Collection: Clos du Mont Olivet
History Clos du Mont Olivet traces its origins to the mid-16th century, with the first documented mention of the vineyard "ad montem oliveti" in 1547. The modern domaine was established in 1932 by Seraphin Sabon, who inherited vineyards from his father-in-law, Romain Jausset, and began bottling wines under the family name. Initially, the Sabon family sold grapes to négociants, but Seraphin's vision transformed the estate into a premier Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer. Today, the fourth generation—Thierry, David, Celine, and Mylène Sabon—manages the 28-hectare estate, with Thierry Sabon, a physicist by training, leading winemaking since the early 2000s. The flagship Cuvée du Papet debuted in 1989, honoring their grandfather.
Viticulture Philosophy The estate's 28 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape comprise over 15 parcels across diverse terroirs, including galets roulés in Le Pied-de-Baud, sandy-clay soils in the north, and gravelly sites in Les Gallimades. Additional 17 hectares in Cotes du Rhône focus on sustainable practices, such as ploughing, pheromone traps for pest control, and avoidance of insecticides. Vines, many over 60 years old, emphasize low yields and terroir expression through Grenache-dominant blends, with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and permitted varieties like Cinsault. This approach yields balanced, elegant wines reflecting the region's varied soils and microclimates.
Winemaking Techniques Clos du Mont Olivet adheres to traditional methods, vinifying parcels separately to capture site nuances. Grapes undergo partial destemming and crushing, followed by fermentation in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and extended maceration for extraction. The flagship Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends 70% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre, aging 12-18 months in large foudres for integration without overt oak influence. Cuvée du Papet, from 80-105-year-old vines, receives similar treatment, emphasizing finesse. Whites, like the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, use gentle pressing and stainless steel fermentation. Wines are fined but minimally filtered, prioritizing purity and structure.
Critics and Journalist Praises Clos du Mont Olivet is revered as a benchmark for traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Robert Parker has called it a producer of "magnificent wines" that "stand the test of time," with consistent classic profiles. Jeb Dunnuck praises Thierry Sabon's "thoughtful" approach, yielding "outstanding, classic" reds and whites. Bettane+Desseauve awards 5/5 stars, noting its "reference" status for finesse over power. The 2010 Cuvée du Papet earned 99 points from Parker for its "quintessential" depth and harmony. Jancis Robinson highlights recent vintages like the 2022 Blanc for elegance and value.
