La Janasse Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2019

By Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 91

The 2017 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, all made in stainless steel. It's medium to full-bodied and plump in feel, with fresh tangerine flavors that are remarkably clean, zesty and delicious. Drink it over the next couple of years. Although I showed up considerably late for my appointment with the brother-sister team of Christophe and Isabelle Sabon, Christophe wore his customary, irrepressible smile. The French soccer team was ahead in their World Cup match, and he was showing off the domaine's stellar 2016s. "It's my father's 50th harvest," he said. "And he thinks it's the best. It's incredible because you have power, finesse and acidity." Interestingly, the Sabons are planting Grenache Gris and Clairette Rose for possible inclusion in red wines, which Christophe said he hopes will add some freshness to Grenache. Worth noting is that the family also owns Clos St Antonin (tasted on this visit but written up under its own heading).

《Domaine de La Janasse》
一個家庭式運作的隆河區酒莊，莊主Christophe Sabon 和他的妹妹和爸爸一同營運。使用自然動力學的種植方法，簡單來說就是 "有機"。這個酒莊是其中一個 Robert Parker 十分推崇的一個酒莊，通常都給予高分的評級，稱得上是頂級的教皇新堡。莊園在短短三十多年期間，吸引了許多酒迷的推崇。其細膩優雅、芬芳純淨是酒莊園的特色，有別於其他教皇新堡的強勁卻略帶粗野、傑傲不馴的高酒精酒身，Janasse卻是以陰性、馨香、醇厚而豐美勁柔的風格，格外不同。