More closed and restrained than normal is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon. The Sabon family has always been “secretive” about the blend used for this cuvee, but they do acknowledge that about 90% Grenache is combined with a field blend from vines over 100 years of age. Yields are microscopic, averaging 8-12 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine is aged one year in used 600-liter demi-muids. In the years it has been made (the first commercial vintage was 1998, although a small amount was made for the family in 1990, 1995, and 1996), this cuvee often borders on pure perfection (i.e., 1998 and 2001). The 2007 is too backward at this stage to go that far out on a limb, but it possesses a dense plum/purple color to the rim as well as an extraordinary perfume of cedarwood, tobacco leaf, creosote, licorice, black fruits, smoke, and a smell and taste of highly-charred meat with the essence of blood. This extraordinarily full-bodied, but forebodingly backward wine is more inaccessible than the 1998 or 2001 were at a similar stage of development, but it is an enormous, massively-endowed Chateauneuf du Pape that represents the concentrated blood of an old vineyard. The finish is virtually endless, lasting well past a minute. It will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 25-35 years thereafter. 97+ Points, - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Oct 2009)
Silky, with a beautiful beam of kirsch running through pepper, incense, black tea and melted licorice notes. The long, supple finish has good latent grip, while maintaining its perfumy elegance. Drink now through 2020. 290 cases made (JM) 93 Points, The Wine Spectator (Nov 2009)
"Saturated ruby. A kaleidoscopic bouquet of raspberry, creme de cassis, potpourri, pungent herbs and incense. Smoky minerals add energy to deep, sweet red and dark berry flavors, complicated by candied lavender, rose and a suave anise note. The finish refuses to let go of the palate, where the sweet berry and floral notes echo. Boasts amazing freshness, depth and clarity." 95-98 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 09 | 
