Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:
I have absolutely no idea where the LCBO found them (I thought they were sold out more than a year ago!) but a few bottles of the lovely 2016 Lirac By Roger Sabon and magnums of the magnificent 2015 Le Secret des Sabon have suddenly appeared on LCBO.com.
Please send me a note if you would like me to order for you (let me know to which LCBO store you would like your wine sent).
Here are the Prodigal Sabons:
2016 Lirac By Roger Sabon – 14.5% Alc./Vol. $28.80/$172.80 for 6 LCBO Item No. 466242
There are 5 bottles of this lovely wine available.
Robert Parker noted that Domaine Roger Sabon is one of only five “Excellent” Lirac producers. He goes on to say, “A sleepy village next to Tavel, Lirac appears to be emerging from the shadows of oblivion. More and more of the top estates are producing better and better wines.”
“Somehow Roger Sabon has captured joy in a bottle. His 2016 Lirac By Roger Sabon boasts subtle spice and vanilla shadings upfront, then elevates the mood with easy-to-drink ripe cherry fruit that’s concentrated yet never seems heavy on the palate. This medium to full-bodied wine is lush and fun to drink, ending with softly dusty tannins that lend a welcome savory edge to the long finish. It should drink well for close to a decade.” (91/100) Jeb Dunnuck, ‘The Wine Advocate’ October, 2017
2015 Le Secret des Sabon – 15.0% Alc./Vol. MAGNUMS $502.50 the magnum LCBO Item No. 466333
The smallest production cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon, which is a field blend of primarily Grenache (from vines that are over one hundred years old) that's brought up in oak tanks. It sports a deep ruby color, full body, terrific Grenache notes of black raspberries, scorched earth, currants and roasted herbs, sweet tannin and a killer finish. It's more streamlined and elegant than the 2010, but should surpass the 2009.' (94 - 96/100) Jeb Dunnuck, 'The Wine Advocate' October, 2016
Other Sabon Châteauneuf Available on LCBO.com:
2016 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Prestige’ – 15.0% Alc./Vol. $80.00 the bottle LCBO Product No: 841379
2015 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Prestige’ Magnums – 15.0% Alc./Vol. $179.05 the magnum LCBO Product No: 466317
2016 Châteauneuf du Pape "Le Secret des Sabon" - 15.0% Alc./Vol. $233.45 the bottle LCBO Product No: 841395
"I tasted the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon blind, alongside the other 2016s from this fine estate, and failed to discern a huge difference between it and the impressive Prestige and Reserve bottlings. I don't doubt that time will prove my rating to be conservative, hence the + sign. Winemaker Didier Négron retained some stems in this cuvée, and they show for the moment in its slightly herbal-minty notes, but they are balanced by ripe Grenache fruit that suggests apricot and plum. Lavender and thyme join in on the creamy, lush finish of this full-bodied but elegant offering." (96+/100) Joe Czerwinski, "The Wine Advocate" Aug. 2018.
This is Châteauneuf du Pape at its zenith!
If you know any fanciers of superb Châteauneuf du Pape from great vintages, we would really appreciate it if you would pass this note on to them.
Many thanks and cheers!
Jim, Hélène and Kate
www.arthursellers.com jaswalker@arthursellers.com www.ofrance.ca hbuisson@ofrance.ca kwalker@arthursellers.com
