Didier Négron and Hélène at the gates of Domaine Roger Sabon

Most of you know the Domaine Roger Sabon story (for those who don't, it follows at the end of this screed) so I have decided to get straight to their truly superb wines from the terrific 2016 and 2017 Southern Rhône vintages. I have had the pleasure of trying all of these wines (an arduous task, but some poor wretch has to do it) and can vouch for each and every one of them. They are fabulous. Where available, I have included the tasting notes of Jeb Dunnuck from '@jebdunnuck' and Joe Czerwinski of "The Wine Advocate" . The very limited quantities are those available at time of writing this screed.

The Domaine Roger Sabon Wines on Offer

A few bottles and magnums of Domaine Roger Sabon's premium Châteauneuf du Pape remain for sale at LCBO.com. They are listed below. The very limited quantities are those available at time of writing this screed. Please send me a note if you would like me to order for you (let me know to which LCBO store you would like your wine sent).

2016 Châteauneuf du Pape "Prestige" - 15.0% Alc./Vol.                $80.00 the bottle LCBO Product No: 841379

"Sourced from the lieux-dits of Les Brusquières and Cabrières, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% other varieties. Tasted blind, it's a big, full-bodied, lush wine. Powered by bold cherry and stone fruit, it shows hints of pepper and clove complexity, plus vibrant citrus zest notes on the long, electric finish. Wow." (96/100) Joe Czerwinski, "The Wine Advocate" Aug. 2018.

This is simply delicious stuff.

2015 Châteauneuf du Pape "Prestige" Magnums - 15.0% Alc./Vol.                $179.05 the magnum LCBO Product No: 466317

These four magnums suddenly appeared from somewhere in the bowels of the LCBO. 'The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Prestige includes slightly more Syrah than the other cuvées and is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre (all from vines averaging one hundred years of age) and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. It's easily the largest, richest and most full-bodied of the (Sabon) lineup and has lots of blackberry, plum, peppery herbs and roasted herb characteristics. Like all of the 2015s here (Sabon), it has serious purity, as well as ripe tannin.' (93 - 95/100) Jeb Dunnuck, 'The Wine Advocate' October, 2017

2016 Châteauneuf du Pape "Le Secret des Sabon" - 15.0% Alc./Vol.  $233.45 the bottle LCBO Product No: 841395

 "I tasted the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon blind, alongside the other 2016s from this fine estate, and failed to discern a huge difference between it and the impressive Prestige and Reserve bottlings. I don't doubt that time will prove my rating to be conservative, hence the + sign. Winemaker Didier Négron retained some stems in this cuvée, and they show for the moment in its slightly herbal-minty notes, but they are balanced by ripe Grenache fruit that suggests apricot and plum. Lavender and thyme join in on the creamy, lush finish of this full-bodied but elegant offering." (96+/100) Joe Czerwinski, "The Wine Advocate" Aug. 2018.

This is Châteauneuf du Pape at its zenith!

If you know any fanciers of superb Châteauneuf du Pape from great vintages, we would really appreciate it if you would pass this note on to them.

Many thanks and cheers!

Jim, Hélène and Kate
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.ofrance.ca 
hbuisson@ofrance.ca 
kwalker@arthursellers.com