2020 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Cuvée

A complex Grenache-focused GSM from Roger Sabon, featuring floral, cherry, licorice, and cocoa notes, defying the typical easy-drinking style.

Producer

Domaine Roger Sabon

Region

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley

Country

France

Varietal

Grenache / Garnacha

Varietal Composition

80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah

Specifications

2020

Vintage

2033

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

Grapes are hand harvested, and macerated for 1 month in a tank, before blending, then aging in multiple oak vessels for 18 months

Occasional wine note

GSMs are normally more easy drinking wines that go with just about anything or nothing at all, particularly those where Grenache is the primary grape. This Grenache-focused offering is anything but simple and easy. There is a lot going on here from flowers to cherries, licorice, and cocoa. This is a different GSM in a very good way. We've come to expect nothing but delicious wines from Roger Sabon.

What experts say about this wine

100

Wine Spectator

A dense, powerful red, with a vein of graphite coursing through sappy black fruit and melted licorice. Shows charred sandalwood and a bitter kick of herbs and iodine that offset the ripeness, with tannic grip through the smoky finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

100

Wine Advocate

A blend of 80% Grenache with 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve marries hints of dried flowers with black cherries and a touch of cocoa. Full-bodied and concentrated, this is less flattering to taste than the Les Olivets at this stage, but it should still be excellent in time.

pairing recommendation