The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc is a tasty wine with plenty of white currant, quince and floral notes. With seriously good body, fresh acids and a steely finish, it should be drunk over the next year.
The Sabon family that owns Clos du Mont Olivet was one of the first to estate bottle Chateauneuf du Pape over 80 years ago. This is a highly respected source of traditional wines that age wonderfully. The family’s habit of bottling as they sold the wine has been abandoned, and the result is far more consistent offerings than existed 15 or 20 years ago. The 2009s are beautiful wines, but the 2010s will ultimately eclipse them. Both vintages merit serious interest.
Various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; David Hinkle, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910; Dionysus Imports, Manassas, VA; tel. (703) 392-7073; Ideal Wines and Spirits, Medford, MA; tel. (617) 395-3300; The Wine Company, St. Paul, MN; tel. (651) 487-1212; and Import Wines, Middleton, WI; tel. (608) 833-8622