Possibly the finest example of the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Papet since Mont Olivet’s unreal 1990, the 2010 is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, all aged in foudre. The grapes come from the estate’s oldest vines (50- to 105-years-old), which were planted in the famous sites of Mont Olivet and Bois Dauphin. A extraordinarily deep plum/purple color is followed by notes of balsam wood, raspberries, black currants, lavender, garrigue, kirsch, licorice and underbrush. This quintessential Chateauneuf du Pape smells like an open-air Provencal market. It is a full-bodied, full-throttle, multilayered wine with exceptional concentration, power and precision. While it can be approached now, it will not hit its prime for another 3-4 years, and should last for two decades given how well the 1990 continues to perform. Drink: 2015 - 2035

One of the first properties to estate bottle their wines (over 80 years ago), Clos du Mont Olivet is owned by a branch of the Sabon family, a name that is well-known throughout the village of Chateauneuf du Pape.
-Wine Advocate #203 Oct 2012

(94-96+ pts)
The sensational 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Papet may turn out to be one of the finest examples of this cuvee since it debuted in 1989. A dark purple color is accompanied by classic aromas of raspberries, black currants and cherries. The wine is full-bodied as well as precise and elegant with wonderful freshness and delineation, superb concentration and a stunning 50-second finish. This potentially legendary Chateauneuf du Pape will need 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink well for 20-25+ years. Drink: 2013 - 2038

The Sabon family that owns Clos du Mont Olivet was one of the first to estate bottle Chateauneuf du Pape over 80 years ago. This is a highly respected source of traditional wines that age wonderfully. The family’s habit of bottling as they sold the wine has been abandoned, and the result is far more consistent offerings than existed 15 or 20 years ago. The 2009s are beautiful wines, but the 2010s will ultimately eclipse them. Both vintages merit serious interest.
-Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011

One of the greatest Châteauneuf du Pape out there, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Papet is mostly Grenache (there's 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) that wasn't destemmed and was brought up all in foudre. A quintessential, old school, heavenly wine, its ruby/plum color is followed by a classic Southern Rhône bouquet of red and black fruits, seaweed wrapper, iron, peppery garrigue, and Provençal spices. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has a great mid-palate, still present tannins, and a great finish. It appears to have finally entered its prime drinking plateau, where it will keep for another 10-15 years and have a gradual decline thereafter. Hats off to the estate for an incredible wine, and readers should do their best to beg, borrow, or steal to get ahold of some bottles.

The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvée du Papet is flat-out stunning. Prominent spice box, forest floor, ivy, dried red fruits and cassis pastilles race out of the glass. Precisely outlined by ripe tannins, the full-bodied 2010 carries spot-on balance, superbly integrating its elevated alcohol. Totally savory and wonderfully layered, this is a terrific La Cuvée du Papet that should continue to drink well for another ten years. That said, there’s no need to wait—it has already entered its broad drinking window.

80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah. Deep velvety crimson. Fresh aroma, very smooth and lovely juiciness. It was made in a very warm vintage but it had lovely freshness. Complete. Though there is still some potential for further evolution in bottle. (JR)