CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET RHONE, FRANCE
The wines of this estate, which traces its history back to 1547, are among the finest of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. In 1932 Seraphin Sabon created the domaine Clos du Mont Olivet. It is now his great grandchildren Thierry, David, Celine and Mylene who own and manage the estate. They took over from Pierre, Jean Claude and Bernard Sabon. They are the children and grandchildren of Joseph Sabon. Thierry, who formerly studied physics, is the winemaker. They make traditional wines that can show supple and remarkably forward fruit, yet remain powerful and complete as they age gracefully. The 29-hectares of Chateauneuf du Pape that the domaine holds (there are an additional 17 hectares in Cotes du Rhone) are spread out over dozens of parcels from the north to the south of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The soils and microclimates are very varied, including quartzite colluvium, sandstones and marine clays. Much of their plantings are from Grenache vines that are close to 90 years old. Their oldest vines are located on the stony terroir of La Crau. Those Grenache vines are over 100 years old. Viticulture practices are sustainable; the vineyards are plowed, and pheromone traps are used to avoid insecticides.
