Rhone Blend Wine

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is performing even better from bottle than it did last year. Composed of 47% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre, it is surprisingly soft and evolved for La Nerthe, but that actually gives the wine additional appeal. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of blue and black fruits, lavender, licorice, truffles and garrigue. Full-bodied, supple textured, fleshy and succulent, it will provide enjoyment over the next 10-15 years.

?Bright purple. This looks like a much younger wine. Heady aromas of candied black and blue fruits, garrigue and licorice, with a smoky overtone. Rich but lively, offering vibrant cherry and boysenberry flavors that gain energy and sweetness with air. Quite showy, with excellent finishing clarity, soft tannins and lingering sweetness. Demonstrates the best attributes of this ripe vintage.?

The dark crimson 2010 Clos de Sixte is a classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape-type blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, aged for 14 months in 35% new oak barrels. Opens with a warm, ripe, perfumed bouquet of black cherry fruit and wild violets. On the palate, luminously fluid and supple, with bouncy, spicy blackberry and dark fruit notes seasoned by spice. Marvelously detailed finish of subtle minerality and warm, well resolved tannins. A super wine for the money.