Clos du Mont-Olivet, Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Cuvée du Papet”

The greatest wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape show off a side of the Grenache grape that is rarely seen but highly prized: the aromatic, nuanced side. These wines are considerably richer than reds from Pinot Noir but they share a similar come-hither scent, one that guarantees something more than just saturated red fruit. In the hands of a benchmark producer like Clos du Mont-Olivet, and especially when the Grenache hails from Châteauneuf’s sandier parcels, power and energy come together in a way that re-connects you with one of the wine world’s most enduring classics. “La Cuvée du Papet” is the top-of-the-line bottling at Clos du Mont-Olivet, where some vineyard parcels exceed 100 years of age and the house style has always prioritized aromatics and balance over monolithic power; it is one of the greatest examples of traditionally styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the market and yet it remains reasonably priced, especially when you consider its proven track record for aging. Is there a stronge