Wine Reviews

A well-built, round and textured red made of 40% grenache, 35% syrah, 20% mourvedre and 5% cinsault. Medium- to full-bodied with finely grained tannins. It’s velvety, yet it has plenty of intensity, with a constant kick of peppercorns throughout. Ample but focused with a caressing texture and a deliciously fruity finish. From organically grown grapes.

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.

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.

The classic 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this terrific estate checks in as 39% Grenache, 33% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault. It’s one of the stronger efforts in the vintage and has a charming, up-front perfume of red and black cherry fruits, lavender, and Provençal garrigue. This ruby-hued, supple 2021 has a layered, elegant mouthfeel and medium-bodied richness and depth. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so.