Reviews
98 Jeb Dunnuck -
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The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is another killer effort from this estate. Coming from the La Janasse and La Crau lieux-dits and brought up in foudre, its deep purple color is followed by blockbuster notes of crème de cassis, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earthy, rocky, mineral-like nuances. It's deep and full-bodied, with a ripe, powerful yet balanced style and a great finish. A classic example of this cuvée, it's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for two decades or more.
98 Wine Enthusiast -
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Compared to this producer's sunny Chaupin, shades of earth and fiery spice lend a sultry flair to this heart-stopping Grenache-blend (augmented by small proportions of Syrah, Mourvèdre and others). Flavors of cassis and boysenberry are profoundly ripe but nuanced by hints of smoky tea leaf, black pepper and graphite. Silky, feather-tipped tannins make it delightful already, but it's a powerhouse that should improve for decades.
97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
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The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes derives from parcels planted on classic clay and galets roulés soils. It's 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other varieties. Tight, intense, even clenched, it's in need of several years' cellaring before it becomes truly enjoyable to drink. For now, those gorgeous black cherries are restrained behind a firm wall of tannins. Full-bodied and rich, this is ripe, it just requires patience.
95 Decanter -
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Fermented in concrete and matured for 12 months in foudre and demi-muid, this wine has an inky colour with gentle notes of clove and nutmeg oak over mulled damson fruit. It's not as full or heavy as expected, but is still powerful and quite extracted. The fine tannins are generous and grippy. Remarkably well balanced for its size.
94 James Suckling -
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There’s less Grenache here in 2017 (60%); the balance is made up of Syrah and Mourvèdre, all from 80 to 100 years of age. The richness and depth here is really impressive, as is the freshness of ripe berries and a dark and quite dense, plum and black-cherry burst at the finish. The palate has a very supple, succulent and juicy feel. Some firmness to the tannins and good drive with a silky edge.
94 Wine Spectator -
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Ripe and fresh, with an engaging beam of cassis, dark plum and boysenberry puree flavors, supported by light anise, graphite and sweet tobacco notes. Shows good juicy energy and a seriously long finish.
Technical Details
- Blend65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 5% other
- WinemakerIsabelle and Christophe Sabon
- CountryFrance
- RegionRhone
- AppellationChateauneuf-du-Pape
- VineyardLa Janasse and La Crau Lieu-dits
- Aging/Cooperage12 months in foudre and demi-muid
- Alcohol15%
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2017 (Magnum 1.5L)
Red Blends | France
JD98, WE98, WA97, DC95, VN93-95, JS94, WS94
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Another stunning old vine blend from Janasse. Needs a touch more time in the cellar before drink-ready. It's deep and full-bodied, with a ripe, powerful yet balanced style and a great finish.
About the Producer
The estate was founded in 1976 by Aime Sabon, the father of Christophe and Isabelle, who still oversee the vineyards. The property consists of 40 hectares, spread over as many as 70 different parcels throughout the appellation. While Aime works in the vineyards, his children are in charge of wine production. Christophe is a self-proclaimed, great defender of Grenache, which still represents 75% of their vines. With assistance from Aime and Isabelle, he manages the common rusticity of Grenache-based wines through meticulous work in the vineyards and cellar. The result is a wide range of rich and flavorful Chateauneuf-du-Papes, Cotes-du-Rhones and Vins de Pays that are complex and balanced often in contradiction to a region better known for sheer exuberance and power.
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