2017 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin
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Tasting notes
Brilliant magenta. Ripe red and blue fruits, potpourri, incense and Moroccan spices on the deeply perfumed, expansive nose. Stains the palate with sweet boysenberry, black raspberry and floral pastille flavors, which are sharpened by building mineral and white pepper flourishes. Shows the depth and power of the vintage but comes off lively, even graceful. Delivers strong floral thrust on the extremely long, gently tannic finish.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Deeper colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin comes mostly from the Chaupoin lieu-dit yet always has small parts from La Janasse and a sandy part of the La Crau lieu-dit. Blackberries, ground herbs, graphite, and new leather notes all emerge from this concentrated, rich, powerful wine that stays tight, focused, and elegant on the palate. It's a killer wine, but it's going to need time.
The all-Grenache 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin is sourced from sandy soils and ages in a combination of foudres and demi-muids. It shows more structure than the regular cuvée, supporting the ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit with bright acids and velvety tannins. Full-bodied and rich, it's long, picking up hints of licorice on the finish.
Thereâs a very rich and deeply detailed edge here and the 20% whole clusters are certainly adding some interest and complexity at this early stage. The palate has a firmish and fresh feel with a wealth of detailed tannin and a supple, even and juicy core of dark ripe berries. Great balance and deceptive power. Drink or hold.