The estate's flagship cuvée, always at the top of international rankings. The robe is dark with purple reflections. On the nose, the still discreet aromas of crushed black fruits and garrigue are just waiting to melt into a noble and fresh substance, to reveal finesse and elegance on the palate.
Blend: 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah
Ratings:
98 Points 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.
98 Robert Parker's 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. With time, it might even approach the performance of the 2009 (99 points) or 2010 (100). Best after 2025. Rating: 98+
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. Rating :97+
97 Decanter: Lovely density of dark fruit, full and weighty on the palate. Powerful, long, concentrated and fresh. The alcohol is a little warming, but generally the impression is one of warmth, generosity and endlessly deep, dark fruit. One for the cellar. Fermented in concrete, matured for 12 months in foudre and demi-muid.
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. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035.
