Winemaker Notes
Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has a wonderful interplay of delicate aromas, showing red berries, spices and graphite. Medium- to full-bodied with well-crafted, fine-grained tannins that deftly balance the restrained richness and support the long, delicate finish. Impressive.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2023 Clos du Mont-Olivet shows a light to medium garnet hue, with aromas of fragrant spices and garrigue reminiscent of a forest walk in the early morning. On the palate, chalky textures mingle with tart berry flavors, giving the wine freshness and lift. A superb match with Côtes de porc grillées aux herbes de Provence (herb-rubbed grilled pork chops). (Tasted: September 9, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.