Clos du Mont-Olivet, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (Rhône Valley, France) 2023 ($59, Dionysos Imports)

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is regarded as the top producing AOC in the Rhône Valley. 93% of their production is red, but a handful of producers make a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Clos du Mont-Olivet’s Blanc is rich and complex with apple sauce, nectarine, white peach, white blossom, and apricot showing in the bouquet. The body is intensely creamy and expressive with notes recalling white blossom, elderflower, red apple, stone fruit, and nectarine. Clos du Mont-Olivet’s winemaking choices in their Blanc is focused on retaining acidity and the result is a wine that is wonderfully balanced. For enthusiasts looking for a rare and prestigious wine to age, Clos du Mont-Olivet has the structure and complexity to age for 10 years in one’s cellar. The blend is 40% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 14% Bourboulenc, 10% Grenache Blanc, 2% Clairette rose, 2% Picardan, 1% Picpoul, and 1% Grenache Gris.
93 Vince Simmon