Didier Négron and Hélène at the gates of Domaine Roger Sabon

Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:

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 2017 and 2018 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. There are very limited quantities available at time of writing.

The Domaine Roger Sabon Wines on Offer

We are delighted to offer you all four Sabon Châteauneuf du Pape from the 2017 vintage - ‘Les Olivets’, ‘Réserve’ and ‘Prestige’ in 750 ml bottles. And, from the very yummy 2018 vintage we have regular-sized bottles of ‘Rhône By Roger Sabon’ and ‘Lirac By Roger Sabon’ for your drinking pleasure. And, if that wasn’t enough, the LCBO uncovered another few cases of the wonderful 2017 Les Notes de Louis from Domaine Giuliani.

2018 Rhône By Roger Sabon – 15.0% Alc./Vol.                                $19.15 the bottle LCBO Product No. 581644 

Bright cherry and blackberry fruit melds with light savory and lavender notes through the fresh, open-knit finish. Moderate in scale, but showing good energy and persistence. Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now. (JM, Web Only-2019) Wine Spectator

Medium to full-bodied, it will go perfectly with grilled meats, barbeques and charcuterie. It is ready to drink now and will hold beautifully for another four to five years. If you are in the Toronto area you can try this fine wine at Le Sélect Bistro.

2018 Lirac By Roger Sabon – 15.0% Alc./Vol.                   $24.85 the bottle LCBO Product No. 657097

Even better than his 2016 (!), the 2018 Lirac by Roger Sabon starts off perfumed and floral, backed by delicate berry notes. Medium to full-bodied, it's creamy and supple, with a long finish. Even after blind-tasting 40+ Liracs, I described this in my notebook as "electrifying stuff." It should drink well for close to a decade.(JC) (10/2019) 93 points; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

The 2018 Lirac By Roger Sabon is made in the same balanced, charming, pure style as the Côtes Du Rhône, yet has a touch more elegance, Black raspberries, ground pepper, violets, and spice notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, silky, classy wine. It's a little gem of a wine to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years. (8/2019) 90 points Jeb Dunnuck

Friendly and forward, offering a fun mix of red cherry and blueberry fruit, infused with a light garrigue note and carried by gentle, dusty tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Drink now through 2020.(JM) (11/2019) Wine Spectator

2017 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Les Olivets’ – 15.0% Alc./Vol.               $43.40 the bottle      LCBO Product No. 657121

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape les Olivets is 80% Grenache, plus 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah. It spent a total of a month on skins, with 'no pigéage', said winemaker Didier Négron. It's still rich and tannic, but it also delivers gorgeous aromas of flowering garrigue and red berries. Raspberry and cheery flavors are joined by hints of tar and black olive in this full-bodied yet silky wine. It will need a bit of cellaring after release, but it should drink well for at least 15 years. Rating: 92-94 - Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com, August 31st, 2018.

2017 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Réserve’ – 15.0% Alc./Vol.                  $51.95 the bottle      LCBO Product No: 657113

“Full-bodied and velvety, Sabon’s 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve is a step up from the les Olivets bottling and probably represents the best value in the 2016 lineup. Tasted blind, it showcases ripe dark plum and cola but also super ripe Grenache notes of apricots and delicate hints of garrigue, then it turns rich and chewy on the long finish. It is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, matured in a mix of foudres and oak vats.” (95/100) Joe Czerwinski, ‘The Wine Advocate’ Aug. 2018

I would give this marvellous Châteauneuf a couple of years before broaching and expect it to evolve wonderfully for the next fifteen years or so.

2017 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Prestige’ – 15.0% Alc./Vol.                $76.15 the bottle LCBO Product No: 657154

Compelling stuff, even tasted next to the Le Secret, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige is 70% Grenache and 20% Syrah, with a smattering of other varieties. Raspberry and garrigue notes lead the way, followed by a full-bodied wine that is incredibly rich and velvety in texture. There's the suggestion of chocolate fudge, but somehow it remains bright and balanced, framed by firm tannins. Rating: 96-98 - Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com, August 31st, 2018..

2017 ‘Les Notes de Louis’ Côtes du Rhône – 15.5% Alc./Vol.  $18.05 the bottle LCBO Product No: 866210

This glorious Côte du Rhône is made from almost 100% Grenache - and the Giulianis are very, very talented Grenache growers. This robust beauty is a brilliant ruby colour and exhibits a pronounced, lively nose of raspberries, plums and cherries. In the mouth these persist, accompanied by black currents and hints of pepper and licorice. It is big and wonderfully round and supple with silky tannins and surprising length. This stunner will go marvellously with savoury tarts and grilled meats, in other words, perfect for the BBQ. While drinking brilliantly well now (I’d decant a couple of hours before enjoying), it will keep nicel for at least three or four years. This is terrific stuff.