Le Secret des Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 | 750 ml.

VN94 Vinous Apr 2015

"Bright ruby. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet displays scents of black raspberry, cherry-cola, Asian spices and floral oils, with a smoky mineral note emerging with air. Stains the palate with vibrant red and dark berry flavors, with juicy acidity and a jolt of white pepper providing focus and lift. Wonderfully balanced and deep, finishing with serious power and smooth tannins that are quickly absorbed by the wine’s sappy fruit." (94 pts.)

RP94+ Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 31st Oct 2013

"The top wine of the estate, the tiny production 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon is almost all Grenache and was aged in 600-liter demi-muids. Gorgeous all around, with a sexy, voluptuous profile, it gives up notions of sweet blackberries, currants, underbrush, strawberry and mineral on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and brilliantly textured, with a relatively accessible profile, it should still be given a year, or three, in the cellar once released. It should age effortlessly for 15–20 years or more. Drink 2015–2027." (94–96+ pts.)

RP96 Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 30th Oct 2014

"The top wine of the estate is the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabon, and the inky-colored 2012 is a brilliant effort. I don’t think it hits the heights of the 2010, 2007 or 2001, but it’s still a singular expression of Grenache that could come from nowhere else, and is distinctly different from the three prior Châteauneufs. Possessing a sweet nose of ripe raspberries, kirsch, garrigue and licorice, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, tons of glycerol and texture, sweet tannin and moderate acidity. It’s already approachable, yet I suspect will improve with another handful of years in the cellar and drink well through 2027 at a minimum." (96 pts.)

SP95 Wine Spectator Oct 15, 2014

"A lush, velvety style, with gorgeous flavors of raspberry ganache, plum pâte de fruit and cherry preserves, lined with ample graphite-edged grip and driving authoritatively through a finish studded with licorice snap, black tea and tar notes. Has power, grace and serious length. Impressive. Best from 2016 through 2026. 56 cases imported." (95 pts.)

ST93+ Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Jan/Feb 2014

"Inky ruby. Blackberry, singed plum, cassis, vanilla, bitter chocolate and potpourri on the intensely perfumed nose. Dense, concentrated, sweet and seamless, offering primary black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a spicy oak accent. Finishes with broad, supple tannins, a suggestion of licorice and excellent length." (93–95 pts.)