By Roger Sabon
2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

Producer History
In the early 20th century, Seraphin Sabon married Marie Jausset, the daughter of Romain Jausset and Marie-Angelie Brunel, thus also taking over his wife's family business, which had already been in existence since 1560. Gradually expanding the vineyards, he started bottling part of his wine in the winery in 1921. They had three sons: Joseph, who later founded Clos du Mont Olivet, Noel, who founded Domaine Chante Cigale; and Roger, who launched the Domaine Roger Sabon in 1952. It was taken over in 1976 by Roger's sons, Jean-Jacques, Denis, and Gilbert. Since 2001, Jean-Jacques' stepson - the enologist Didier Negron - has been responsible for the winemaking at the Domaine Roger Sabon. He gathered experience beforehand at La Nerthe and La Gardine. Denis's son Julien works in the vineyards together with his father. Julien's daughter Delphine was commissioned to run the domaine's commercial affairs.

Vineyard Details
The Domaine Roger Sabon has 17 hectares of grapevines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, scattered across 15 different plots. Green grapes are grown on one of them. Three parcels are situated on the pebbly La Crau plateau. Two others were planted with all of the permitted grapes varieties, and the yield of these grapes flows mainly into the Cuvee Prestige. The domaine produces four red wines and one white wine. The first Cuvee Reserve was made in 1981, followed by the first Cuvee Prestige in 1982. Jean-Jacques recalls, 'When we started, there was a volley of criticism from local vintners, as the production of such special cuvees wasn't a part of local tradition yet. But as we all know, many other vintners started producing special cuvees shortly afterward.' The grapes from the various plots are fermented separately according to the specific characteristics and ages of the vines. The majority of the grapes have been destemmed since 1996.
[Information provided by DHI Selections]

Roger Sabon et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2020
Score: 94
Wine Type and Color: Red Still
Magazine Issue: Feb 28, 2023
Primary Grape: Grenache
Other Grapes: Syrah, Mourvedre
Region: France / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
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 Mourvedre. Best from 2023 through 2035. 

2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
Producer: Domaine Roger Sabon
Place of Origin: France, Chateauneuf Du Pape, Southern Rhone
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040
From: Chateauneuf-du-Pape New Releases: Welcome to the Pleasuredome (Jun 2023)
Reviewed By: Nicolas Greinacher on April 2023
The 2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve is made with 10% Mourvedre, instead of using 10% Cinsaut like in the Les Olivets. This adjustment accentuates the overall structure and contributes hints of earthiness. The 2020 Reserve 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.

2020 Roger Sabon Reserve (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) 
Points: 93
Flowers, black cherries, black raspberries, and plums produce the nose. Soft, lush and creamy on the palate, the wine has polish, vibrancy and freshness from start to finish. The wine was produced blending 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Drink from 2023-2035.
Tasted Jan 27, 2023

2020 Roger Sabon Chateauneuf Du Pape Reserve
Producer: Roger Sabon
Location: France, Rhone, Southern Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape
Color: Red
Rating: 93
Tasting Date: 11/11/2022
Maturity: 2022 - 2037
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck    
Source: Southern Rhone 2020 and 2021
The 2020 Chateauneuf Du Pape Reserve 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.

2020 Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve
Rating: (91-93)
Producer: Domaine Roger Sabon
Wine Region: France, Rhone, Southern Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape
Color / Type / Sweetness: Red / Table / Dry
Importer Information: Magnum Wines
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Drink Date: 2023 - 2035
A blend of 80% Grenache with 10% each Mourvedre and Syrah, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve marries hints of dried flowers with black cherries and a touch of cocoa. Full-bodied and concentrated, this is less flattering to taste than the Les Olivets at this stage, but it should still be excellent in time.
Published: May 05, 2022