Domaine de la Janasse - Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2019

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

On the finest terroirs in Courthézon, the Domaine de la Janasse, the pride of the Sabon family, has established itself as one of the appellation's benchmarks for over 40 years. Christophe Sabon produces Côtes-du-Rhône wines of the highest level, with rare depth. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are expressed through different cuvées: chaupin, from a cold terroir with a very Burgundian approach, or the cuvée vieilles-vignes, sunnier and racier. Finally, the whites, in the shadow of the reds, are just as recommendable. The entire range is beyond reproach, and the great vintages are among the appellation's benchmarks.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Christophe Sabon's talent is evident in this cuvée, which blends four grape varieties from multiple parcels of sand and pebble soil, partially destemmed (80%) and aged for a year in foudres, barrels and vats. The jury was dazzled by the complex, captivating bouquet of black cherry, juniper, old rose and graphite. Remarkably full-bodied, supple and unctuous, the palate is bursting with blackcurrant and mineral flavors. Full, silky tannins coat the finish, marked by beautiful mentholated, reglissé bitters. A Châteauneuf haute couture.

About the domain :

A regular in the Guide, often featured prominently for its Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône and IGP wines. Christophe Sabon and his sister Isabelle, children of Aimé Sabon, who founded the estate in 1973, manage a 90-hectare vineyard scattered over many parcels. The estate was completed in 2015 with the purchase of Clos Saint-Antonin and its 15 ha of vines in the Jonquières commune.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Black cherry and garrigue appear on the nose of the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape, a blend of around 60-70% Grenache, plus smaller amounts of Mourvèdre and Syrah. Full-bodied, richly concentrated and tannic, with a long, greedy finish, this is an entry-level CdP that should be cellared a year or two before drinking.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Beautiful spice and freshness, a spicy nose with black fruits, the nose is coherent without heaviness of style. The palate is full-bodied with a nice density, still very Syrah and Mourvèdre for me, with peppery, spicy notes.

About the domain :

This great estate, which has belonged to the Sabon family for generations, is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's elite. Most of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vines are located in the commune of Courthézon, with the parcels and soils of the various cuvées being fragmented. The domaine also produces some splendid Côtes-du-Rhône cuvées (important in terms of volume), from vines adjacent to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. With often very high maturities, the wines are opulent in style, sometimes a little too warm in sunny vintages. On the other hand, the tannins and textures are always of great finesse. In recent vintages, the wines have become less rich and slightly more digestible.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Shivering with fruit purity and delicately mineral, this Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvée from La Janasse consistently outperforms its peers in the same category.

Jancis Robinson

Vinous A. Galloni

James Suckling

About the wine:

Very typical Châteauneuf, with lots of ripe red cherries and subtle aromas of spice and smoke. Ripe and heavy, with a solid base of tannins and minty freshness, this wine has a lot going for it. We'd be more enthusiastic if the finish didn't have slightly drying tannins. To drink or to keep.

Jeb Dunnuck