1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Secret de Sabon
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Consumers lucky enough to have any of the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabon should consider drinking up. Wines typically aren't immortal, and this wine, while still impressive, was better a few years back. Cedar and leather notes join allspice and star anise on the nose, while the full-bodied palate showcases dried fruit. Still admirably silky and smooth on the long finish, this delicious, mature Châteauneuf du Pape should be consumed over the next couple of years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Also drinking great, the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret du Sabon has classic Southern Rhone flare in its licorice-laced kirsch, garrigue, saddle leather and dried herb-driven bouquet. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and layered, it has an elegant, seamless and pure character that makes it a joy to drink. Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com
Bright saturated ruby. Penetrating, liqueur-like aromas of cassis and violet. Extremely concentrated, oaky and powerful. Still rather tightly wound but possesses superb texture and fruit. Firmly tannic finish shows terrific subtle persistence. An intriguing blend of the fresh fruit of the Cuvee Reservee and the liqueur-like sweetness of the Cuvee Prestige. A very promising '99.