2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Olivets

The younger vine cuvée from this great estate is the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Olivets, a terrific effort in the vintage. Deep ruby/plum-hued, with an attractive nose of darker fruits, smoked underbrush, licorice, and pepper, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. I’d be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming decade. This cuvée is 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Cinsault, brought up in foudre and tronconique tanks. I’ve been praising the wines of Domaine Roger Sabon for years now, and they consistently turn out incredible wines, year-in, year-out. Looking at the 2020s, these wines shine for their purity and impeccable balance and bring more fruit and texture than most in the vintage.

Very flattering to taste, even at this early stage, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape les Olivets boasts layered, nuanced aromas of fresh flowers and ripe raspberries. Full-bodied and rich, yet silky, this blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Cinsault and 10% Syrah finishes long, with just a touch of warmth. It looks like a delicious CdP for early drinking.