The 2011 Cotes du Rhone Serre de Catin is a lovely, 100% Grenache blend that’s aged all in tank. Perfumed and fresh, with plenty of ripe cherries, underbrush, licorice and spice, it flows onto the palate with a medium-bodied, lively feel that carries nice fruit and ripe tannin. It’s a solid, mid-weight Cotes du Rhone that should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years. Drink now-2017. One of my favorite estates and a bastion of traditionally made, age-worthy wines, Clos du Mont-Olivet has been run by the Sabon family since 1932. Thierry Sabon, who studied physics before working at the estate, has made the wines since 2001. In top vintages, they produce three red Chateauneufs, a fruit-forward Petit Mont (meaning small hill), a classic traditional blend, and their top cuvee, the Cuvee du Papet. On top of this, they release a number of character-filled Cotes du Rhones. This is an estate that is at the top of their game. 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