WTN: 2003 Clos du Mont Olivet CNdP Cuvee Papet

[David M. Bueker]

Laura and I drove home from Philadelphia yesterday, and after the trials a tribulations of the NJ Turnpike (3 lanes closed due to a huge tractor trailer/van/car accident) and the Merritt Parkway (lane closures for snow removal) I was looking forward to a glass of wine. The Chateauneuf did the trick. Ripe, but not at all flabby or over-alcoholic, it showed plenty of dark fruit as well as an emerging earthiness. The balance was surprisingly good for an '03.

[James Roscoe]

The southern Rhone handled the heat of '03 better than the rest of France IMHO. They are more used to the heat and thus know what to do with it. That said, it is not California and too many '03 wines even in the Rhone are a little too ripe for my tastes.

Sorry about the turnpike. That is the price one pays for living in the fleshpots of Connecticut! I hope you had a good time in Philly!

I love Clos du Mont Olivet. They are truly one of the great old-schoolers of the southern Rhone. Unfortunately, even they succumbed to portiness for the Cuvee du Papet bottling in 2007. I really like the 2005 and 2006 though (and love the regular CDP in both years too.) We will see how those 2007's turn out in time.

Cheers,
Bill

[David M. Bueker]

Bill,

Mont Olivet is one of my two favorite Chateauneuf producers (along side Vieux Donjon), and I agree that 2007 was a bit much for my taste. I actually love the 2004s from Mont Olivet, as they show much more freshness, and remind me of '90s vintages.