DOMAINE ROGER SABON

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape property on top form, with a formidable range of impressive wines. The winemaking has been in the hands of the talented Didier Négron (whose wife is a Sabon) since 2004. Robert Parker has been a regular visitor and customer for over 20 years. The vines are planted in some of the best sites of Châteauneuf – Les Cabrières, La Crau, Courthezon and Nalys, and all with “galets roulés”. They have a minimum age of 50 years. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre dominate. The fermentation takes place in small cement vats and small stainless steel cuves, with pumping over and a cuvaison which lasts for 20 days at a temperature of between 30° and 34°. The red Châteauneuf-du-Pape are then matured in a series of foudres and barrels for around 2 years.

The juicy, forward Olivets is produced from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault from 50-year-old vines. The Réserve is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault from 65-year-old vines. The Prestige is 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, with Muscardin, Terret, Vaccarèse and Counoise from 90-year-old vines. Le Secret des Sabon is one of the most highly rated wines from the appellation. It comes from 90% ‘old vines’ Grenache of over 100 years old (from two parcels in the Courthezon). The remaining 10% is made up of many different varieties. The yields for this wine can be as little as 10hl/ha! The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Renaissance’, from 50% Roussanne with the remainder Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc, is absolutely stunning.

We highly recommend the whole range, including the delicious Lirac and the little Vin de Table Le Sabounet.

 www.domainerogersabon.com