2004 Clos du Mont-Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Papet
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Tasting notes
More dense and concentrated, the superb 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Du Papet checks in as a blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre. Fermented with close to 70% whole clusters and aged in both concrete and foudres, it exhibits classic black fruits, roasted herbs, black licorice, olive and garrigue to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Beautifully textured, with solid mid-palate depth, it’s a classic Chateauneuf that will continue to drink nicely for another decade. Made by Thierry Sabon, who started having more and more control since 2001, Clos du Mont-Olivet made classic, age-worthy wines in 2004. While their traditional cuvee is solid, their top cuvee, the Cuvee du Papet, is one of the top wines in the vintage (and I was lucky enough to get to taste – and drink – through multiple bottles for this report).
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
(72) Deep violet. Enormous, room-filling bouquet encompasses the full range of red and dark berry tones, along with an intense garrigue component. Powerful and quite sweet, with dense dark berry and cherry flavors framed by solid tannins. The fruit expands on the building finish, penetrating every nook of the palate and finishing solid and chewy. Pretty stunning stuff.
Rich, macerated black cherry nose with a hint of bonfires. Very rich start and then some beef extract notes plus an enthralling cocktail of more fruit-derived flavours. Good freshness too. Very beguiling. Long. (JR)