These wines remain very traditional, old fashioned examples of the appellation, and in the best sense. However, an increasing number of moves towards modernity are having a striking effect on the quality and approachability of the wines and most important the quality and consistency of their fruit. Prior to fermentation partial de-stemming is now practiced and perhaps most important of all the wine is bottled (if not in one go for all the cuvées) after cask ageing, then very shortly thereafter. The wines, since 2000, are consistently showing better fruit and balance but also retaining the style and character of the domaine. The regular bottling is a touch overshadowed by the top wine but offers dark and meaty fruit with subtle herbal scents and reasonable depth. The Cuvée du Papet is altogether bigger and fuller and loaded with old vine character. Dense and very concentrated, impressive complexity will be added to the wine with 10 to 15 years cellaring. A fruit driven lighter style, Le Petit Mont is also now made along with a number of Côtes du Rhônes.
