Domaine de la Janasse - Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc 2021

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:

The roussanne (20%) was fermented and aged in wood for 7 months, before being blended with grenache (60%) and clairette. This special treatment adds complexity to the abundant bouquet of this already charming white. Narcissus, verbena, honey and vine peach exhale from the glass, then infuse a creamy, pure, taut and very long palate, guided from start to finish by a frank minerality. A pure wine.

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

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

About the wine:

The aromatic palette is very classic, wedged between white flowers and a touch of fennel. The wine is not very expressive, but has a deeper mineral dimension. It's in keeping with the 2021 vintage, making for a controlled white without excessive alcohol. The final freshness is supported by fine bitters and a relative sensation of acidity.

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

Jancis Robinson

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2021 is a blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne and 20% Clairette. This 2021 Blanc reveals fragrant aromas of pear, grapefruit, lemon peel and a tropical touch of mango, melon and pineapple. Medium-bodied, concentrated and flanked by lively acidity, it finishes sapidly.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of citron, anise, white flowers and herbs. Medium-bodied, with aromatic character and fresh acidity. Silky with a fruity, comforting finish. Enjoy or keep.

Jeb Dunnuck