Roger Sabon Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine

Roger Sabon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone wine producer profile with wine tasting notes, wine ratings, a history of the property, information on wine making and terroir, along with wine tasting reviews and images. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

The Sabon family has a long history in Chateauneuf du Pape. In fact, they have been in the region even longer than Beaucastel has been around. That’s along time. The Sabon family can trace their Chateauneuf du Pape roots back to 1540. That is nine years older than Beaucastel. The first vintage bottled by what know today as Roger Sabon was the 1921. At the time, the domaine was managed by Seraphin Sabon. Sabon had three entrepreneurial sons; Joseph, who founded Clos du Mont Olivet, Noel, who started the Domaine Chante Cigale and Roger. Roger created the self-named property in 1952. Roger Sabon manages the estate with the help of his three sons, Jean-Jacques, Denis and Gilbert Sabon.

Keeping everything in the family, the vinification is handled by Didier Négron, the son-in- law of Jean Jacques Sabon. The vineyards of Roger Sabon are managed by Denis and his son Julien.

This traditionally managed Roger Sabon estate has 15 hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape. Their best terroir is probably located on the rocky, sandy terroir found on the La Crau plateau. Their parcels are spread around the region. They also own 17 other hectares in other appellations which is the source for their wines from Lirac and Cotes du Rhone. Roger Sabon is an outstanding producer who is making wines that while not inexpensive, offer quality and character for a fair price. Roger Sabon produces one white Chateauneuf du Pape and 4 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines.

Roger Sabon Olivets is produced from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault.

Roger Sabon Reserve is made from a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault.

Roger Sabon Prestige, which is my pick for their best wine for the money comes from Grenache that is almost 100 years old. The wine also includes 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre with the remainder being made of assorted varietals. The wine is aged in a combination of foudres and demi muids.

Roger Sabon Le Secret des Sabon is one of the stars of the appellation. The debut vintage was 1990, but that vintage might not have been available commercially. The first widely available vintage, if you can call a 100 case cuvee, widely available, was the 1998. The wine comes from old vine Grenache that dates back over 100 years! The yields for this wine can be as low as ten hectoliters per hectare! The wine is aged in one year old demi-muids for 12 months. This stunning, pure, plush, rich, sexy, deep, Chateauneuf du Pape wine is in high demand, due to its unique character, charm and style. But if you want to taste an amazing expression of Chateauneuf du Pape, Roger Sabon Le Secret des Sabon is worth seeking out.

Roger Sabon makes a Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc and they also produce wine from Lirac and Cotes du Rhone.

www.roger-sabon.com