Grape

Grenache

Its Origins

This is a new project of Isabelle Sabon and her father, Aimé, of Domaine de la Janasse, who purchased this 15 hectare domain in 2014. The estate, itself, is located in Jonquières just north of Courthézon. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape will be made from fruit drawn from two hectares of vines in the prime La Crau and Font du Loup vineyards, which were part of Domaine de la Janasse. This 2015 was actually made entirely from La Crau fruit. Those holdings are being folded into Clos St.-Antonin in anticipation of the usual French succession issues that will ensue when Isabelle and her brother, Christophe, take over Domaine de la Janasse from their father.

What The Critics Say

96/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwinski (2016 vintage)

"All Grenache grown on sandy sites, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is the poster child for the current trend toward elegant, almost weightless wines from that unique combination of variety and terroir. Raspberry and strawberry aromas and flavors pick up complex notes of garrigue as they glide easily across the full-bodied palate and into a long, silky-ethereal finish. It's a paradox that illustrates the specialness of Grenache in certain situations and which must be tasted to be understood."

92-94/100 Vinous, Josh Raynolds (2016 vintage)

"Vivid ruby-red. Deep-pitched aromas of ripe red fruits, incense and exotic spices are lifted and sharpened by a smoky mineral element. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated bitter cherry and raspberry flavors that flesh out and become sweeter as the wine opens up. Smooth, harmonious tannins give frame and grip to an extremely long, spice-accented finish that emphatically echoes the red fruit note."