99pts Jeb Dunnuck

All Grenache sourced mostly from the Chapouin lieu-dit with a splash from Janasse, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin shows a medium ruby hue followed by a pretty, perfumed, remarkably elegant profile. It has a core of sweet red and black berry fruits, absolutely heavenly Provençal aromatics of herbes de Provence, black olive, pepper, and flowers, plus ripe, velvety tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Partially destemmed and aged 12 months in 70% foudre and 30% demi-muids, this heavenly 2023 will drink beautifully over the coming two decades. There are roughly 1,500 cases produced.

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

As always, a pure Grenache Noir sourced from sandy soils, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin is a terrific effort. Mingling aromas of wild herbs, dark berries, baked mulberries and garrigue, it avoids the excesses of over-ripeness or overt spice, instead delivering a beautifully controlled expression. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it displays impressive concentration and a sense of coiled energy, its muscular core of fruit framed by a fine chassis of ripe tannins. The finish is long, delicately spiced and impressively persistent. This will reward patience, as time in bottle should bring greater harmony and finesse.

94pts James Suckling

A solid, well-composed and flavorful red with cherries, sweet strawberries, warm herbs and a hint of baked orange. Full-bodied with fine tannins giving a refined texture. Juicy and driven, with a long, flavorful and well-structured finish.

94pts Wine Spectator

Huge in scale, with a potent, warm, sappy profile. Its opulent rush of ripe cherry and licorice is well-framed by polished, firming tannins. Alder, anise and lavender smoke stream through; the finish is well-supported and reined in. Concentrated and broad-shouldered. This is for fans of the hedonistic style yet still shows drive and complexity. 

93pts Vinous

Strawberry compote, raspberry jam, licorice and crushed violets introduce the expressive 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin, with ripe black cherry adding more complexity. Neatly structured through firm tannins, the full-bodied 2023 packs ample flavor concentration and density, doubling down with blackberry flavors and garrigue on the long, savory conclusion. This won’t need as much time to come around as the Vieilles Vignes from the same vintage tasted alongside.

Tasting Notes

A beautiful bottle that represents the archetype of the appellation, expressing the quintessence of Grenache in its birthplace of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With notes of dark fruit and violet, this cuvée evolves gracefully over time, supported by already well-integrated tannins.

Winery Notes

The Sabon family leads Domaine de la Janasse, combining tradition with innovation. The estate’s diverse terroirs are best expressed through its various cuvées, notably its emblematic wines.

At Domaine de la Janasse, they cultivate their vines on a mosaic of parcels featuring varied terroirs—from rolled pebbles to clay-limestone and sandy soils. This diversity enables a complex expression from each grape varietal. What’s more, their vineyard work follows an organic approach, emphasizing respect for the environment and the natural balance of the soil, completely free of pesticides and herbicides.

Their Story

In 1967, Aimé Sabon returned from his military service. He took over the vineyards of his father (who delivered his grapes to the cooperative winery) and his stepfather (who sold the wine to négociants). In 1973, Aimé built his own winery. 

Thus, Domaine de la Janasse was born, named after the family farm located in Courthézon, in a place called "La Janasse." Aimé was ambitious. Aware of possessing a fabulous terroir, he continually expanded the estate by acquiring new plots of land. From 15 hectares yesterday, La Janasse now covers more than 90 hectares.

In 1991, after completing a vocational diploma in viticulture and oenology in Beaune and a higher technical diploma in marketing in Mâcon, Christophe Sabon joined his father, who immediately entrusted him with the management of the winery. Under his guidance, La Janasse produced a variety of wines, conquered new markets, and established itself as a leading winery. 

In 2001, Isabelle, Christophe's sister and a graduate oenologist from the University of Toulouse, joined the team. Along with Hélène, Aimé's wife and the mother of Christophe and Isabelle, the family was reunited at La Janasse, which, within a few years, became one of the jewels of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.