Roger Sabon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Le Secret des Sabon 2018

Deep violet. Powerful, spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry cola and licorice are energized by a smoky mineral topnote. Densely packed and concentrated, offering sweet blueberry preserve, cherry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors that show surprising energy for their heft. Finishes with resonating florality, youthfully gripping tannins and superb, spice-driven tenacity.

As usual, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabon is nearly all Grenache, from two old-vine parcels. Raspberries, black cherries and chocolate overtones appear on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated. Licorice notes mark the long finish, framed by silky-creamy tannins.