Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabons Roger Sabon 2019 (750ML)

96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Juicy, dense and packed, yet remarkably defined, with a mix of plum and racy-edged blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry reduction flavors, all laced with a licorice snap thread. Black tea, garrigue and humus accents underscore the finish as the fruit sails through with aplomb. A beauty. Drink now through 2038. 125 cases made, 42 cases imported." 11/21

96 Points, Matt Walls, Decanter: "Very dark, powerful, slightly tarry and roasted with a very intense - almost too intense - acidity. Surprisingly dark for Grenache on sandy soils, extremely concentrated. A driving, focussed, mineral expression that will take some time to reach its peak. Long finish. 3,000 bottles made. Mostly grown on sand, fermented in stainless steel, then aged in tronconic wooden vats." 10/20

94 Points, Wine & Spirits: "The Sabon family’s 45-acre estate is in the northeast of Châteauneuf, where the soils are sandy and rich in limestone; the oldest vines date to the early 1900s. They are the focus of this cuvée, mainly grenache with an undisclosed amount of other varieties blended in. The details of its vinification are also kept a secret, until its final destination, a single demi-muid barrel. The clarity of the 2019 suggests a light hand in the cellar: It radiates red fruit like sun filtered through a ruby. Underneath, fine-grained tannins gird the juicy fruit and draw out a meaty spice, the wine steadfast and lively at the same time. This will age well but it’s also delicious now, the balance of bright fruit and substantial spice suggesting a match with a paella studded with merguez sausages."