About the 2015 Vintage “As for the 2015 vintage, this is certainly a very, very good vintage for the entire Southern Rhône Valley. The vintage started with a normal spring and an even crop set, before turning hot and dry through the end of August. Temperatures routinely exceeded 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and from April through September, the region received more sunshine than in either 2010 or 2011, which were both very sunny years. However, storms late in August, and again in September, resulted in a later, lengthy harvest. The reds are full-bodied and show
beautiful purity of fruit, good concentration and notable, yet ripe and rounded tannin structures. Moreover, the quality is incredibly high across all of the appellations, and even across all varieties, which is uncommon. However, while the average quality is high, I found fewer truly great wines than I would expect from an exceptional vintage. Alcohol levels are slightly down over 2010 and 2007, and the wines stay fresh, focused and lively on the palate, with more finesse than overt power and richness. Most vignerons I spoke with compared 2015 to a mix of 2007 and 2010, but I find that comparison optimistic. In my mind, 2015 is closer to a beefed up 2006, with very classic, pure characters that I suspect will evolve gracefully in the cellar…At the end of the day, 2015 is a beautiful vintage for Southern Rhône lovers that will be a treasure trove for the actual wine drinkers out there.” –Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
FROM THE DOMAINE
In 1967, Aimé Sabon came back from his military service. He took over his father’s vines, who used to take his grapes to the wine cooperative. In 1973, Aimé built his own cellar. Domaine de la Janasse was born and named after the family farm that was in Courthézon, in the locality of “La Janasse”. Aimé was ambitious. He knew he had fabulous soil and he wanted to expand the estate by acquiring new plots. From 15 hectares at the very beginning, La Janasse has now reached more than 90 hectares.
In 1991, after a technical diploma in viticulture and oenology in Beaune,
and another one in marketing in Mâcon, Christophe Sabon –Aimé’s eldest son– came back to La Janasse where he was given the keys to the cellar. From then different cuvees were developed, new markets conquered. In 2001, Isabelle –Aimé’s daughter– graduated as an oenologist from the University of Toulouse, and joined the team. With Hélène, Aimé’s wife, the family was reunited again in La Janasse.
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