Clos du Mont-Olivet Châteauneuf du Pape 2020

From one of my favorite estates, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape offers a healthy ruby/plum color as well as a stunning bouquet of red and black fruits, Provençal herbs, lavender, and pepper, with some exotic, meaty nuances. The purity here is straight-up brilliant, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins, a supple, elegant mouthfeel, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's one heavenly, classic cuvée readers will be absolutely thrilled to have in their cellar.

Alluring, fresh and floral, with generous strawberry preserves, lilac and steeped plum that turn generous and lustrous on the palate. Offers warm licorice, charred garrigue and iron shavings that add complexity, while satiny tannins bring texture, balance and longevity. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2032. 1,250 cases made, 250 cases imported.

A terrific example of what this branch of the Sabon family is capable of, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape features complex aromas of cherries, raspberries, smoked meat and a touch of garrigue. It's full-bodied, supple and lush, with ripe tannins lingering on the lengthy finish. It may be the finest young Mont Olivet I've ever tasted.