Clos du Mont Olivet VV Cotes du Rhone (CDR)

Clos du Mont-Olivet Côtes du Rhône 'Vieilles Vignes'

The "Baby Châteauneuf" – Traditional Southern Rhône at an Incredible Value

The Vibe

In 2026, the Clos du Mont-Olivet Côtes du Rhône (CdR) Vieilles Vignes remains a legendary "insider" wine. Produced by the Sabon family—one of the most respected names in Châteauneuf-du-Pape—this cuvée is often described as a "declassified Châteauneuf." It is made from 50+ year old vines located just outside the official Châteauneuf boundaries, meaning you get the same traditional winemaking and terroir-driven soul for a fraction of the price.

Whether you are drinking the 2022 (rich and solar) or the 2023 (fresh and saline), this is a wine that favors elegance and perfume over the heavy, over-extracted style sometimes found in the region.

The Nose

The bouquet is a classic "Mediterranean postcard":

• The Fruit: Concentrated aromas of black raspberry, red cherry, and boysenberry.

• The Herbs: A heavy dose of Garrigue (thyme, rosemary, and lavender) mixed with white pepper and incense.

• The Spice: Sophisticated notes of licorice, sandalwood, and spice cake emerge as it breathes.

The Taste

On the palate, it is seamless, medium-to-full bodied, and surprisingly refined.

• The Texture: This is where the "old vines" shine—the tannins are powdery and fine-grained, providing a chiseled structure that is far more complex than a standard Côtes du Rhône.

• The Profile: Expect a core of sweet kirsch and spice, balanced by a racy acidity. It has a "weightless" intensity that keeps it from feeling heavy.

• The Finish: Long and savory, with a signature salty/mineral trail and a touch of dark chocolate on the 2023 vintage.

📋 Product Specs

Best Paired With:

• The Provençal Match: Grilled lamb with herbs, ratatouille, or wild boar stew.

• The Casual Pair: A gourmet burger with blue cheese or a wood-fired pizza with spicy salami.

• The Savory Choice: Rabbit with prunes or a charcuterie board featuring spicy sausages and olives.

• The Cheese: Mature Cheddar, Comté, or a creamy Bleu des Causses.

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2022 is quite concentrated and "chaleureux" (warm); it benefits from a 1-hour decant. The 2023 is a bit more energetic and can be enjoyed straight from the bottle. To highlight the floral Grenache aromatics, serve slightly cool at 15°C.