Domaine de la Janasse - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin 2022 (750ml)
Price: $97.00
| Producer | Domaine de la Janasse |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone |
| Subregion | Chateauneuf du Pape |
| Varietal | Rhone Blend |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 9281 |
| Size | 750ml |
Aime Sabon established this estate in 1973 when he took over from his father who had spent a lot of time and effort improving fruit quality but always sold the fruit to the local co-operative. The operation of the estate is now in the hands of Aime’s children, Christophe and Isabelle.
Grapes are 50-80% destemmed. The Grenache gets a short 3-day cold soak then undergoes a lengthy fermentation with daily punch downs before being aged in large foudre to have a slower micro-oxidation. The Syrah and Mourvedre, in contrast, are aged in smaller barrels to allow for more interaction with oxygen so as to mitigate the more tannic structure of these grape varietals. There is only a small portion of new wood. After 12-14 months the wine is blended and, after a further period in tank, is bottled the following spring.
In addition to the regular bottling - called Tradition – there is a Cuvee Chaupin, which comes from seven hectares of old vine Grenache aged in foudres and demi-muids, and a Vielles Vignes bottling from six hectares of old vine plantings of all three grape types located in different terroirs so as to complement each other – galets giving breadth and power, sand providing aromatics and fresh acidity, stony red clay providing structure and sandy limestone contributing finesse.
Domaine de la Janasse is an exceptional estate, blessed with a lot of old vines.
Decanter: 98 Points
Rich black cherry and strawberry fruit with impressive density and palate weight. The balance is good with fur-coat tannins and admirable freshness. Yet again this vintage turns out a wine seemingly far too good for the climatic conditions ? but the evidence is here. Will be ready much sooner than the Vieilles Vignes cuvée and is very close if not equal in quality but just in a less robust structured style. Parcels of Grenache planted on lieux-dits Chapouin La Janasse and La Crau the oldest planted in 1912. (Drink between 2030-2043)
Vinous: 95 Points
The magnificent 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin is at eye level with the equally stunning 2020. Expressive orange rind forest
Jeb Dunnuck: 94-96+ Points
Looking at the two top cuvées the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin (100% Grenache fermented with 50% stems and brought up in foudre and demi-muids) is up-front and sexy with classic wild strawberry and kirsch notes as well as Provençal herbs licorice and spring flowers. It's pretty medium to full-bodied has fine integrated tannins and outstanding length.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
Seductive ripe and winey with red currant and melted licorice notes pouring over warm stones and toasty sandalwood. The silky texture and fullness are offset by hints of grilled herbs and juniper plus a lot of mineral energy. Offers a kick of spices and kirsch on the long finessed finish. Drink now through 2038. 3333 cases made 504 cases imported.
Wine Advocate: 93-95 Points
Not yet bottled during my summer 2023 visit the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin?all Grenache from sandier sites with a healthy proportion of stems?was still maturing in a mix of foudres and demi-muids. Charming scents of rose petals cherries and raspberries all mingle easily on the nose while the full-bodied palate is concentrated but still a bit tight finishing firmly tannic and long. Christophe Sabon comes across as very even-keeled with a philosophical outlook geared toward the vagaries of farming. In 2022 he explained "The places that didn't get hail benefited from the [August] rain." Volumes for some cuvées here were off by as much as one-third because of the hail following a year in which late frosts were widespread reducing production of some other cuvées. At my summer visit hopes were high that 2023 would at last provide some volume to work with. Christophe's children are working toward taking on the mantle of the estate in the near future with a daughter who has done vintages at Man O' War (in New Zealand) and Château Palmer and a son who was working at Miner Family (in Napa Valley). Published: May 16 2024
