Clos Saint Antonin is quickly becoming one of the Rhone’s reference point estates. And that’s pretty impressive when you consider the Sabon family of Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape fame only purchased these vineyards in 2014.
We previously ran their Cotes du Rhone on special and that was a huge hit and for good reason. But the newly released Plan de Dieu takes it to a whole other level. Seriously folks, this stuff drinks like top-flight Chateauneuf or Gigondas, but comes to you at a fraction of the price.
2017 Clos Saint Antonin Plan de Dieu
93+ points Jeb Dunnuck
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
So what is Plan de Dieu? It’s many things, but first and foremost it’s a region and an appellation which was granted Cotes du Rhone Villages status in 2005. Translated, the name mean’s “God’s Plain,” and it received its name in the middle ages with the encouragement of the various religious communities established there. Back in the “olden” days, crossing this vast, bandit-infested scrubland, you were taking your life into your own hands. All you could do was commit your soul to God.
Since then, the vine has thrived in these rocky soils, producing wines with deep color and dense and concentrated flavors. And that’s exactly what’s in the bottle here! A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah from 60-70 year old, organically farmed vineyards, the wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged in foudre and cask for 12 months. The resulting wine offers up a rock star nose of dark fruits, roasted herbs, anise and dark pepper followed by a rich and full-bodied palate.
And just in case you don’t trust me, surely this ringing endorsement from Jeb Dunnuck will convince you. “I continue to love these wines from Clos St Antonin, which are made by Isabelle and Christophe Sabon of Domaine de la Janasse. Along with Chapelle Saint Theodoric, they’re the closes thing to Rayas out there.” Good luck finding Rayas and even if you did, you’d pay $500+ per bottle!
Jeb goes on to say this one “reveals a deeper ruby color as well as notes of ripe black raspberries, black cherries, melted licorice, and scorched earth. It’s rich, powerful, and concentrated, with plenty of richness and depth, which is the hallmark of this appellation.” This is is serious stuff folks and a serious contender for “top winter red” of 2020.
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville