History oozes from every corner of the ancient cellars at Mont Olivet. Bottles of old and noble wine rest peacefully between the old foudres. ‘A cellar rat’, was how one grower once referred to me, since I am unable to resist being nosey, poking my wine-stained hands into every nook and cranny to sneak a look at the ancient bottles that may reside there. I have the fondest of memories of Mont Olivet, drinking their wines from the early eighties when I first started to visit the region. Here is one of the appellation’s finest estates that, for reasons I fail to comprehend, has become overlooked and forgotten. The founder of Clos Mont Olivet (there is a lieu-dit of the same name in Chateauneuf-du-Pape) was Romain Jausset, the father-in-law of Seraphin Sabon, who inherited his vineyards. The next generation was Joseph Sabon, who had three sons: Jean-Claude, Pierre and Bernard. Somewhere along the line of inheritance, the estate was split and so became Clos Mont Olivet and Roger Sabon. The three brothers have virtually retired and the estate in now in the hands of the softly spoken and erudite Thierry, who is responsible for the wine making, the wiry and amusing David, whose has a preoccupation with Rugby (shame we beat them recently) and his charming sister Celine. The estate covers 25 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, including parcels in Le Pied de Baud to the north and a chunk of the Clos du Mont Olivet, where their 80-100 year old parcel of Grenache forms the backbone to their spectacular Cuvee Papet. Tradition here is with a capital ‘T’, but Thierry is certainly modernizing, earlier bottling, later harvesting and selective elevage and blending. He is determined to fully understand his vineyards and wines. Sharing older vintages with the family and one can literally taste history come alive. These wonderful wines evolve at a snail’s pace, revealing layers of complexity and flavour that you thought would not be possible.
Per case ex VAT
Southern Rhone
2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pure, rich and spicy Grenache fruit aromas. Silky, very pure and succulent redcurrant. Lovely fatness and sweetness with hints of herbs and straw. Soft, low acidity, low to medium tannins. Juicy, spicy, pure redcurrant fruit, herbs and straw. Soft, succulent and mouthfilling. Lovely balance, very long with a touch of hickory in the finish. (CG)
171.00
2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvee Papet' The 2005 Papet, made from 100 year old Grenache blended with a touch of Syrah and Mourvedre is sublime and should be counted as one of the finest wines in this great vintage. Totally different in style with explosive aromas of kirsch, cassis and exotic spices. Luscious and superbly concentrated with pure berry fruits and silky, finely grained tannins. Long and indulgent - a real treat. (JG)
369.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £10.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
