Composed of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre and a touch of Cinsault, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is outstanding. The Grenache is completely aged in foudre and the Syrah and Mourvedre are aged in small barrels. This flattering, precocious 2011 displays a deep ruby/purple color in addition to sweet scents of creme de cassis, black cherry jam, licorice, pepper and roasted meats. This beautiful red appears to represent a brilliant compromise between the old, traditional school of winemaking and the slightly more progressive/modern philosophies. I have followed Janasse’s Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin since the 1978 vintage. It is 100% Grenache grown in sandy soils, and aged in both old wood foudres (two-thirds) and 600-liter demi-muids (one-third). (Not yet released) Domaine de la Janasse is one of the great winemaking estates of not only France, but of the world. It is situated adjacent to the Auto Route de Soleil opposite Chateauneuf du Pape, at the entrance to the village of Courthezon. Janasse is managed by Christophe Sabon and his sister, Isabelle. Although their father is technically retired, he is still a visible as well as spiritual presence at this superb estate. Janasse owns over 40 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as significant holdings in the Cotes du Rhone appellations. The consistency at this estate since the mid-1990s has been remarkable. Year in and year out, the wines, both reds and whites, are among the finest one will find ... anywhere! 2011 is consistently a top vintage at Janasse, even though it is by no means a great vintage in the southern Rhone, and their prodigious 2010s compete with their remarkable array of 2007s and 2009s. First, the 2011s, a challenging year that depended on vignerons making strict selections, not only in the vineyard, but also on the triage tables. Sabon has certainly done that. Janasse’s white Chateauneuf du Papes are fascinating as Sabon is one of the last producers to still do a 100% malolactic fermentation and no filtration. 2010 rivals 2007 as the two greatest vintages I have ever tasted at Domaine de la Janasse (and I’ve been tasting their wines for over two decades). Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The Sabons produced three Chateauneufs in 2011. Starting out, the classic 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is a rough blend of 75-80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre and Cinsault, displays beautiful kirsch, raspberry, spice and dusty soils aromas (among other things) as well as a medium-bodied, silky, elegant and finesse-driven style on the palate. With good mid-palate depth and fine tannin on the finish, it should have around a decade of longevity. Drink now-2021. Located in the town of Courthezon, and covering 38 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and 100 acres in Cotes du Rhone, Domaine de la Janasse is run by the brother/sister pair, Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. While 2011 was a difficult vintage throughout the region, you wouldn’t know it by tasting here. These wines are superb across the board and should not be missed. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Bright purple. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and spicecake, with a bright mineral overtone. Dense, concentrated and youthfully tangy, with energetic dark berry and floral pastille flavors. Elegant and tightly wound, with bright acidity carrying through a long, gently tannic finish.