Simon Field | Deeper in color than many and marked, aromatically, by notes of bacon fat, litchi, youthful pineapple, and soft spice. The palate shares this enigmatic vista, the fruit tempered by herbal notes, pepper, and a dry crushed-almond finish. Mediterranean indulgence has been disciplined by modish winemaking—successfully overall. Grenache, so often seen as an overvalued actor in the ensemble, is here, at least, given a faithful and eloquent outing. | 88
Andrew Jefford | Full gold. Sweet and warm, in essence, but a touch herbaceous, too. Not quite perfect or pristine. Fine concentration and plenty of classicism to the flavors (almond, fennel, peach, honey), but there is just a slightly grassy edge to the acidity and a straightforwardness of delivery (white Châteauneuf-du-Pape needs great artistry) that holds it back for me. | 88
John Livingstone-Learmonth | Firm yellow robe. The bouquet lacks precise definition for now, shows nuttiness, a charged peach fruit and petrol, white tobacco. The palate serves vanilla with greengage, has a fine freshness. It’s not showing that openly and isn’t a wine of great detail. Try from now, but decant it. To 2023/24. | 86
Details
Wine expert | Andrew Jefford Simon Field John Livingstone-Learmonth |
Tastings year | 2017 |
Region | Rhône |
Appellation | AOC |
% Alcohol By Volume | 13.5 |
Château La Nerthe

