The estate of Clos du Mont-Olivet traces its history back to 1547, and is among the finest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Run by the Sabon family, Clos du Mont-Olivet is made in a super-traditional style: no destemming of grapes, crushing and fermenting in concrete vats, and aging in large foudres. (No new oak is used at this no-nonsense domaine). Since 1989, the Sabons have employed neither fining nor filtration, in order to enhance the expression of rich fruit flavours and subtle terroir influences.

The wines are composed predominantly of Grenache (usually around 80%), with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault completing the blend. The vines of this estate average over 60 years old. T

One of the hallmark and legendary estates of Châteauneuf du Pape, having first estate-bottled wine in the early 1930s, Clos du Mont Olivet is a reference point for traditional, long-lived Châteauneuf 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. – Robert Parker – Wine Advocate

80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% various – mainly Cinsault, mainly from Montalivet, Bois-Dauphin, Pied-de-Baud, Les Gallimardes, 60-70% destemmed, aged barrel 18 months, unfined, sometimes filtered

purple/mauve robe with dark red in it. Has a jaunty, upright red fruits aroma – raspberry liqueur in a low profile. The palate has a juiced, red fruits start, then it runs along steadily in a compact fashion. This will sing in 3 to 4 years` time – it is not a flashy do, more a steady one. Bonny and unpretentious. The length is quite good, and there is a gathering of late tannins and herbs in the flavour. From mid-2010. 2019-21 (John Livingstone-Learmonth – Drink Rhone – 3 stars)

The brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (made from 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and other assorted authorized varieties) is brilliant. Gorgeous notes reminiscent of an open-air Provencal fruit and vegetable market jump from the glass of this deep plum/purple-colored wine. The wine is expansive, savory, very fleshy, and totally disarming in its explosive aromatics and lush, opulent flavors. The better-than-average acids, due to the cool growing year, give it uplift and vibrancy, which nicely buttress the wine’s full-bodied power and substance. This is a beauty to drink over the next 15 or so years. (Robert Parker – Wine Advocate #185 –92 points)

Vivid red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by woodsmoke, garrigue and yellow rose. Strikingly pure and sweet, with deep red and dark berry preserve flavors, silky texture and no obvious tannins. Almost Burgundian in style, with a very long, powerfully fruity finish. Here's another 2007 that will be a stunner out of the gate. (Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar –91-94 points)

A gorgeous, silky, perfumy style, with tea and incense leading the way for supple-textured raspberry, black fig and mulled currant fruit notes. A perfumy note weaves through the minerally finish, with very fine-grained structure. Stylish for the vintage. Drink now through 2029 (Wine Spectator –93 points)