At a glance

Producer

Château La Nerthe

Region

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

Grape variety

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault (Southern Rhône blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$65-$110 USD (as of early 2024, varies on provenance & condition)

Tasting profile

Complex mix of stewed red and black fruits, dried figs, leather, herbs de Provence, tobacco, earth, and subtle pepper. Tertiary nuances of forest floor and dried flowers.

Evolution: Primary fruit has mellowed, savoriness and earthiness come forward. Structure is harmonious, finish is long and graceful.

At peak: At or near peak, drinking beautifully; further bottle age will enhance more savory, spicy, and subtle notes, but fruit will slowly recede.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, vibrant but now balanced

Tannins

Medium+, silky and well-resolved

Alcohol

High (typically 14-15%)

Aging potential

High for Southern Rhône; can cellar until 2030+ in ideal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2035

Optimal window

2015 to 2038

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Mature, fully expressive with developed tertiary notes. Fruit present, tannins well-integrated.

2010 was an excellent, classic vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines are built for aging—the 2010 Château La Nerthe is admired for balance and depth. It entered peak from 2020 and will remain at or near its best for several more years, thanks to robust structure, ripe tannins, and complex fruit/tertiary interplay.

Food pairing

Lamb shank with Provençal herbs, duck confit, braised beef, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), roasted root vegetables.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium+ tannins and is 15 years old, which suggests it may benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Organic vineyard management with cover crops and minimal intervention; integrated pest management; solar-powered winery operations; careful water use; recyclable lightweight glass bottles; minimal chemical inputs; biodiversity encouraged in vineyard ecosystem.

Château La Nerthe has been a leader in organic viticulture, certified for over two decades. Compost use, solar energy, water conservation, and reduced reliance on chemicals demonstrate sustainable focus. Not formally biodynamic, but farming is regenerative and ecosystem-minded. While carbon impact rises with intercontinental transport, their devotion to eco practices and packaging significantly mitigate overall impact, earning a high sustainability score.