Jeb Dunnuck 93
"Moving to the reds and starting with the 2018 Chteauneuf Du Pape (a blend of 75 Grenache, 10 Syrah, 9 Mourvdre, and the balance Cinsault, Terret Noir, Muscardin, and other permitted varieties), this wine has a terrific sense of purity and elegance in its black and blue fruits, sappy flowers, and peppery garrigue aromas and flavors. These carry to a medium-bodied, finesse-oriented wine that has beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. This is a classic, traditional cuve done brilliantly. While it has the upfront style of the vintage front and center, it's still going to evolve beautifully on its balance and purity."

Decanter 93
"Gentle floral notes here with a little lemon pith. It's weighty, but not overly full-bodied, the acidity isn't high but it's well balanced, with pleasing lemon skin bitterness on the palate. One of the less showy, more drinkable styles of white Chteauneuf with a cleansing electricity on the palate, and a dry, stone-sucking finish. A blend of all the classic white Chteauneuf varieties, and a little Grenache Gris for the first time this year. Fermented and aged in stainless steel and a little in barriques, two new and two 1-year-old (so less than 10 in wood)."

The Estate
Clos du Mont-Olivet is a true insiders Chteauneuf-du-Pape domaine. Often described as a beacon of traditionalism, the Sabon family makes Rhne wines that value freshness and elegance over bombastic prowess. Founded in the mid-16th century, the estate today is run by the dynamic and talented Thierry Sabon, and encompasses parcels of mainly 60+ year old vines in the heart of Chteauneuf. The wines are classical in style, with heady, complex aromatics, and ripe, exuberant, garrigue-laden fruit that tastes of the stones that comprise the fascinating soils of the area. Southern Rhne wines rarely speak so clearly and eloquently of their terroir. It has become quite clear that the quality of Clos du Mont-Olivet has never been higher, and the value represented by their extraordinary lineup stands as a bastion of historic Chteauneuf.

Farming Practice:
Sustainable