“One of the great winemaking estates of not only France, but of the world.” – Robert Parker

Noir here, Ops, with our very first live Agent Pick! Of course a heap of great scores (topping out at 96 points) helps. And so does a 50% price cut. But what about your very own Agent’s deepest convictions? Today’s Agent Pick comes from our Chief Curator, our erudite, studied, and well-versed in ALL things wine, Agent Noir.

When I visited Château Rayas back in 2009, following an ethereal barrel tasting, Emmanuel Reynaud took me out to the legendary vineyard. English was not his forte, nor is French mine. Yet I could not have understood him better when he kneeled, took a handful of dirt in his hand, and crumbled it into a powdery sand that ran through his fingers like the time that afternoon.

He said, “finesse in the soil, finesse in the wine.”

And as one prominent UK merchant says, the style of Janasse “best resembles Rayas, indeed many of Janasse’s vines are similarly planted on sandy soils” which is why I picked this gracious, mindbogglingly pure expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It stands for the absolute best the Rhône Valley is capable of, where intensity and depth meet elegance and refinement.

So without further adieu, onto the winery that needs little introduction: JANASSE!

Domaine de la Janasse has become a superstar in the region in a relatively short period of time. They set a benchmark for what’s possible in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Half-priced (the lowest you’ll see it anywhere, guaranteed) Janasse flagships, such as Cuvée Chaupin, are miracles of sorts. This one boasts 96 points from Decanter and triple 94s to showcase a vintage that is all about the aforementioned rare balance, which can only be attained in cooler vintages like 2021.

Soon as you snag some, be sure to check out this cool video that focuses on Chaupin, and why it’s such a unique wine.

This impeccable Domaine was started with an inherited piece of land in the mid-1970s by the patriarch Aimé Sabon, who tends to their vineyards by organic practices to this day. Back then, most growers would sell fruit to the local co-op, but Sabon had bigger plans. He acquired substantially more land and focused on building a legacy. His children, Christophe and Isabelle Sabon, now at the helm, manage to retain classicism with lush complexity and balanced acidity.

Only so much to go around, those in the know are checking out already with the lion’s share.

Treat yourself, while you can!

96 Points – Decanter “Relatively black-fruited for a pure Grenache, it’s generous in fruit but not excessive, the alcohol is high of course (it’s pure Grenache), but it feels integrated. Long, pure, velvety - this is really stunning. Lifted plum fruit, dusted with dried oregano. It’s young, but already quite accessible. It will age well thanks to its freshness and balance. Parcels of Grenache planted on lieux-dits Chaupin, La Janasse, and La Crau, mostly sandy soils, the oldest planted in 1912. Drink 2024-2037.”

94 Points – Vinous “Despite their proven ability to age, these wines are usually quite approachable in their youth, offering great value for money. Next to the 2021 releases, proprietor Isabelle Sabon opened wines from the 2020 and 2019 vintage, and I was pleased to see a homogenous quality level across all years. Aged for one year in a combination of foudre and demi-muids, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin is made from Grenache that grows on sandy soils from a late-ripening terroir. Coming in at 15% alcohol, it showcases an alluring perfume of ripe red fruits along with hints of black cherry and plum, dried herbs, licorice, and mint. Capturing purity and freshness outstandingly well, this full-bodied red seamlessly flows across the palate, ending with a resonating finish. Drink 2025-2040.”

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “Coming from the northern part of the appellation and 100% Grenache that saw one-third stems, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin ups the ante considerably and brings a beautiful array of black cherries, melted licorice, peppery garrigue, and some rose and floral nuances. While it clearly plays in the fresher style of the vintage, it has a layered, expansive mouthfeel, wonderful purity, and outstanding length. It’s easily up with the finest wines in the vintage and will evolve for over a decade. Drink 2023-2033.”

94 Points – James Suckling “A perfumed nose of cherries, red plums, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried leaves, roasted meat, black pepper, stones and dried flowers. Full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Ample and creamy with a caressing texture of red berries on the palate, with a touch of spices, bringing vibrancy throughout. Layered and succulent. Crisp towards the long finish. Drink or hold.”