Domaine de la Janasse, in the Southern Rhone, was founded in 1967 by Aime Sabon. Having returned from military service, he took over management of the family vineyards and formed an estate label, named after the family farm in the locality of “La Janasse”. A cellar was built in 1973 and new plots were acquired, growing the total holdings from 15 hectares to more than 90 today.

In 1991, after earning diplomas in viticulture, oenology and marketing, Aime’s son Christophe Sabon was given the keys to the cellar. His sister Isabelle joined the team in 2001.

La Janasse grows all 13 permissible grapes in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation to give complexity and depth to their different wines. They produce 3 red and 2 white Chateauneuf du Pape wines, red, white and rose Cotes-du-Rhone, and a number of IGP wines.

Introducing the 2020 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, a remarkable red wine hailing from the prestigious Chateauneuf du Pape appellation in the Southern Rhone region of France. Crafted by the esteemed producer Domaine de la Janasse, this wine showcases the quintessential qualities of the Grenache varietal, delivering an unforgettable sensory experience.

In the glass, the wine exhibits a deep, garnet red hue, enticing the eye with its richness and intensity. The aromatics are nothing short of captivating, with fragrant notes of raspberry jam, cooked strawberry, licorice, dried thyme, cured meat, and bay leaves intermingling in a symphony of scents. Aromas of blackberries, black raspberries, peppery garrigue, herbes de Provence, and flowers dance gracefully on the nose, revealing the true essence of Grenache.

On the palate, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin envelops the senses with its full-bodied and generous presence. The tannins and acidity seamlessly converge, forming a solid backbone that supports the wine's impressive structure. Despite its dimensions, this wine exudes elegance, showcasing great, rising flavors that stand upright and linger on the palate. The alcohol content of 15.5% is beautifully integrated, lending sweetness rather than heat, further enhancing the wine's overall balance.

Critics have showered this wine with praise, and it's easy to see why. Decanter awarded it an outstanding score of 98 points, describing it as remarkably elegant with a long finish. Jeb Dunnuck was equally impressed, giving it a near-perfect score of 99 points and declaring it a Grenache lover's dream. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 95 points, highlighting its concentration, silky texture, and briny finish. Wine Spectator bestowed upon it a score of 94 points, noting its ripe yet focused fruit flavors and racy undertones. Vinous also rated it 95 points, stating that it outperforms the Vieilles Vignes in this vintage.

The 2020 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin is a wine that demands attention and reverence. It is a testament to the remarkable terroir of Chateauneuf du Pape and the skillful winemaking of Domaine de la Janasse. This wine is destined to evolve beautifully over the next 15+ years, making it a worthy addition to any wine enthusiast's collection.