"Sabon have hit home runs in both 2009 and 2010" - Robert Parker
In 2009 and 2010 Didier Negron has made two sets of superb, yet vintage delineated sets of wines, both essence of Chateauneuf: between them a picture of what this hot, dry region produced in these two remarkable years. You can taste the 09s today from midday and you’ll find they’re full bodied and early drinking, with low acidity but not lacking finesse. In 2010 the picture was very similar to what we saw in Burgundy; wines are zippier and fresher and will reward time in the cellar.
Sabon are one of the most longstanding Uncorked partners - the sheer excitement these wines generate each vintage demands that they have a place on our list. Grape sorting, destemming and incredibly low yields, together with long extractions all contribute to the concentration and satin textures of these wines. The Olivets, (Est. 1955) is 80% Grenache while the Cuvée Réserve comes from a seventy year old vines is mostly Grenache with 20% Syrah and some Cinsault. The Prestige has less Grenache and a healthy splash of Mourvedre for more savoury depth. Didier has been in charge since 2001, he is the son-in-law of Jean-Jacques, who sadly died last December. /CW
'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 estate.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, October 2011
