2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Secret de Sabon
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Tasting notes
Similarly colored to the reserve, the tiny production 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon is a field blend (it's mostly Grenache) that's brought up all in tronconique tanks. It offers more kirsch liqueur, blueberries, peppery spice and licorice as well as a full-bodied, seamless, silky and layered style on the palate. With ultra-fine tannin, impeccable balance and a big finish, it's reminiscent of the 2006 and is going to drink nicely for 15 years or more. like all these 2015s, it's more about finesse and elegance than power or richness.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
There are only 250 cases of the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabon, but it will be worth the hunt. Super ripe Grenache shows hints of chocolaty richness but remains lively and herbal, while delivering a creamy mouthfeel and long, supple finish loaded with spice complexities. As it comes close to exceeding my ripeness limits, I'd opt for drinking it over the near term before it drops fruit at an alarming rate.
Lurid ruby-red. Exotic, highly perfumed aromas of candied red and blue fruits, incense and peppery spices slowly take on a hint of potpourri. Fleshy and seamless on the palate, offering raspberry and cherry liqueur and floral pastille flavors and a spicy hint of white pepper. Shows outstanding clarity and power on the impressively long finish, which is framed by suave, slow-building tannins.