Châteauneuf-du-Pape „Cuvée des Cadettes“ Rouge AOC 2016

Looking at the details of this exquisite drop, Les Cadettes, the top red cuvée, is a selection from La Nerthe's oldest vines - all impressively over 85 years old, rooted in the sandy-loamy plots in the shadow of the château. The trio of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre are carefully hand-picked and checked for quality characteristics before coming together in a large wooden vat for spontaneous fermentation. The 2016 cuvée is composed of 52% Grenache Noir, 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The must ferments on the skins for three weeks, followed by malolactic fermentation, before being transferred partly to barrels and partly to new barriques for 12 months of ageing.

The deep ruby red that shines in the glass is an auspicious sight. The nose is spoiled with a density of dark fruits. One perceives fresh and elegant aromas of optimally ripe cherries, plums and figs, enriched by the interesting contrast of morello cherries. Spicy notes from the ageing are seamlessly integrated. Hints of cinnamon, dark chocolate and black olives emerge, nuanced by graphite, smoke and leather.

This wine brings a refreshing spiciness and juicy dark fruits to the tongue. The flavour profile is of impressive volume and dense texture. It shines with polished, fine-grained tannins and an ensemble of wild herbs, thyme and mint, where hints of dark chocolate also shine through again. The pronounced balance and elegance is underpinned by a noble tautness that promisingly underlines the future potential of this vintage.

To go with this wine, we recommend braised leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, entrecote in a refined red wine reduction or roasted autumn mushrooms served on a bed of quinoa risotto.