Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:
Your trusty taster with Delphine Sabon and cellar master Didier Négron
The Sabons produce four Châteauneuf du Papes and three of them are now available on LCBO.com – Les Olivets, Réserve and Prestige. The fourth is their storied Le Secret des Sabon which sells for around $250 the bottle upon first release (it is impractical for us to import this wonder).
The three that are available are from the excellent 2019 vintage. Here’s what Jeb Dunnuck says about the vintage -Looking first at the 2019s, the majority of which were tasted out of bottle, these are rich, powerful wines that have full-bodied, structured profiles that are going to benefit from bottle age. This is a great, at times exceptional, vintage for the Southern Rhône that checks in just behind all-time greats such as 2016, 2010, 2007, 2001, and 1998, yet is unquestionably in the same league of 2017, 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2000. In my mind, 2019 is vastly superior to 2018 and a solid step up over 2020. - Jeb Dunnuck
I’d be pleased to order for you. Just let me know what you would like and to which LCBO store you would like it sent.
2019 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Les Olivets’ – 15.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product No. 232412 $46.45 the bottle
A bright ruby colour with aromas of ripe black cherries, blueberries, raspberries and exotic spices, it is forward and supple. It is a full-bodied, silky textured wine, finishing warm and lush. Very limited production. Needs decanting at present and will last at least a decade. Quite the Châteauneuf du Pape bargain.
Rated 93 by the Wine Spectator. A good supply is available on LCBO.com
2019 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Réserve’ – 16.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product No. 775791 $54.65 the bottle
Here are Mr. Dunnuck’s comments and rating - Gorgeous blackberry and morello cherry fruits as well as roasted herbs and licorice emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve a rich full-bodied downright decadent 2019 with sweet tannins and a broad expansive mouthfeel. It has plenty of up-front appeal with its fruit yet has a solid spine of tannins that are going to keep it drinking nicely for 15-20 years. Rated 94. Just 2 bottles remain.
2019 Châteauneuf du Pape 'Prestige' – 15.5% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product No. 314715 $76.00 the bottle
29 bottles available on LCBO.com.
It would be spiffy if you would pass this note on to anyone you think might be interested in some very, very good Châteauneuf du Pape.
Cheers!
Jim, Hélène and Kate
www.arthursellers.com jaswalker@arthursellers.com mhbuisson@gmail,.com kwalker@arthursellers.com
PS: Follow My Vinous Adventures on Gentleman’s Portion
I contribute regularly about our experiences in the wild, wacky and wonderful world of wine to a delightful lifestyle blog called Gentleman’s Portion. The latest is ‘Who Knew Cot, Négretteand Tannat?’. Please join me and my fellow contributors, Nigel Napier-Andrews and David Moorcroft, as we regale you with a good helping of everything great in life.
The Sabon barrel cellar where their exquisite Châteauneuf du Pape age