The 2005 Domaine del la Janasse Cuvee Chaupin was the winning bottle in the November installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for one hour and served with Thanksgiving dinner.
Domaine de la Janasse is located in Courthezon, in the Southern Rhone Valley, and it is one of the region’s brightest stars. The Sabon family has been growing grapes in the valley for several generations, but it wasn’t until 1973 that Aime Sabon began making wine under the name Domaine de la Janasse. The wines became truly noteworthy in the 1990s, after Aime’s son Christophe graduated from oenology college in Beaune and returned to the domaine bringing new ideas about wine production and viticulture. Janasse owns 136 acres of vineyards divided into 15 parcels, and also makes Cotes du Rhone and white wines, all of which are praised by reviewers.
Chaupin is 100% Grenache from century old vines.
Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. Restrained nose of dark fruits, roasted herbs, garrigue and flowers. Medium body with ample acidity. Exceptional balance and concentration. Kirsch, cherry liqueur, strawberry and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish with mostly resolved tannins. Delicious CdP but slightly less compelling than the same bottle several years back. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Current vintages of Janasse Chaupin will set you back about $85.