Clos du Mont Olivet

John Livingstone-Learmouth well set red robe with dark, near black traces. The nose is quite closed- there is smoky, streamlined fruit here, it is going through a"dark" phase, with maybe a little black cherry and some violet in it. The palate has a dark start, with some bite and snap from its fresh year and its tannins. There are good live tannins- this is a wine with purpose. Air and some warmth softens it, but it still edges along with a spine of tannin, rather than strides out. Still upright- this needs time. Is more tightly bound than I remember previously- is this a later bottling? Has crackling late tannin. 15° on the label, note. From 2009-10. 2021-24 Jan 2008 Previously April 2007 *(*)red plum in the typical Grenache tone; warm, simmered red fruits with some mint extract/mentholet as well. Bristling red fruit on palate, a here and now wine. The tannins grow as it goes, and the finish needs to settle, is piercing, and not very clear. Jammy style on palate. Alcohol on the finish a danger for the future. 2013-16 April 2007, London. Disappointing vis-à-vis the last tasting, but doesn't seem to be a top performer this year. Previously Nov 2006 Chât-du-Pape *** quite full red robe, with a matt tone. Robust style of bouquet- laden fruit, mint, background meat- varied. Brewed, black fruit gum flavour, the palate has an earthy aspect. Prune sweetness and scented tea go hand in hand. Could be crisper, is rounded on the finale, but not clear-cut. Solid citizen sort of wine, nicely fundamental. From 2008. 2019-21 Nov 2006