With respect to La Nerthe’s white wines, in 2008 none of the special cuvee called Clos de Beauvenir was produced, so the regular bottling of 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a beauty (this vintage for white wines is stronger than it was for reds). This blend of 39% Roussanne, 27% Grenache Blanc, and the rest Bourboulenc and Clairette exhibits a delectable bouquet of pears, spring flowers, honeysuckle, and melons. With crisp acids, medium to full body, and terrific aromatics, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 2-3 years or longer. 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