2015 Domaine de la Janasse "Vieilles Vignes" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1297364
97 points Wine Spectator
Ripe and focused, with a delightful mix of cassis, blood orange and cherry coulis flavors streaming through, backed by black tea and apple wood accents. Finely beaded acidity lets the fruit stretch out, while a light mineral edge adds range. Shows an echo of licorice snap at the very end. Dense, but there’s remarkable grace here. (JM) (7/2017)
94-96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes checks in as 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, with 30% whole cluster. Its ruby/opaque color is following by terrific notes of cassis, cracked pepper, licorice and distinct minerality. Full-bodied, concentrated and with building tannin, it shows the more finesse-driven style of all of the 2015s, has fine tannin and a great finish. 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. While the estate’s reds, both Châteauneuf du Papes and Côtes du Rhône, are well known, don’t make the mistake of missing their whites, as these are some of the most impressive and age-worthy wines in just about every vintage. It’s also worth noting the new Isabelle Sabon Clos St Antonin releases, also reviewed in this report. This is a new estate located just beside the Plan de Dieu and they release four cuvées: one white and three reds. (10/2016)
94-96 points Vinous
(made with 20 percent whole clusters and aged in concrete tanks and demi-muids) Dark ruby. Ripe, smoke-tinged cherry and blueberry compote aromas show excellent clarity, and a peppery element adds spicy lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering densely packed yet shockingly lively red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a hint of star anise. Shows superb energy on the broad, seamless, strikingly long finish, which is firmed by supple tannins and sharpened by a kick of juicy acidity. (3/2017)
94 points James Suckling
A powerful wine with neatly matched oak influence adding spicy nuances to ripe blueberry, raspberry and red plum fruits. The palate has suave, velvety tannins that drive long and smooth, with plenty of red plum fruit. Drink now.(NS) (8/2017)