2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Secret de Sabon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Inky ruby. An explosive, mineral-accented bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, cherry compote, incense, licorice and candied flowers. Sappy, impressively concentrated black raspberry and blueberry flavors show outstanding clarity and lift thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Deftly balances power and gracefulness and finishes with superb energy, harmonious tannins and a lingering note of floral pastilles.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The Sabons were one of the few estates to release their top cuvée in the vintage, and their 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabons will be one of the top two to three wines made that year. There are 300 cases of this beauty and it reveals a deep ruby color as well as classic southern Rhône notes of kirsch, blackberries, toasted spice and dried garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, pretty, seamless and lengthy, it’s a fair step back from top vintages such as the 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2010, but a sensational 2013 that will have 10-15 years of longevity.
Vivid purple. Powerful smoke- and spice-accented black and blue fruit aromas are brightened by a zesty mineral nuance. Sappy and broad in the mouth, offering sweet boysenberry and cherry-cola flavors and a strong note of fruitcake. The mineral quality returns on a long, sweet finish that feature velvety tannins and lingering smokiness.