2022 CÔTES DU RHÔNE, Roger Sabon. Southern Rhone, France.

Sourced from a mixture of plane and hillside vineyards on clay, chalk, and loam soils

A blend of Grenache (75%), Syrah (15%), along with Cinsault (10%).

Domaine Roger Sabon is broadly accepted these days as one of the finest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A modern winery (founded 1952), under winemaker and technical director Didier Négron (since the 2001 vintage) they have gone from strength to strength.

The grapes were destemmed and fermented at 26-28°C in stainless steel tanks (with no oak aging) to capture the intense fruitiness of both the varieties and the warm vintage.

The result is a full throttle ripe and juicy wine with red and black fruit compote flavours, and bold smoky, spicy notes. Nicely savoury and very smooth – even a note of dark chocolate.

Ready to drink now but will keep and can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. No need to decant or aerate.