Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Janasse 2023 (750ML)

Domaine de la Janasse has been in the Sabon family since 1967, and siblings Christophe and Isabelle Sabon now run the estate, working vines in the northeastern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and around the village of Courthézon. Their Vieilles Vignes is Grenache-led, with Grenache making up more than four-fifths of the 2023 blend alongside Mourvèdre and a little Syrah. It was fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged 12 months, 70% in foudre and 30% in demi-muids. 2023 produced ripe, open-knit Châteauneuf, and this bottling is already generous: wild strawberry and black cherry, dried thyme and cracked pepper, a streak of licorice and a lift of violet, all carried on fine, supple tannins to a long, herb-tinged finish. Critics see it drinking well into the 2040s. Pour it alongside braised lamb shoulder, cassoulet or grilled merguez.