Wine Advisor
Roger Sabon, Chateauneuf Du Pape Reserve 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
The floral and garrigue nuances in the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve are off-the-charts gorgeous, backed by concentrated black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, concentrated yet elegant, this is a terrific effort that should drink well for a decade. Soft, silky tannins wash over the tongue on the long-lasting finish, lending a certain gravitas to the overall experience and reinforcing that impression of longevity.
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Blessed with tremendous raspberry and blueberry fruit, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve adds nuances of dusty earth and crushed stone to the mix. It's full-bodied, lush and creamy, ending on a flourish of dried spices—allspice, clove and star anise.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Saturated ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, succulent herb and floral scents pick up hints of baking spices and cola with air. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black raspberry, cherry preserve, candied lavender and fruitcake flavors that smoothly blend depth and energy. Closes impressively long and spicy, with resonating spiciness and harmonious tannins lending gentle grip.
About the Producer
Our family estate was founded in 1952 by Roger SABON. After several generations, the estate has reached a total surface of 50 hectares split up on both sides of the Rhône. 18 hectares belong to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, on the left bank of the River, and spread over 14 different plots. On the right bank, the vineyard includes 12 hectares in the Lirac appellation, 6 hectares of Côtes-du-Rhône and 14 hectares of Vin de France. This diversity allows us to develop and offer our customers a wide choice of wines with varied profiles White wines represent around 5% of the total production. Grapes are hand harvested, placed into boxes and undergo a light pneumatic pressing. The juices obtained are then protected from the oxidation phenomena in order to preserve the aromatic potential. Our “Vins de France” will then ferment in stainless steel vats, whereas our Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc will ferment in 25 hl wooden tanks. The fermentation temperature is regulated around 16 ° C. Vinification of red wine is characterized, for our entire wine range, by a long period of maceration of the grapes in vats, associated with a relatively gentle extraction. Destemming – the removal of the vegetal part of the bunch- is required here in order to prevent any problem during maceration.
