Domaine de la Janasse
Overview
Domaine de la Janasse is a top-class Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate founded by Aime Sabon in 1973, now run by his children Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. The vineyards are centred on Courthezon and its sandy soils in the north-east of the appellation. JLL describes these as “deep wines that can be on the limit with their powerful take” — they have stayed in that powerful vein even as the world has moved towards more freedom of expression. Prices are now rather high.
Appellations
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape (red and white)
- Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages
- Plan de Dieu (via Clos Saint Antonin, acquired 2015 at Jonquieres)
Key Wines
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition red — the entry-level CdP
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin red — perhaps the most interesting wine; 100% Grenache from vines dating 1912-1940s on sandy soils, 50% from Chapouin. Carries complexity and Grenache floral attributes (especially from sand). The 2020 and 2024 were both four-to-five-star wines.
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes red — nearly 20% Mourvedre plus a touch of white varieties; from La Barnouine, Coudoulet (40%), La Crau de Courthezon (40%), and Les Saumades (20%); Grenache from 1900s-1940s. Rugged, Southern, with Mourvedre firmness; benefits from long ageing. The 2016 was five stars.
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape white — half Grenache blanc (oldest vines 1940s, youngest 1997), with Clairette and Roussanne; traditional in style, suited to the table
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige white — no more than 1,200 bottles; up to 70% Roussanne, malo completed; a classy, well-textured large-glass table wine suited to the best seafood
- Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d’Argile red — full-blooded; 33% each Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre with a little 1940s Carignan in the richest vintages; Christophe calls it “our least Grenache wine”; a 15+ year wine rewarding patience
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Clos Saint Antonin red — from the 2015 acquisition at Jonquieres
Style Notes
The CdP reds beyond Tradition are punchy, can be glamorous, can be powerful. The lower-powered, cool-toned 2024 vintage has shown well here specifically because it moderates the house style. The Cotes du Rhone reds are full of character from classic garrigue soils and mature vines.
My Tastings
Vintage Assessments (JLL Vintage Reports)
2009: Chaupin six stars (drink window 2028-31). JLL: “STGT, great balance.” Vieilles Vignes five stars (“rich, deep”). A magnificent CdP vintage — sun-driven richness with greater freedom and balance than 2003. See 2009 Rhone Vintage.
2006: Tradition rated ★★★(★) (drink 2023-25). Chaupin ★★★★ (drink 2022-24). Vieilles Vignes ★★★★ (drink 2024-26). A vintage of balance and accessible fruit. See 2006 Rhone Vintage.
Sources
sources/articles/JLL/Domaine_de_la_Janasse.txt— Producer profile (John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkRhone.com)sources/articles/JLL/rhone_vintage_reports.json— JLL vintage reports 2006-2014