This wine’s 25% new oak (the balance is matured in a mix of older barrels and foudres) has given the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes a pronounced floral, spicy character that’s a bit odd for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but it’s pleasant when combined with the dark, cassis-like fruit. With its round, plump mouthfeel and ample weight on the palate, this is rather supple and charming for a cuvée that historically has demanded aging.
La Nerthe’s 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape—a blend of 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 2% other varieties—offers up appealing notes of black cherries and dried spices. Matured in about 15% new oak, it’s full-bodied and nicely balanced, not overly fat or overly tannic, just a nice, easy-drinking wine that delivers plenty of pleasure.
A 70-30 blend of Roussanne and Grenache, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Clos de Beauvenir offers up scents of struck flint, citrus zest and white peaches. Medium-bodied, this largely barrel fermented effort is focused and linear in shape, finishing with ample freshness and length.
Reveals a meaty, wild game quality that infuses a broad range of red plum and roasted garrigue notes, all supported by black tea tannins. Nicely savory, with cigar box and smoldering spice elements that glide through the lingering finish. Open-knit and beautifully textured, this is pretty and solid.
Plum reduction and cherry preserves are ripe and decadent in this red, backed up by slightly chewy tannins that give this good grip. Shows attractive concentration, but good energy too, with crushed iron laying a solid groundwork, while singed alder, dried flowers and toasted aniseed detail the long finish.