Roger Sabon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Olivets 2009 (Magnum)

The least expensive offering, the dense ruby/plum/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault aged in wood foudres or smaller old oak barrels) is a classic example of Provence. Lush, dense, raspberry, fig, plum and cherry notes intermixed with lavender and underbrush emerge from this full-bodied, ripe, juicy, succulent, seductive wine. It should drink well for at least a decade. This estate has been at the top of its game for many years and any partisan of Rhone Valley wines (especially the southern Rhone) who has not yet tried a wine from Domaine Roger Sabon should make every effort to do so. They produce four separate Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees and have hit home runs in both 2009 and 2010, the finest back-to-back vintages I have ever tasted from this 42-acre estate run by the large Sabon family, in this case, Jean-Jacques, Julien, Gilbert and Denis. They own 15 parcels spread throughout the appellation, most of them concentrated in the western and eastern sectors north of the village. The brilliant 2009s are among the finest of the vintage. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC: tel. (704) 358-1565

• Drinking Window: 2011 - 2021
• Reviewer Name: Robert Parker
• Review Date: October 2011