VINTAGE
2020
COUNTRY
France
TABLE #
250
REGION
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
92
Gamy and earthy, with bright cassis and damson plum, streaked with smoked meat, singed garrigue, violet, and a note of tar. Boasts black tea tannins that hem in the round palate, with an iodine note and acidity providing balance. Shows sweet spices on the finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2030. 2,000 cases imported.
Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and extends over 220 acres around the castle. Loamy, sandy soils dotted with large pebbles produce finesse and aromatic expression. The location, near one of the few natural springs of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape designation, creates a microclimate that’s warm in the day but cool at night. This microclimate creates white wines with a strong personality. Hand harvesting is done early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and grapes are sorted to remove any imperfect fruit. Fermentation of the Roussanne juice takes place in 60 gallon barrels (1/3 new) and then ages on their lees for 9 months. The remaining varietals are slowly pressed as whole grapes and only the most premium juice is extracted and retained. The must is then aged in temperature controlled stainless steel vats and stored to age on lees. Blending takes place shortly before bottling.
