Technical Details
- Blend32% Mourvèdre, 25% Vaccarèse, 9% Counoise, 9% Muscardin, 9% Terret Noir, 9% Picpoul Noir, 4% Cinsault and 3% Grenache
- WinemakerThierry Sabon
- CountryFrance
- RegionRhone Valley
- AppellationChateauneuf-du-Pape
- Aging/Cooperage6 months in clay (sandstone jars) and 7 months in demi-muids
- Alcohol15.5%
Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape Compagnons Inconnus 2019
You can read about CdM-O in the details, but this Doamine cemented itself in our wine epiphanies long ago with the astounding 1990 “Cuvee du Papet” Chateauneuf. And to this day, it is still a bit under the radar considering the HUGE press it receives. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
Compagnons Inconnus is a new cuvée (the debut!) made with all of the black grape varieties of the appellation – 30% Mourvedre, 20% Vaccarese, 10% Counoise, 10% Muscardin, 10% Grenache Noir, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Terret Noir. Aged in amphora and large 600-liter French oak barrels. And it will not be made every year - tiny quantities were made in ‘19, and none in ‘20.
As noted: DON’T wait for the scores. Dark, wildly perfumey, with lavender, espresso, crushed plums, kirsch and mocha. This continues in the mouth – super succulent and complex, with the CdP sweet herbs, thyme, licorice, more espresso and clove...just...wow!!
Can’t stress the cool-factor here any more.. If you love great CdP, this HAS to be in your cellar!
PAIRING IDEAS: We’d normally probably say something Indian here, with all the complex spices. But this wine is SO fascinating on it’s own, we think it’s best to go with cheese. Make a fondue and just have fun. Here’s a recipe... Don’t forget the kirsch! It’s key.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: Mourvedre keeps the vibes going - listen to some Luscious Jackson's “Naked Eye”!