From a hot, dry year, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Secret Des Sabon is another big, rich wine that stays more focused and tight compared to the broader 2023 while still bringing full-bodied richness. Ripe black cherries, roasted garrigue, cured meats, and peppery spice define the aromatics, and it's beautifully concentrated, rich, and textured on the palate with ripe tannins. It will shine for two decades. Drink 2025-2045.
97 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2025)
A blend of 95% Grenache Noir and 5% of several authorized varieties, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret de Sabon exhales delicate, elegant notes of dark cherries, flowers, spices, licorice and dark wild berries. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and suave, it's layered and textured with a fleshy core of fruit, concluding with a long, spicy finish. Macerated for 35 days and partly destemmed, this is a great effort.
95 points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Sep 2024)
Pronounced lavender, forest strawberry, black cherry, licorice, crushed violets and a pinch of white pepper frame the multifaceted 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret de Sabon. Firmly assembled like a skyscraper, the structured 2022 packs remarkable intensity on the full-bodied palate yet balances it with fresh acidity. In terms of quality, I’d place the 2022 right between the 2020 and 2021 vintages, all three cruising at similarly high altitudes.
95 points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous (Nov 2024)
There's gorgeous richness and depth to this red, with beautiful balance to the classic Châteauneuf burst of cherry, raspberry and iron in a flowing, broad frame. Offers well-integrated grilled apple wood notes and good energy, with pronounced graphite minerality guiding the plush palate while maintaining freshness. Density builds toward the full finish, with flickers of incense smoke and lavender. Best from 2028 through 2040. 250 cases made, 112 cases imported.
95 points, Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator (Oct 2024)
A solid, well-built and vertical red with aromas of dark berries, dark plums, grilled herbs, warm spices and a touch of black pepper. Full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Nice fruit at the center, with an array of dark cherries and blueberries mingling with the spices. The solid frame of tannins brings discipline and drive to the peppery finish. Try after 2028.
95 points, James Suckling (Apr 2024)