2010 Clos du Mont Olivet CNDP Cuvee du Papet

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