Domaine Roger Sabon "Reserve" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

Jeb Dunnuck : 93 Points

(11/11/2022) I’ve been praising the wines of Domaine Roger Sabon for years now, and they consistently turn out incredible wines, year-in, year-out. Looking at the 2020s, these wines shine for their purity and impeccable balance and bring more fruit and texture than most in the vintage. The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve is a similar blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by notes of darker berries, chocolate, roasted herbs, and garrigue. Full-bodied, round, and opulent, with the vintage’s forward, incredibly charming style, it has the mid-palate depth as well as tannic structure to keep for 10-15 years, although I see no need to delay gratification. Maturity: 2022 - 2037.

Wine Spectator : 94 Points

(2/28/2023) A dense, powerful red, with a vein of graphite coursing through sappy black fruit and melted licorice. Shows charred sandalwood and a bitter kick of herbs and iodine that offset the ripeness, with tannic grip through the smoky finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2023 through 2035. 1,600 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Vinous - Nicolas Greinacher : 93 Points

(4/2023) The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve is made with 10% Mourvèdre, instead of using 10% Cinsaut like in the Les Olivets. This adjustment accentuates the overall structure and contributes hints of earthiness. The 2020 Réserve bursts from the glass with aromas of blood orange, juicy red and black fruits, licorice, mint, forest floor and dried herbs. Polished and well-built, this full-bodied red shows good persistence on the distinctively savory finish. I have no doubts that it will celebrate its 20th birthday in great shape. Drinking Window: 2026 -2040.