Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets 2021

Domaine Roger Sabon is a long-established Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate in the southern Rhône, its history in the appellation reaching back centuries. Les Olivets is a Grenache-led blend with Cinsault and Syrah, grown under the hot Mediterranean sun and the drying Mistral wind that keep the fruit healthy and concentrated. Grenache ripens to high sugar here, which is why southern Rhône reds carry warmth and generous alcohol, in this case 14.5 percent, while Syrah adds colour, pepper and structure and Cinsault lends freshness and perfume. The wine is aged eighteen months in large foudres rather than small barrels, so the oak influence is subtle: the big-format wood allows a slow, gentle oxygen exchange that softens the tannins and knits the blend together without adding overt vanilla or toast. Expect a medium to deep ruby colour, a nose of red berries, plum, dried garrigue herbs and black pepper over thyme and leather, and a full, warming palate with soft tannins and a savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead, with roast or braised meat.