Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape '21

From the famed sandy-clay soils of Châteauneuf's western plateau, this Grenache-dominant blend displays an inky purple-ruby core. The nose explodes with an intoxicating perfume of macerated black cherries, lavender honey, and roasted espresso with subtle gamey undertones. The palate delivers extraordinary depth - flavors of plum preserves, licorice root, and smoked herbs unfold with velvety texture and mouthwatering acidity (5.9 g/L TA) that earned unanimous 97-99 point scores. A blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre aged 20 months in foudres, this 15.5% alcohol wine finishes with minute-long persistence. Approachable now with extended decanting but built for 20+ years of evolution - pair with grand cuisine preparations or age patiently.