Even better (probably due to its additional year of bottle age), the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is composed of 46% Grenache Blanc, 45% Roussanne and the rest Clairette and Bourboulenc. Abundant notes of honeysuckle, candle wax, ripe melons, pears and pineapple confiture are present in this full-bodied, evolved, quickly maturing white. The 2010 has a decade of life ahead of it, and the 2009 should last 5-6 years. One of Chateauneuf du Pape’s classic estates, Chateau La Nerthe’s 225+ acres are all located in the southeastern quadrant of the appellation. A property that can trace its history back to 1560, La Nerthe was also one of the first estate bottlers. It was acquired by the Richard family in 1985, and they immediately turned this once run down estate around. Long-time manager, Alain Dugas, has quietly slipped into retirement, turning the estate over to his assistant, Christian Voeux. La Nerthe’s two white Chateauneuf du Papes are among the classics of the appellation. Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110

Even better (probably due to its additional year of bottle age), the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is composed of 46% Grenache Blanc, 45% Roussanne and the rest Clairette and Bourboulenc. Abundant notes of honeysuckle, candle wax, ripe melons, pears and pineapple confiture are present in this full-bodied, evolved, quickly maturing white. The 2010 has a decade of life ahead of it, and the 2009 should last 5-6 years. One of Chateauneuf du Pape’s classic estates, Chateau La Nerthe’s 225+ acres are all located in the southeastern quadrant of the appellation. A property that can trace its history back to 1560, La Nerthe was also one of the first estate bottlers. It was acquired by the Richard family in 1985, and they immediately turned this once run down estate around. Long-time manager, Alain Dugas, has quietly slipped into retirement, turning the estate over to his assistant, Christian Voeux. La Nerthe’s two white Chateauneuf du Papes are among the classics of the appellation.Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110

La Nerthe’s white is a blend of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. The result is a slightly floral wine that’s full bodied yet lacking flesh on the midpalate. The apricot and citrus flavors finish with surprising freshness. ——J.C.(10/1/2011)—— 87