La Nerthe Les Cadettes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 (Magnum)

Wineadvocate

Also slightly more mid-weight than I remember, yet still more than outstanding, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes (39% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre and the rest assorted varieties, aged in new French oak) has classy notes of cassis, toast, vanilla bean and roasted meats. Possessing fabulous purity, medium to full-bodied richness and moderate overall depth and concentration, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade. While this needs more flesh, it should still evolve gracefully on its overall balance.

Vinous

(this is a retaste of this wine, which I reviewed last year and scored at 92+ because I was hopeful that its oak would recede, which it has): Saturated ruby. Deep-pitched cherry, dark berry, cola and floral pastille aromas are complemented by smoky mineral and incense notes in the background. Supple, sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet blueberry, cherry compote, candied lavender and licorice flavors that show excellent depth. A hint of vanilla appears on the smooth, gently tannic finish, which lingers with serious tenacity. The oak that I noticed so much last year is still present but it’s nowhere near as assertive today.