The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets boasts more tapenade notes and again the classic pepper, licorice, herb scents intermixed with black currant and sweet cherry. The wine is surprisingly forward for the vintage but I actually liked the charm and purity of the 2006 slightly more. In any event, they are both excellent, possibly outstanding wines meant to be drunk in their first 10-12 years of life. Normally this cuvee produces around 30,000 bottles of wine. One might think that four separate cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape is a bit much, but Jean-Jacques Sabon and his family continue to provide reference point wines at all different levels, as this is one of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. Both 2006 and 2005 have turned out very well at this estate, with the 2006s softer and more fruit-forward than the 2005s, which are massive, bigger wines, especially at the top end for the Prestige and Le Secret. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets boasts more tapenade notes and again the classic pepper, licorice, herb scents intermixed with black currant and sweet cherry. The wine is surprisingly forward for the vintage but I actually liked the charm and purity of the 2006 slightly more. In any event, they are both excellent, possibly outstanding wines meant to be drunk in their first 10-12 years of life. Normally this cuvee produces around 30,000 bottles of wine. One might think that four separate cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape is a bit much, but Jean-Jacques Sabon and his family continue to provide reference point wines at all different levels, as this is one of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. Both 2006 and 2005 have turned out very well at this estate, with the 2006s softer and more fruit-forward than the 2005s, which are massive, bigger wines, especially at the top end for the Prestige and Le Secret.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Herbs, chocolate and nutmeg. Young but full of promise. Delightful gazelle-like tannins, fruit as a layer of pleasing repose.