finish is very carefully drawn.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Christian Voeux, with decades of experience at Mont Redon, is now really getting into his stride at the la Nerthe, probably the only property in the village which deserves its ‘château’ prefix. He describes 2012 as a Burgundian vintage, its hallmarks he cites as finesse with latent power. Both Cadettes and Beauvenir have been made this year, in itself a telling sign. The low yields have engendered concentration and the growing season has favoured Syrah, which is a larger than usual shareholder in the blends. The putative Nerthe share price is rising all the time, it seems.

One of the great wines of the appellation, the Cuvée des Cadettes is a 1,000-case blend of 37% Syrah, 32% Grenache and 31% Mourvèdre cropped at a very modest yield and aged in a significant percentage of new oak barrels. Evocative, complex aromas give way to a palate of great power and length.

Most Exciting Wines of the Vintage:Châteauneauf-du-Pape Rouge Ch. la Nerthe
The 2009 La Nerthe shares the same character, depth of personality and richness that made the 2007 vintage such a success. It is made with a blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each of Syrah and early ripening Mourvèdre. Beautiful aromas of mulberry fruit, smoke and Provençal herbs are followed by a rich, meaty palate with Asian spices balanced by a backbone of fine, silky tannins.
Fine Wine Team

Just a hint of oak on the nose does nothing to mask the spicy, brambly fruit underneath. Delightfully linear on the palate, with dark, Syrah dominated (for now) fruit giving a joyous impression. The spicy Grenache fruit comes through at the end, promising more for the future, along with the fine, palate-coating tannins and crisp acidity.
Chris Pollington, Fine Wine Account Manager

La Nerthe Rouge has a lot of the character and depth of personality in 2009 that made the 2007 such a huge success. It is smoky, rich and meaty with mulberry fruit supported by Provençal herbs and Asian spices. The signature caress of finely-grained tannins is clearly evidenced.
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer

Made from equal proportions of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, and aged in new barrique this is the nearest the Rhône come to a Pomerol. The velvety texture coats a most generous fruit-basket. This will need a decade to really sing; the 2005 is not quite as good, and is still very closed!
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

La Nerthe is one of the few Rhône properties where the grandeur of the wines is perfectly captured by the property itself. Our Fine Wine team love to visit because everything, the elegance of the wines included, makes them think that they are in Bordeaux. Christian Voeux is particularly pleased with the 2010 vintage which, he advises, shares the rigour and precision of the 2005 and the generous fruit character of the 2007. As the 2007 la Nerthe was our best-seller of that particular vintage, these are words that we are happy to hear...

The facts behind this great wine are as follows; 42% Grenache, 39% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 4% Cinsault; 51% barrel-aged and 49% aged in cask. Cropped at 20 hl//ha and to be bottled April 2012. Behind the detail, the facts speak for themselves; a superb effort! Mint, plums, lavender and black tea are all noted in deference to real complexity. The best vintage for 35 years according to M Voeux, who should have a reasonable idea, as he has been making wine here for at least twenty-five of them!
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

La Nerthe is one of the few Rhône properties where the grandeur of the wines is perfectly captured by the property itself. Our Fine Wine team love to visit because everything, the elegance of the wines included, makes them think that they are in Bordeaux. Christian Voeux is particularly pleased with the 2010 vintage which, he advises, shares the rigour and precision of the 2005 and the generous fruit character of the 2007. As the 2007 la Nerthe was our best-seller of that particular vintage, these are words that we are happy to hear...

La Nerthe have always made well-loved whites, anticipating the current rebirth of the category, not least stylistically. The 2012 white vintage has a little more Clairette than is usual (the final blend, which was bottled in March this year, is made up of 38 percent Roussanne, 28 percent Grenache Blanc, 22 percent Clairette, with the remainder being Bourboulenc) and is less overtly creamy and forward at this stage. This is no bad thing, to my mind, an opinion which is underlined by a fascinating saline flourish on the finish. Drink now to 2022.
Simon Field MW- Wine Buyer

The grandest of all the properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the one closest to actually having a castle, La Nerthe is a virtually contiguous vineyard, with 90 hectares of calcareous and sandy soils located just to the east of the village. With each new vintage they enhance their reputation as one of the leading “classically modern” estates in the region.

One of the most successfully modern manifestations of the potential of this great village, Cuvée des Cadettes is not made every year, but in 2015 it was felt that the ripe and generous fruit would be well suited to new oak. And so it has proved. Architecturally robust, elegantly decorated, this is a powerhouse that will repay lengthy cellaring. Drink 2022-2030+.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

The grandest of all the properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the one closest to actually having a castle, La Nerthe is a virtually contiguous vineyard, with 90 hectares of calcareous and sandy soils located just to the east of the village. With each new vintage they enhance their reputation as one of the leading “classically modern” estates in the region.

La Nerthe has always majored on the fruity side of the Châteauneuf profile. Sometimes, given the venerable vines in situ and the almost perfect cellars, I have hoped for a little more “authenticity” here. Ralph may have previously been making wine for Jaboulet in the North, but this is his most clearly articulated aspiration. One should rejoice in Grenache and garland it in the inevitable complexity offered by the famous palette of varietals, without losing sight of the essential features that elevated the appellation in the first place. The savoury, pleasantly herbal personality of the 2015, sitting perfectly within a dark fruit core, provides a most encouraging expression of this mission statement. Drink 2020-2028.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

The grandest of all the properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the one closest to actually having a castle, La Nerthe is a virtually contiguous vineyard, with 90 hectares of calcareous and sandy soils located just to the east of the village. With each new vintage they enhance their reputation as one of the leading “classically modern” estates in the region.

This wine is a show stopper! Bang for bucks, it's also my Bargain of the Vintage (18.5/20) as well as Most Exciting Wine. With fabulously ripe and creamy framboise notes on the nose, a coating of gorgeous silky tannins and a really generous core of ripe plump red fruits, this is scrumptious!!!
(Simon Staples, BBR Fine Wine Sales Director)

Ch. la Nerthe really grabbed me for its firm, polished style which will make excellent drinking from soon after shipment to 2020 . A triumph.
(Tom Cave, BBR Cellar Plan Manager)

From the more modern end of the Châteauneuf du Pape spectrum, the 2007 La Nerthe has an attractive nose of blackberry and spice, a wonderfully complete and balanced palate and particularly well-managed tannins, as so often at La Nerthe, adding an extra dimension of quality.
(Jake Dean, BBR Fine Wine Sales Manager)