The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos de Beauvenir (58% Roussanne and 42% Clairette) was reviewed last year from bottle, but it merits an even higher score this year. Displaying the texture of a white Burgundy grand cru as well as intoxicatingly intense, beautiful aromatics of honeysuckle, rose petals, exotic fruits, and melons, this deep, full-bodied, layered wine possesses great acidity as well as freshness. I have no idea how long it will last, but if you can find a bottle of this limited production cuvee, drink it. It’s a knock-out. This great estate has proven to be one of the few contrarians in both 2007 and 2008. Why? With the proliferation of special cuvees in the great vintage of 2007, La Nerthe was the outlier, not producing their famed Cuvee des Cadettes. However, in 2008, an average quality vintage in which most Chateauneuf du Pape estates did not produce a special cuvee, La Nerthe made a Cuvee des Cadettes. They have also introduced a second wine called Les Granieres. Importer: Clicquot Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575