I am pleased with the progress Chateau de la Nerthe has achieved. The 1993 and 1994 are the two best dry white wines La Nerthe has yet produced. Unfortunately, there are only 9,000 bottles (750 cases) of each vintage. Made from a blend of 55% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, and 15% Grenache Blanc, these are full-bodied, rich, concentrated, white Chateauneuf du Papes with considerable fragrance, personality, and dimension. I am not generally a partisan of white Chateauneuf du Pape, but what has been accomplished at Beaucastel and La Nerthe merits considerable praise and attention. These dense, powerful wines exhibit Roussanne's honeyed, cherry fruit, a nicely integrated touch of new oak, in addition to Burgundian-like fleshy textures. Long, rich, and concentrated, these dry white wines should both be drunk over the next 3-4 years.
Importer: Veuve Clicquot USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575