2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Papet

The flagship is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Du Papet and it’s based on 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah that see plenty of stems and aging mostly in demi-muids. Coming from the Bois Dauphin, La Crau, and Montalivet lieux-dits which are mostly sandy terroirs, the idea with this cuvée is always to make a more age-worthy, traditional wine that rewards bottle age. Lovers of old-school Châteauneuf will adore this 2018 and it has a captivating bouquet of red and black currants, peppery garrigue, spring flowers, and rose hips. Already perfumed, complex, and nuanced, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a silky, elegant texture, ripe yet nicely balanced tannins, and a great finish. It’s a wine that’s going to age on its balance and purity more so than power and richness. It’s going to pick up even more nuance with 4-6 years of bottle age and continue putting a smile on your face over the following 20 years. Consistently outstanding, classic Côtes du Rhônes and Châteauneuf du Papes emerge from Clos du Mont-Olivet, run by the incredibly talented and thoughtful Thierry Sabon for a number of years now. While I wasn’t able to taste any 2019s, the estate did well in 2018, and their Châteauneufs are certainly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.

Scents of sun-warmed stones, asphalt and black olives emerge on the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet. Full-bodied, savory and complex, with flavors of dark, plummy fruit, hints of roasted meat and dried spices, it's supple in feel and long on the finish.