2000 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes

This cuvee represents the essence of the appellation, and has considerable potential for longevity. The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is a blend of 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 27% Mourvedre. This blend was modified from the core blend I tasted last year, and includes the highest percentage of Syrah used in any Cuvee des Cadettes to date. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, concentrated, opulent style with plenty of power, loads of sweet blackberry liqueur notes and a touch of vanilla in the background. Sweet, chewy, plush, sexy, and voluptuous, it may not be the longest-lived example, but it is undeniably charming and disarming. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Feb 2003, www.robertparker.com

(a blend of 38% syrah, 35% grenache and 27% mourvedre) Full red-ruby. Roasted plum, strawberry, woodsmoke, violet, minerals, baking spices and underbrush on the complex nose; quintessential Chateauneuf aromas, despite the high percentages of syrah and mourvedre. Then sweet and rich but also bright and penetrating, with chewy depths of flavor and superb persistence. This wine's terrific grip suggests it will age slowly and well.