2007 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, La Cuvee Du Papet, Clos Du Mont- Olivet (750ml)

Vintage: 2007
Format: 750ml
Wine Name: Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Vineyard:
Designation: La Cuvee Du Papet
Appellation: Chateauneuf- du-Pape
Producer: Clos Du Mont-Olivet
Varietal: Red Rhone Blend
Type: Red
Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region:

Tasting note: The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet may will turn out to be their finest example since the 1998 and 1990. Stylistically, it probably comes closest to resembling the legendary 1990. Notes of roasted meats and smoked duck, with Provencal herbs, truffle, incense, licorice, and pepper, are all there, plus enormous quantities of red and black fruits. This is one heck of a complex wine, with a bouquet that is the essence of southern France, in particular Provence. Full-bodied, powerful, with the glycerin and level of richness covering some lofty tannins, this wine is already accessible and nearly impossible to resist, but my instincts suggest it will be absolutely glorious in another 4-5 years and keep for 15-20. 

One of the hallmark and legendary estates of Chateauneuf du Pape, having first estate-bottled wine in the early 1930s, Clos du Mont Olivet is a reference point for traditional, long-lived Chateauneuf du Pape. The estate is certainly one of the larger ones of the region, with nearly 70 acres under vine. In the very finest years, they produce their renowned Cuvee du Papet, whose composition varies, but it comes from their oldest vines, and usually has a minimum of 75% Grenache, although in some vintages, such as 1998 and their first vintage of this wine, 1990, it can be as high as 95% Grenache. It is aged completely in concrete vats and older demi-muids.(98+pts. Robert Parker)

Tasted: October 2009
Score: 98+
Drink: 2013-2033

Tasting note: Bright ruby. Exotic, seductively perfumed bouquet of raspberry, mulberry, incense, dried flowers and spicecake. Lush, chewy dark fruit flavors envelop the palate, with juicy acidity adding definition and back-end cut. At once rich and energetic, finishing with excellent thrust and lingering spiciness. Sabon said that he prefers this to his 2005 version now and for the near to mid term. "The '05 needs to be forgotten for a long, long time," he told me. (95pts. JR, Stephen Tanzer's IWC)

Tasted: Jan/February 2010
Score: 95
Drink: N/A

Tasting note: Remarkably dense, but silky at the same time, with captivating mouthfeel to the layer upon layer of roasted black Mission fig, sandalwood, black tea, macerated currant fruit and plum sauce, all held together by finely beaded acidity. Latent grip shows up at the very end, boding well for long-term cellaring. Best from 2010 through 2030. 1,000 cases made. (96pts. JM, Wine Spectator)

Tasted: Dec 15, 2009
Score: 96
Drink: 2010-2030