WTN: 2000 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Mont-Olivet

This is the "Selection Reflets" bottling. The wine is bright and clear, with the brickish-red color one would expect from a 20-year-old. Although closed in at first, after a few minutes it exhibited complex red fruit aromas with a toasty backdrop. On the palate it has classic CdP flavors, but a bit on the austere side. Acidity is poking through a little. This wine may be past its peak and starting to dry out. Double Larry Moe.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Love Mont-Olivet. I have some 2004 mags that I need to get into.

On a tasting trip to Burgundy we decided to travel to Marseille and drive up the Rhone Valley. In Chateauneuf-du-Pape we did tastings at Chateau Beaucastel and at Clos du Mont-Olivet. You couldn't imagine a greater contrast. Beaucastel was large and industrial and all gleaming, squeaky-clean stainless steel. I wouldn't hesitate to eat off the floors. Clos du Mont-Olivet's cellars were at the back of the Sabon's villa. Grandma was feeding chickens as we walked through the courtyard to the cellar door. The cellar was full of old, dusty barrels. The mold growing on the walls and ceiling could star in its own horror film. But one guess at which of the two wines I prefer.

-Paul W.