2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

Aromas of chocolate, spices, licorice, dark wild berries, bay leaf and garrigue preface the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige from Roger Sabon, a medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated wine with a sweet attack and a layered core of fruit framed by velvety tannins. This blend of 70% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and the rest of unknown proportions of authorized varieties matured in foudres, large barrels and tanks. It is an elegantly concentrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige opens with ripe black cherry, blackberry, licorice, dried herbs and a touch of garrigue . Formed by firm tannins, the full-bodied 2022 needs at least five more years in bottle to reveal its full potential. This is a very good showing.

70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% other varieties. Vinified in stainless-steel (50%) and concrete tanks (50%). Aged in foudres (60%), demi-muids (10%) and truncated tanks (30%). Cask/tank sample. Tasted blind. Very deep colour in the glass. Floral and blue fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and dense, with chewy tannins and raspberry-jam notes. Some good freshness and acidity here and savoury, earthy and saline notes come through on the finish. (AC)