Hello Friends,
I sent this offer back on February 27th, and sold everything by the next morning. I actually felt a little disappointed. I wasn't able to share it with many clients that I know would've ADORED this wine.
Fortunately, I'm still able to bring some joy!! Our supplier came through for us in transferring 60 bottles from the East Coast.
At this price, it's among the most beautiful, high-quality Châteauneuf-du-Pape we've ever offered.
Why is the price so low? CDP still doesn't command the cachet and sell as effortlessly like Burgundy, Bordeaux or Brunello does. But our suppliers have certain 'numbers' they're pressured by months end—I'm sure those of you in organizations are familiar ;)
Chateau La Nerthe is one of the oldest producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate’s impressive château – dubbed “the only exquisite château in all of Châteauneuf-du-Pape” by Robert Parker Jr – was built in the 18th century and winery records date back to 1560. Family-owned since its inception, the property was bought by the Richards family in the mid-1980s. (The family also owns various properties in Bordeaux and Beaujolais, as well as owning and running a significant wine distribution business – supplying the best restaurants in Paris and beyond with wines from all around the world.)
In addition to being one of the oldest, Ch. La Nerthe is also one of the largest Rhone producers, with their 92-hectare (225 acre) vineyard a patchwork of 57 different plots, representing each of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s soil types, including the signature gallet stones. All 13 of the appellation’s permitted grape varieties are grown here, with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre dominating. Speaking of the appellation, the property was put on the map by Joseph Ducos, an engineer to whom the founding Tulle de Villefranche family handed the winery over to at the end of the 19th century. Joseph juggled life at the domaine with his role as mayor of the town – playing a pivotal role in establishing the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in 1936, the country's first AOC.
Organic since 1997, the emphasis here is very much on the vineyard. La Nerthe boasts its own natural spring within the grounds, irrigating the estate naturally, and giving the wines freshness and balance that you don’t necessarily associate with this famous Southern Rhône village.
Here's what reviewer Jeb Dunnuck had to say:
"This classic estate covers a large swath of prime real estate, mostly located on the southern slope of the La Crau plateau, on the eastern side of the appellation. The wines have been made by Christian Voeux since 2008, and while the winemaking here is distinctly modern, using lots of barrel and new oak, the wines develop classic Provençal character as they age."
Vinous Media reviewer Josh Raynolds wrote:
"Châteauneuf-du-Pape fans will find plenty to like from 2017, a vintage marked by consistently warm to hot weather that yielded distinctly rich, fleshy, fruit-driven wines. The growing season presented its share of challenges, and yet the best wines are compelling." He continued his article saying "2017 is shaping up to be a hypothetical blend of the two vintages that preceded it. The wines show lots of the richness of the 2016s along with some of the structure that marks the 2015s. It is unquestionably a high-quality year for the region."
We're expecting 60 bottles the first week of April. Thank you for reading!
Santé,
—James Tran
