Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2005 Domaine de la Janasse Cuvée Chaupin – Bottle Notes

The 2005 Janasse Chaupin was the winning bottle in the February installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for two hours.

Domaine de la Janasse is located in Courthezon, in the Southern Rhone Valley, and it is one of the region’s brightest stars. The Sabon family has been growing grapes in the valley for several generations, but it wasn’t until 1973 that Aime Sabon began making wine under the name Domaine de la Janasse. The wines became truly noteworthy in the 1990s, after Aime’s son Christophe graduated from oenology college in Beaune and returned to the domaine bringing new ideas about wine production and viticulture. Janasse owns 136 acres of vineyards divided into 15 parcels, and also makes Cotes du Rhone and white wines, all of which are praised by reviewers.

Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 100% Grenache. Initially somewhat muted on the nose. With a little coaxing aromas of red fruits, wet stones and minerals emerged from the glass. Medium bodied with high acidity. Jammy, spicy fruit. Raspberry, strawberry, kirsch, iodine, licorice and herbs on the palate. The wine picked up weight with more time in the decanter. Great finish. As the night wore on the wine got better and better. Nothing here but lush, rich, sexy Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The wine has the stuffing to age for another decade.

My rating: 95 points.

Current vintages of Janasse Chaupin will set you back about $85. Be on the lookout for vintages like ’04 and ’06 which can be had for $50-$60 on WineBid.

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