2018 Clos du Mont Olivet Châteauneuf Du Pape

JD91-93 Moving to the reds and starting with the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape (a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault, Terret Noir, Muscardin, and other permitted varieties), this wine has a terrific sense of purity and elegance in its black and blue fruits, sappy flowers, and peppery garrigue aromas and flavors. These carry to a medium-bodied, finesse-oriented wine that has beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. This is a classic, traditional cuvée done brilliantly. While it has the upfront style of the vintage front and center, it’s still going to evolve beautifully on its balance and purity.
VIN90-93 Limpid ruby-red. Spice-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by building floral and mineral nuances. Alluringly sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering lively black raspberry, cherry liqueur, licorice and baking spice flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes supple and long, with lingering floral and spice notes and subtle tannins that lend shape and gentle grip.
Estate Notes: Hand-harvested. Partially destemmed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in cement tank. Aged exclusively in older foudre. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. BLEND: 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre; a special blend exclusively imported by North Berkeley Imports VINEYARDS: Estate vineyards represent a perfect cross-section of Châteauneuf terroir, unique in its complexity and variety. The lieu-dits ‘Montalivet,’ ‘La Crau,’ ‘Blachieres,’ ‘Coste Froide,’ ‘Bois Seneseau,’ ‘Palestor,’ ‘Bois Dauphin,’ ‘Pied de Baud,’ ‘Les Bosquets,’ ‘Les Parrans’ and ‘Les Marines’ are found in the north/northeast of the appellation. Soils range from clay and sand to alluvial gravel and ‘galets roulés,’ the large quartz stones characteristic of Rhône Valley vineyards. AGE OF VINES: 30-40 years. PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled steak; lamb roasted with prunes; olive tapenade