“Châteauneuf is once more on the map.” – Jancis Robinson, Financial Times, 2023

Happy Friday CDP Store Takeover then!

Beyond our glorious feature below, we have STOCKED the Store here with the very best of two icons, Domaine de la Janasse and Clos Saint Jean. Vintages span 2017 through 2020. Prices you ask? From the humble $40s to the $400+ elsewhere, we’ve got something for every budget. Including an Appy Hour App Exclusive 100 pointer that we’re practically giving away.

The common themes in these crown jewels of the Southern Rhône are gnarly old vines, impeccable fruit, and massive scores. You just can’t go wrong, it’s a wonderful day to be an Operative!

Onto our highlight, Roger Sabon’s lovely ‘Cuvée Prestige’ from 2013, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that’s aged beautifully. As Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate wrote, “Domaine Roger Sabon, led by Diedier Negron, can seemingly do no wrong and continues to release some of the top wines in just about every vintage. They’ve excelled in 2013, all of these from the team at Roger Sabon are up near the crème de la crème of the vintage.”

Previously on a barrel review, they further elaborate, “One of the vintage’s superstars is the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Prestige, which consists of roughly 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre and other permitted varieties. Aged mostly in foudre, yet with 30% in a combination of 25-hectoliter tanks and demi-muid, it has full-bodied richness in its black raspberry, black cherry, garrigue, toasted spice and licorice-driven aromas and flavors. Like the other 2013s from this estate, it has beautiful ripeness (even though harvest here was on the earlier side), sweet tannin and fantastic length.”

Picking it as the feature was easy, even with the embarrassment of riches that lie in the Store. Under $40, with a decade-plus of peak maturity (+ a couple of more years to spare) and double the 93 points.

The bigger question is will 9 extraordinary Châteauneufs at rock-bottom prices last the day? Highly unlikely. Happy cherry-picking or collect all of these investment-grade gems!

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige offers a bigger, sweeter, and richer core of fruit to go with medium to full-bodied depth and concentration on the palate. Peppery, Provençal and garrigue-laced, this beautiful 2013 has terrific tannin quality and a great finish. It can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade. Drink 2015-2025.”

93 Points – Wine Spectator

“Rather Burgundian in feel, with alluring cherry sauce, plum compote and raspberry coulis flavors, backed by a twinge of licorice. A violet hint lingers at the end, giving this additional grace and length. Drink now through 2025. 224 cases imported.”