A limited production white cuvee, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos de Beauvenir (60% Roussanne, 28% Clairette and 12% Grenache Blanc) boasts sumptuous aromas of crushed rocks, white currants, spring flowers, orange marmalade and ripe pears. I would love to see this rich, full-bodied, zesty white inserted in a tasting of grand cru white Burgundies. 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 more profound is the blend of 57% Roussanne, 31% Clairette and 12% Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos de Beauvenir. It possesses amazing fruit as well as a wonderful pear, spice, marmalade and floral-scented bouquet, full-bodied, zesty richness, lots of honeysuckle as well as an unctuous texture. This sumptuous dry white should drink well for a decade. 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

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