2009 Clos du Mont-Olivet, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Papet 1x750ml

Vinous 95

Vibrant red color. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, candied cherry, allspice and clove, with an intense floral quality that gaining strength with air. Showing more energy and delicacy from bottle than it did from barrel last year; in fact, there’s something Burgundian going on here. Silky and seamless on the palate, with a bracing minerality adding punch to its sweet red fruit and floral pastille qualities. Finishes spicy and very long, with lingering red fruit and floral notes. This wine virtually always delivers the most bang for the buck of any Chateauneuf tete de cuvee and this vintage continues that streak. [Josh Raynolds, 01/01/2012]

Robert Parker 95

Needing more patience, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Papet (75% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and the balance Syrah aged in foudre) comes from the estate’s oldest vines planted in such famous sites as Mont Olivet and Bois Dauphin. Usually about 1,000 cases are produced and the 2009, which tops the scales at 15.5% alcohol, is brilliant. A gorgeously aromatic bouquet of dark fruits, kirsch, underbrush, raspberries, licorice, spice box and pepper soars from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Opulent and voluptuously textured with moderate tannins, and a broad, fleshy mouthfeel, it has 15 years of evolution ahead of it. Nevertheless, it is very accessible and upfront now. 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. Various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; David Hinkle, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910; Dionysus Imports, Manassas, VA; tel. (703) 392-7073; Ideal Wines and Spirits, Medford, MA; tel. (617) 395-3300; The Wine Company, St. Paul, MN; tel. (651) 487-1212; and Import Wines, Middleton, WI; tel. (608) 833-8622 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 31/10/2011]

Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026