“Châteauneuf is once more on the map.” – Jancis Robinson, Financial Times, 2023

The very best of two icons, Domaine de la Janasse and Clos Saint Jean take over the Store today with vintages spanning 2017 through 2020. Prices range from the humble $40s to the ultra-rare XXL $400+ elsewhere. The common themes in these crown jewels of the Southern Rhône are gnarly old vines, impeccable fruit, and massive scores. You just can’t go wrong, it’s a wonderful day to be an Operative.

Domaine de la Janasse has become a superstar in the region in a relatively short period of time. They set a benchmark for what’s possible in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Robert Parker calls Janasse “One of the great winemaking estates of not only France, but of the world.”

The Domaine was started with an inherited piece of land in the mid-1970s by Aimé Sabon, who still tends to the vineyard and organic practices to this day. Back then, most wine growing properties would sell their fruit to the local co-op, but Sabon had grand plans. He acquired more acreage and focused on building the empire. His son, Christophe Sabon is now at the helm and manages to retain the classic CdP flavor profile with lush complexity and balanced acidity.

A burning question is will 9 extraordinary Châteauneufs at rock-bottom prices last the day? Highly unlikely. Happy cherry-picking, or collect all of these investment-grade gems!

This base ‘Tradition’ cuvée is where things start for Janasse, but don’t be fooled by that, it has nothing to do with an entry-level wine, consistently hitting way, WAY above your average CDP.

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“A terrific wine that harkens back to the 2016, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape delivers black cherries, blackberries and black olives, plus intriguing notes of garrigue. Full-bodied, rich and silky, it finishes long, with a wash of softly dusty tannins. Drink 2023-2035.”