2006 Domaine de Janasse Chateauneuf Du Pape Vielle Vignes

(96 Points) The Chaupin is slightly eclipsed by the profound quality of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Inky/blue/purple, with massive aromatics, an unctuous texture, and superb length on the palate, it is enormously endowed for a 2006. Very pure for a 2006, with sweet tannins as well as amazing length, it will benefit from several years of cellaring, and drink well for 20-25 years.

Young Christophe Sabon, with his sister by his side and his father in the background, is doing as great a job turning out terrific wines as any vigneron in the world. With nearly 200 acres of vineyards, 45 of them old vines situated in Chateauneuf du Pape, there is enormous potential, all of it being exploited. The 1998s, 1999s, 2000s, and 2001s were all fabulous at this estate, the 2003s were slightly irregular as well as tannic, the 2005s were great, the 2006s are fabulous, and the 2007s may be the sine qua non of all his vintages. The white wines are not to be missed as they are some of the freshest, most perfumed, lively whites of Southern France. The value picks represent remarkable bargains. The bottled 2006 low end wines are all in the marketplace. While they are not quite at the level of the 2007s, there are some gorgeous choices for consumers. Janasse’s 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes are outrageous, all of which performed brilliantly despite having just completed their malolactics after 11 months of fermentation. With all of the excitement over the 2007s, readers should not forget just how great Janasse’s 2006s have turned out. They are performing as well as they did last year, perhaps even better. Wine Advocate # 179
Oct 2008