Domaine de la Janasse   Chateuneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

2001 Chateuneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

By Domaine de la Janasse

The 2001 Chateuneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes from Domaine de la Janasse

An embodiment of precision and harmony, the vintage 2001 Chateuneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes from Domaine de la Janasse offers unmitigated oenological eloquence. Advocators of the Rhone Valley would recognise the unique climate in 2001 that contributed to an exceptional harvest and a subsequent wine of finesse and vitality.

 

A Musical Symphony of the Senses

Domaine de la Janasse masterfully marries diverse varietals from Grenache vines that have embellished the Rhone soils for decades. Notes of ripe black cherries interlaced with hints of earthy truffle create an appealing symphony on the palate. Upon deeper exploration, notes of liquorice, lavender, and a trace of warming garrigue spices produce a rich tapestry encompassing both depth and complexity.

This magnificent assemblage offers shimmers of freshness with an impressively voluminous finish. It's a testament to the vinicultural excellence and savoir-faire of Domaine de la Janasse that such balance and expression are achieved in each sip.

 

The Vintage Character

The Rhone Valley in 2001 experienced favourable meteorological conditions leading up to harvest time; defined by moderate rains, consistent sunshine and cooler nights. These climatic factors culminated to produce fully ripened grapes with a balanced acidity pivotal to the 2001 vintage distinctiveness.

The wine offers a ripe fruit intensity, subtly juxtaposed with tertiary undertones evoking memories of a well-aged library volume - no doubt the result of time silently at work inside age-old vine stocks.

 

An Investable Venture

Undoubtedly, the 2001 Chateuneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a refined ensemble worth its prestigious acclaim not only for avid wine lovers but also for discerning wine investors seeking a sure-footed addition to their carefully curated portfolio.

The consistently high performance of Domaine de la Janasse, steeped in a rich heritage and commitment to viticultural distinction, makes it an appealing investment prospect. Its 2001 vintage stands as a remarkable exemplar of their promise - portraying excellence in viticulture and a testament to the artistry of blending Rhone varietals.

This bottle captures a vintage moment elevated in Rhône's wine chronicles, beautifully articulated in the alluring dialogue between the senses and the sophisticated 2001 Chateuneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes from Domaine de la Janasse.

Current market price

£1,450.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

85.29

Scores and tasting notes

97

The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is still opaque and deeply colored, with killer blackcurrants, smoked meats, orange-tinged chocolate, roasted herbs and serious minerality all soaring from the glass. Just at the early stages of full maturity, this full-bodied, deep, rich and concentrated effort should be consumed over the coming 4-6 years. One of the benchmark estates in the Rhone Valley, Domaine de la Janasse is run by the talented brother/sister pair of Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. Located in the northeastern portion of the region, near Courthezon, they produce an incredible range of wines, from their Vin de Pays, to their Cotes du Rones and world-class Chateauneuf du Papes, all of which are noteworthy. For this tasting, we started with the 1990s and went up through their 2007s. At this point, the ‘98s through the 2004s are all in varying degrees of full maturity, and drinking brilliantly. In addition, it’s also worth pointing out that these wines have the fruit and texture to dish out immense pleasure in their youth, so don’t be afraid to crack these new releases either. Both of the 1999s were drinking beautifully, and are up near the top of the vintage. Moving to the 2000s, I found that from this point forward, the wines started to show more freshness and vibrancy. Looking specifically at this vintage, these are still mature wines, yet they’re drinking beautifully. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014

Vintage performance