As usual the Sabon brothers have fashioned a blockbuster wine that also manages to express considerable complexity.  Overtones of olives, herbs, and game match the more primary flavors of rich dark fruit.  A velvety texture effortlessly conveys the wine’s power, which owes its existence to the Grenache grape and the relentless sun of the Southern Rhône.  This is truly textbook Châteauneuf — it’s delicious now with grilled meat dishes, and as it ages notes of truffle and venison are likely to emerge.  Aged in Russian and American oak, this full-flavored powerhouse will almost make you long for a cold winters’ night!

Clos du Mont-Olivet

 

 

(Châteauneuf-du-Pape)