Now an address that we offer annually, but the 2020s from Janasse look exceptional, and with the big scores from Decanter and Jeb Dunnuck, it looks like one of the best of all time. Founded in 1967 by Amie Sabon, after returning from military service, he took over his father's vines initially sold to a cooperative. He knew his vines were located in great spots, and in 1973, he built his own cellar and named it after a family farm located in La Janasse, starting with 15 hectares of vines. Today the estate covers over 90 hectares, with Amie Sabon's son Christophe and daughter Isabelle taking over the estate after both graduated from enology school. Farming is done with sustainable devotion respecting the land over a patchwork of 60 plots spread throughout Chateauneuf du Pape. Each plot is planted to what grows best, and it is this diverse range of soils, exposures, and grape varieties that bring a tremendous amount of complexity to the wines. Harvested grapes are sorted twice, and depending on the quality of the grapes Janasse will then adjust the vinification based on what is best. The percentage of stems kept, cold soak time, length of maceration, frequency of punching down the cap are all adjusted depending on the vintage. Each plot and tank require different techniques, and each is tasted daily to keep track and ensure the greatest quality. Aging takes place in the vessel most suited to the varietal in foudres and barrels of different sources and ages. The wines are detailed and dialed in examples of Chateauneuf du Pape, and the 2020s are worth a look.
Decanter (Matt Walls) 98 points! "Full-bodied, generous in fruit and glycerol. The tannins and acidity seem to meld together into a single vertebral column. The alcohol is present, lending sweetness rather than heat. Remarkably elegant for a wine of these dimensions, with great, rising, upright flavours and structure. This is a very special wine with a long finish. Parcels of Grenache planted on lieux-dits Chapouin, La Janasse and La Crau, the oldest planted in 1912."
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points! 95-97 "The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin is mostly Grenache sourced from the northern part of the appellation (a small part comes from La Crau), and it was 70% destemmed and brought up in foudre and tank. A deeply hued barrel sample, it offers lots of cassis and pure black raspberry fruits, medium to full body, incredible purity, great tannins, and a blockbuster finish. This is another regal, flawlessly put together Grenache from this talented team."
2020 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin
2020 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin
$69.99
$69.99
Now an address that we offer annually, but the 2020s from Janasse look exceptional, and with the big scores from Decanter and Jeb Dunnuck, it looks like one of the best of all time. Founded in 1967 by Amie Sabon, after returning from military service, he took over his father's vines initially sold to a cooperative. He knew his vines were located in great spots, and in 1973, he built his own cellar and named it after a family farm located in La Janasse, starting with 15 hectares of vines. Today the estate covers over 90 hectares, with Amie Sabon's son Christophe and daughter Isabelle taking over the estate after both graduated from enology school. Farming is done with sustainable devotion respecting the land over a patchwork of 60 plots spread throughout Chateauneuf du Pape. Each plot is planted to what grows best, and it is this diverse range of soils, exposures, and grape varieties that bring a tremendous amount of complexity to the wines. Harvested grapes are sorted twice, and depending on the quality of the grapes Janasse will then adjust the vinification based on what is best. The percentage of stems kept, cold soak time, length of maceration, frequency of punching down the cap are all adjusted depending on the vintage. Each plot and tank require different techniques, and each is tasted daily to keep track and ensure the greatest quality. Aging takes place in the vessel most suited to the varietal in foudres and barrels of different sources and ages. The wines are detailed and dialed in examples of Chateauneuf du Pape, and the 2020s are worth a look.
Decanter (Matt Walls) 98 points! "Full-bodied, generous in fruit and glycerol. The tannins and acidity seem to meld together into a single vertebral column. The alcohol is present, lending sweetness rather than heat. Remarkably elegant for a wine of these dimensions, with great, rising, upright flavours and structure. This is a very special wine with a long finish. Parcels of Grenache planted on lieux-dits Chapouin, La Janasse and La Crau, the oldest planted in 1912."
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points! 95-97 "The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin is mostly Grenache sourced from the northern part of the appellation (a small part comes from La Crau), and it was 70% destemmed and brought up in foudre and tank. A deeply hued barrel sample, it offers lots of cassis and pure black raspberry fruits, medium to full body, incredible purity, great tannins, and a blockbuster finish. This is another regal, flawlessly put together Grenache from this talented team."
