The Roger Sabon estate, a venerable name in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, presents its Cuvée Prestige from the 2023 vintage. This cuvée is typically crafted from a selection of the domaine's older vines, often featuring a dominant proportion of Grenache, complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre, reflecting the classic Southern Rhône blend. The vineyards, characterised by the region's iconic galets roulés, contribute to the wine's depth and mineral complexity, while the Mediterranean climate ensures optimal ripeness. Winemaking often involves a judicious balance of traditional concrete vats and larger oak foudres, allowing for a slow, controlled evolution that preserves fruit purity while building structure. The Cuvée Prestige is designed to express the profound typicity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, showcasing both immediate appeal and significant ageing potential.
Tasting notes
The 2023 Cuvée Prestige from Roger Sabon, though nascent, reveals a concentrated aromatic profile of ripe black cherry, wild raspberry, and a distinct garrigue herbaceousness, interwoven with notes of liquorice, black pepper, and a hint of crushed stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied and robust, with a firm tannic structure that promises longevity. Layers of dark fruit are supported by a vibrant acidity, leading to a persistent finish marked by savoury spice and a mineral undertow. This is a wine built for the cellar, poised to develop greater complexity and nuance over the coming decade.