Domaine de la Janesse Châteauneuf du Pape 2022
- 94
- $150
- Drink by: 2025-2037
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This is exciting stuff. A cracking Châteauneuf du Pape from a superb vintage for the region, from a highly respected maker. Fair to say that a pedigree like that means much is expected. And much is delivered. This is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah (Shiraz), 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault and the result is an excellent example of a very fine Châteauneuf. A hefty 15.5% alcohol, but the balance here makes it seemingly melt away. A deep mauve, the nose is wonderfully evocative with plums and cherries, tobacco leaves, cocoa powder, aniseed and cloves. It is a spicy style, with a flick of pepper, and a really appealing note like a freshly baked cherry pie. Well structured, the wine has balance, focus, intensity, fine satiny tannins and very good length. It will drink beautifully for at least the next ten to twelve years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
