While this estate is known mostly for their Chateauneuf du Papes, they release a bevy of high quality Cotes du Rhones that almost always represent terrific values. A light, earthy effort that offers up nice black cherry, olive and peppery aromas and flavors, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone Font de Blanche is medium to light-bodied, balanced and decidedly fresh and lively on the palate. An easygoing, quaffable effort that has plenty of character, it should be consumed over the coming year or three. Drink now-2016.
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