Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée des Cadettes 2019, Château la Nerthe

17 /20 Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com  This shows a blend of restrained fruit in the background, waxy red fruit and then a dollop of ripe pastille black fruit – a nice balance. A rich texture here is carried by lively acidity on the finish. A little introverted but a lovely wine indeed.   Decanter 97/100 Full-bodied, this has weight and presence but isn’t overly fat or gloopy. Very firm but not austere in structure thanks to the pliant Mourvèdre tannic structure. Long and deep with a dry, savoury finish. This should age with interest. La Nerthe goes from strength to strength. The estate’s oldest parcels of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, all grown on galets roulés and sand, partially destemmed, all co-fermented in tronconic vats, then matured for a year in foudres. Drink 2023 – 2038 94/100 Wine Enthusiast A complete expression from 80-year-old vines in this focused GSM blend. Its purity is reminiscent of a perfect brunch experience, but in a glass. Red and black berry jam with fine barrel spices seduces the nose and palate, and demonstrates its aging potential for years to come. Easily cellar well through 2035. 95/100 Jeff Leve The Wine Cellar Insider Plush, lush, ripe, silky and rich, the wine is loaded with layers of lusciously textured, dark red berries, licorice, smoke and earth. There is volume, length and a finish that keeps on coming with its waves of fruits. This is going to age and evolve quite nicely. Give it a few years to develop and it is going to be even better. Drink from 2024 – 2038 95/100 Wine Spectator  Slightly deeper hued, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Des Cadettes is a blend of 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah, 17% Grenache, and the remainder a mix of varieties. Jammy blackberries, hints of cassis, peppery garrigue, and violets all define the nose, and it’s pure and flawlessly balanced, with ripe tannins and a fresh yet also concentrated style. It too will have 15 years of longevity. 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck