The 25-hectare domaine is made up of many small parcels, spread throughout the appellation, that vary in size between 21 hectares and 3 hectares. Montalivet is a walled vineyard to the east that surrounds the domaine and features the Sabons' oldest vines. Further north in their vineyard holdings is Le Pied-de-Baud which contains "galets roules," (like above) the large oval rocks for which Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and the Rhone in general, are well-known because the spherical stones reflect the intense southern-Rhone sun, thereby ripening the grapes to full maturity.
The old vines Cotes-du-Rhone is a perennial standout on the value end of this domaine’s range. A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 5% Syrah from old vines, this is a Chateauneuf in all but name (and price!). Aged in cement tank. They produce approximately 2,000 cs of this wine per vintage, meaning that there is never enough to go around.
What is wonderful about this wine is that it gives you the spice you expect from a Rhone, but gives you Burgundy weight. It is just mid-weight! Not a masculine, meaty, earthy and spicy monster. It has beautiful fine textures, an elegant structure and lavender-fresh cherry notes. It is simply a very pretty, approachable Rhone full of finesse and length. Intended to be drunk young it could age for only a few more years.
Mont-Olivet Cotes du Rhone $17 a bottle
