2010 Clos du Mont-Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Papet
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The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvée du Papet is flat-out stunning. Prominent spice box, forest floor, ivy, dried red fruits and cassis pastilles race out of the glass. Precisely outlined by ripe tannins, the full-bodied 2010 carries spot-on balance, superbly integrating its elevated alcohol. Totally savory and wonderfully layered, this is a terrific La Cuvée du Papet that should continue to drink well for another ten years. That said, there’s no need to wait—it has already entered its broad drinking window.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah. Deep velvety crimson. Fresh aroma, very smooth and lovely juiciness. It was made in a very warm vintage but it had lovely freshness. Complete. Though there is still some potential for further evolution in bottle. (JR)
One of the greatest Châteauneuf du Pape out there, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Papet is mostly Grenache (there's 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) that wasn't destemmed and was brought up all in foudre. A quintessential, old school, heavenly wine, its ruby/plum color is followed by a classic Southern Rhône bouquet of red and black fruits, seaweed wrapper, iron, peppery garrigue, and Provençal spices. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has a great mid-palate, still present tannins, and a great finish. It appears to have finally entered its prime drinking plateau, where it will keep for another 10-15 years and have a gradual decline thereafter. Hats off to the estate for an incredible wine, and readers should do their best to beg, borrow, or steal to get ahold of some bottles.
Still youthful, yet certainly with some maturity, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Cuvée Du Papet offers a Burgundian-like elegance and seamlessness to go with incredibly classic Châteauneuf du Pape aromas and flavors of roasted garrigue, pepper, camphor, Provençal spice, black licorice, and assorted red and black fruits. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, it's shed its baby fat and the tannins are perfectly integrated, yet I still think it will show even better with another 3-4 years of bottle age.