2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

Impressive, the 2001 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige is drinking beautifully, if not on the young side, showing rich cassis and plum fruit with complementing notes of smoked garrigue, saddle leather, licorice, and pot roast aromas on the nose. This leads to a medium to full bodied wine that has a full, rich texture, superb balance, good mid-palate depth, and a long, classic finish that has a chocolaty edge. Just textbook Châteauneuf that is just now coming into maturity, this should continue to impress for another decade easily. Very well done and a great showing.

Dark red. Slightly funky aromas of black fruits and leather. Silky and suave on entry, then youthfully primary in the mid-palate, even a bit medicinal, with flavors of dark berries, black cherry and menthol. Began a bit clenched but showed more texture as it opened in the glass. Finishes with ripe, building tannins and very good persistence.