Mission Codename Like a Chopin
For these top of the line collectible super-limited luxury cuvées, we find the expert reviews adequate…
96 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“One of the finest run estates in all of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Domaine de la Janasse, which is managed today by the brother and sister pair of Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. Looking at the 2014 and 2015 releases, both lean towards the more finesse-driven end of the spectrum, with Pinot Noir-like textures and less overt concentration than past vintages. That’s certainly expected in a vintage like 2014, but is surprising in a vintage like 2015. Christophe Sabon describes the 2015s as well balanced and says, “They’re not as intense as ‘16 or ‘10, but very interesting.” He says he’s aiming to achieve balance between power, elegance and ripe tannins. For me, the 2015s fit these criteria well at this estate. He adds, “To keep Grenache alone, you must be on sandy soils.” Those, of course, are the basis for the family’s Cuvée Chaupin. The 2015 is all Grenache, 40% whole cluster, aged in two-thirds foudre and one-third demi-muids and drawn exclusively from sandy sites. It showcases incredibly lush, silky fruit. Raspberries and cherries of incredible purity add hints of chocolate on the long finish but never seem heavy or warm. Drink 2017-2027.”
95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin is another elegant, seamless example of this cuvée that shines for its complexity and length. Black raspberries, black cherries, dried flowers, incense, and spice note all emerge from this incredibly pretty, nuanced and silky beauty. With polished tannin and solid length, it’s going to keep for 10-15 years… a fabulous wine that just sings of Grenache.”
What the Winery Says
2015 'Cuvée Chaupin' Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Winemakers
- Isabelle & Christophe Sabon
- Varietal
- 100% Grenache
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
- Vineyards
- 7 hectares in Chapouin, La Janasse, La Crau
- Soils
- Mostly fine sand
- Alcohol
- 15%
- Yields
- 28 hl/ha
- Vine age
- Planted in 1912+
- Whole cluster
- 40%
- Aging
- 16 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French oak