2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Olivets
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Tasting notes
The least expensive offering, the dense ruby/plum/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault aged in wood foudres or smaller old oak barrels) is a classic example of Provence. Lush, dense, raspberry, fig, plum and cherry notes intermixed with lavender and underbrush emerge from this full-bodied, ripe, juicy, succulent, seductive wine. It should drink well for at least a decade. This estate has been at the top of its game for many years and any partisan of Rhone Valley wines (especially the southern Rhone) who has not yet tried a wine from Domaine Roger Sabon should make every effort to do so. They produce four separate Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees and have hit home runs in both 2009 and 2010, the finest back-to-back vintages I have ever tasted from this 42-acre estate run by the large Sabon family, in this case, Jean-Jacques, Julien, Gilbert and Denis. They own 15 parcels spread throughout the appellation, most of them concentrated in the western and eastern sectors north of the village. The brilliant 2009s are among the finest of the vintage. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC: tel. (704) 358-1565
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Very approachable and ready to go, the 2009 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets is loaded with red currant and crushed berry fruit-like qualities as well as copious spice, garrigue, olive, and flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied and friendly on the palate, with good richness and an upfront, lush profile, this is straight-up delicious now, but should shine for up to a decade.
Deep ruby. Lively and complex nose exudes candied cherry, blackberry, violet, anise and spice cake. Intensely flavored and nicely detailed, offering juicy, vaguely bitter red and dark fruit flavors and complicating notes of allspice and anise. Closes with good clarity, length and an echo of licorice.
Juicy, racy, polished style. Suave and easy though arguably without that much strong terroir character. Fresh. Early drinking style. (JR)
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Cinsault
Red
Dry