The 2010 La Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape blanc is sensational, one of the best regular cuvees of this white I have tasted, with hints of honey interwoven with orange marmalade, rose petals, lychee, sweet citrus and spice. Full-bodied, with good minerality, terrific acidity, and a penetrating, full-throttle mouthfeel, this is a big, luscious white to drink over the next 5-7 years. Readers should realize that neither the luxury cuvee, the white Chateauneuf du Pape, La Nerthe Clos de Beauvenir, not the sensational top red cuvee called Cuvee des Cadettes were produced in 2011. The seriousness of La Nerthe is evidenced by the introduction of a second wine in order to preserve the integrity and exquisite quality of their top cuvees. Their new red, the Chateauneuf du Pape Les Granieres, is primarily a blend of nearly 50% Grenache and almost equal portions of Mourvedre and Syrah, with a touch of Cinsault, aged largely in old wood foudres, but with some of the Syrah and Mourvedre components in small barrels. Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a 1,500-case blend of 50% Roussanne and the rest Grenache Blanc with a tiny dollop of Clairette, one-third of which is fermented in barrel. The bottled 2010 reveals notes of orange rind, citrus oil, honeysuckle, white currants and quince. 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