2022 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 750ml

Overview

Château La Nerthe is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most historic estates, with a winemaking heritage extending back to the 12th century. Its flagship red has been exported internationally since the 18th century and remains the soul of the estate.

The château encompasses 92 hectares of vineyards certified organic since 1998. Its diverse parcels cover the appellation’s characteristic rolled pebbles, sandstone and sandy soils, allowing this wine to express the breadth and complexity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The 2022 vintage blends 40% Grenache Noir, 35% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault. It is a polished and elegant Southern Rhône red, combining generous fruit with savoury complexity, fine tannins and excellent balance.

Producer Tasting Notes

A beautiful garnet-red colour with violet highlights. The charming bouquet reveals ripe cherries and strawberries, complemented by subtle herbal notes.

The palate is supple and fresh, with small red fruits, pepper, warm mentholated accents and discreetly savoury complexity. Fine tannins bring elegance and balance, leading into a persistent finish. This wine will develop gracefully for a decade or longer.

Vineyards and Terroir

The fruit is drawn from organically farmed parcels representing the diversity of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Approximately half of the vines grow on soils covered with rounded river stones, with the balance divided between sandy soils and sandstone-derived sites.

All grapes are harvested by hand. Château La Nerthe’s historic cellars, parts of which date to 1560, are carved directly into the rock beneath the estate.

Winemaking

The four varieties were vinified to preserve their individual character before blending. The wine matured for 18 months in a combination of large oak vessels, seasoned barrels, a small proportion of new barriques and concrete.

This measured élevage builds texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s floral aromatics, vibrant fruit and characteristic freshness.

Critic Reviews

93–94 Points — La Revue du Vin de France

Published 1 November 2024

93 Points — Wine Spectator

Published March 2026

92 Points — Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe black cherries, savory strawberries, peppery garrigue, violets, and some meaty notes all shine in this beauty, which is medium-bodied and has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.

Published 29 October 2024

92 Points — Vinous

Delivering an intense aromatic profile of ripe strawberry, licorice, pressed violets and dried herbs. Orange blossom accentuates the floral dimension. Kept in check by fresh acidity, the full-bodied and concentrated 2022 carries spot-on balance and wraps up with a savory finish.

Published 14 November 2024

92 Points — Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Dried herbs, forest floor, and red fruits in the nose get the wine going. On the palate, the wine is round, soft, and polished with sweetness in the mid-palate and in the finish.

Tasted July 2025

90 Points — The Wine Advocate

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Château La Nerthe reveals a dark, smoky bouquet of dark berries, dark cherries, licorice and violet. Medium-bodied, round and supple, it's framed by structured tannins and a dense, juicy mid-palate, concluding with a delicate, ethereal finish.

Published 26 September 2024

Wine Details

• Producer: Château La Nerthe
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape PDO
• Region: Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 40% Grenache Noir, 35% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault
• Viticulture: Certified organic
• Harvest: Hand-picked
• Maturation: 18 months in large oak vessels, seasoned and new barrels, and concrete
• Drinking Window: 2024–2030; selected critics recommend cellaring through 2040
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairing

Pair with rare or roasted meats, herb-crusted lamb, beef rib, Provençal stews, duck, game, barbecued pork ribs or other rich dishes served with savoury sauces.

About Château La Nerthe

Château La Nerthe has produced wine since the 12th century and is one of the defining estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Richard family acquired and restored the property in 1985, establishing a refined house style recognised for its balance, supple structure and modern precision.

The estate’s 92 hectares have been certified organic since 1998. All 13 permitted red varieties are represented in its vineyards, while the historic château and rock-cut cellars preserve centuries of winemaking heritage.