Domaine De La Janasse Chateauneuf Du Pape 2019

Aime Sabon, the founder of Janasse increased the size of their vineyards over the years to their current 15 hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape that are placed in 15 different parcels. 1 hectare of vines is used for white wine grapes, while the other vines are used to produce red Chateauneuf du Pape wine.

Their vines are scattered across the region on different terroirs and soil types. They have old vines. Their oldest vines, which are close to 90 years of age on average are used in their special Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vignes. Their oldest vines are planted in the La Crau area. 1990 is an important vintage for the domaine as it marked the first year when Janasse produced all three different cuvees.

Domaine Janasse is a modern style of Chateauneuf du Pape. Starting in 1993, they began to destem some of their fruit. That trend has continued and as of today, at least 80% of the berries are fermented without stems. Concrete vats are used to ferment their Grenache.

Critical Acclaim

98 Wine Advocate

Black cherries, blackberries and garrigue all appear on the nose of the dense, concentrated 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Yes, the wine boasts some formidable tannins, but they're ripe, and the fruit is vibrant and intense, with all of the ingredients for cellaring up to two decades. 

98 Wine Enthusiast

In contrast to Janasse's varietal Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottlings, this expression of old vines dating as far back as 1920 blends Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and other grapes from four distinct vineyard sites. Matured primarily in foudres, it offers piercing blackberry and black-plum flavors softened by flurries of peppercorn and anise as well as ripe, feathery tannins. Anchored by a firm earthen undertow, the wine will improve through 2040 and hold further.

97 Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is another tour de force from this estate, who are clearly firing on all cylinders today. A blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that’s brought up in a mix of foudre and barrel, its deep purple hue is followed by a rich, powerful, full-bodied wine offering ample cassis and darker berry fruits, notes of ground pepper, cured meats, and scorched earth, ripe, building tannins, incredible balance, and a great finish. It’s going to flirt with perfection at maturity, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it still drinking brilliantly at age 30.

95 Wine Spectator

Warm and lush in feel, with steeped dark plum, blackberry and açai berry fruit flavors infused with singed savory, licorice root and warm earth notes, offering a late echo of bittersweet Valrhona chocolate. Good underlying grip keeps this honest enough too.