Clos St. Antonin - Cotes du Rhone Plan de Dieu 2019
Price: $31.99
3+ Price: $21.99 / btl
| Producer | Clos St. Antonin |
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| Country | France |
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| Region | Rhone Valley |
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| Varietal | Grenache |
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| Vintage | 2019 |
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| Sku | 13470 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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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.
Plan de Dieu is unique among the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellations because it is NOT a village. Rather it is an elevated plain to the east of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, sharing a similar soil to the famed Le Crau vineyards. Ages ago, the area was a vast expanse of forest inhabited mostly by bandits. To cross the area was to place your life into God's hands. Likely, this is the origin of the name - Plan de Dieu or "God's Plain". Without a village to trumpet it's worth, and a dark and sketchy history, you can understand why the region languished in obscurity. That is until Chateauneuf producers began looking for more land to produce entry-level offerings. With its similar soil and exposure, the Plan was ideal! In 2005, the region 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!
Jeb Dunnuck: 92 Points
"Coming from vines around the heart of the estate, and based on 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah that was brought up in barrel, the 2019 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu is another winner from this estate that delivers incredible Provençal charm as well as lovely notes of jammy blackberries, blackcurrants, ground pepper, truffle, and earth. It fills the mouth with fruit, is medium to full-bodied, and delivers sweet tannins as well as a great finish. This is a pleasure-bent beauty to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years." JD
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