2005 Chateau La Nerthe

90pts(WA) The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (50% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a gorgeously sweet perfume of cassis, black cherries, smoke, roasted herbs, and licorice. It is soft, round, full-bodied, opulent, and accessible, which is somewhat out of character for this virile/masculine and tannic vintage. The 2005 Tradition should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.

Chateau de la Nerthe, the only true Chateau in Chateauneuf du Pape, owns 225 acres of vines. Under the brilliant direction of Alain Dugas, this estate continues to carry on the tradition as one of the benchmark estates of Chateauneuf du Pape. With a history going back to 1784, this is among the oldest properties of the region. It was even referred to by the famous French poet, Frederic Mistral, who gave his name to the fierce, persistent winds of the region. This is the only Chateauneuf du Pape estate to use 100% new small oak barrels for their top wine, the majestic Cuvee des Cadettes, which goes against the prevailing philosophy of aging most red varietals in older oak. The red cuvees have long been top-notch, but the white wines have also been brilliant over recent vintages.  Robert parker Wine Advocate #173
Oct 2007