Simply, this has been my favorite Rhone red in the past year, regardless of price point. The new vintage arrived last month and I was eager to drink a bottle, as my supply of the 2017 was getting low.

Wow! I like it even more than the 2017! So I struck a deal on a large drop... which just arrived... and a US Best Price that is $5 lower than we sold the 2016 for and $2 less than the 2017!!!

Clos St. Antonin Cotes du Rhone Plan de Dieu 2018.
(label for illustration)
Sale $19.89

Beats Best US Price Online

91-93 pts Jeb Dunnuck 

Even the most casual drinker of Rhone wines has undoubtedly heard of Domaine de la Janasse. Many an argument could be made that they are the finest producer in Chateauneuf, and without question stand in the top 10. The estate has been run for the past decade or so by siblings Christophe and Isabelle Sabon, under their father Aime's watchful eye. As Aime prepares for Christophe's succession, he has partnered with Isabelle to form a new winery that she will inherit. Of course, being a tight-knit family, she has access to the Janasse vineyards, and her brother's winemaking expertise. 

Among the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages villages, Le Plan de Dieu is unique in that it is not a village. It is a distinct terroir surrounded by sleepy, rural, and classically provençale hamlets. In the Middle Ages, when crossing this vast, bandit-infested “forest “of scrubland, you were taking your life in your hands. All you could do was commit your soul to God. Maybe this is the origin of the name Plan de Dieu (God’s Plain).

The geologic forces that created the terroirs of the Rhône Valley also formed the Plan – a flat plain of red clay covered in gravel overlaying deep sandy subsoils situated just to the east of the ancient city or Orange. In many regards this soil shares a lot in common with the high plateau of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, most notably that which is found in Le Crau. But it wasn’t until 2005 that the Plan was elevated to Cotes du Rhone Villages status. Prior to that, it was somewhat of a secret gem. Yeah... and guess who has insider knowledge? The Sabons, of course!

Compare this gem with Chateauneuf at twice the price!

"Mostly Grenache blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre, brought up in demi-muid, barrique, and wood tank, the 2018 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu reveals a medium ruby color as well as a beautiful perfume of kirsch, crushed flowers, incense, and spice. It's rich and powerful, yet has an elegant, seamless style." JD


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday in Hillsborough, as ordered.