Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2008 75cl

Expert Opinion

What our expert says

"What this family operation has achieved over the last decade is nothing short of remarkable...it is not content to rest on the status quo and continues to push the envelope. Their 2008s are among the finest wines of the vintage.." Robert Parker, www.erobertparker.com

In the press...

Floral nose with a hint of coconut. Rather interesting putty note. Certainly lots to explore here and pretty juicy fruit.

Background

History

Since taking over from his father in 1991, winemaker Christophe Sabon has focussed on creating wines of great intensity and purity of fruit, often using tiny yields of fruit from the very oldest vines in his quest for the quality - The Grenache Blanc and Clairette in this wine are sourced from vines planted in the 1940s! Unsurprisingly, the estate's reputation has blossomed under his stewardship and Domaine de la Janasse is now hotly tipped as a potential Beaucastel of the future

Winemaking details

Christophe Sabon

Regional info

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is an historic town of the Rhone Valley in southern France. The name means 'New Castle of the Pope' and refers to the fact that the town – located just north of Avignon – was chosen as the new home for the Pope's court in the early 14th century. Famous for its rich, full-bodied, spicy red wines, it also produces a small quantity of weighty, flavorful white wine. Chateauneuf-du-Pape stands out among the appellations of France for the unusually long list of grape varieties that are permitted for use - 18 different varieties in total! It is famous too for the large pebbles or "galets roulés" which cover its vineyards, trapping heat and helping to give the wines their rich, warm flavours