Le Vieux Donjon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022 (750ml)
Price: $78.99
| Producer | Le Vieux Donjon |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône Valley |
| Varietal | Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 203729 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Le Vieux Donjon Description
The Domaine is a fairly new one, forming in 1966 by Marcel Michel. Prior to that date, their harvest was sold in bulk to négociants. Since 1979 the domaine has been managed by Lucien and Marie Michel. Their daughter Claire Michel, now Claire Fabre, signed on to start making the wines in 2008. Prior to her involvement, she spent 6 months in 2005 working at Harlan Estate in Napa, California. For younger brother Francois joined in 2013, at which time Claire and Francois were named officially responsible for the property together with their mother Marie Michel. At this time, they also built a new tasting room and updated the winery.
The holdings are spread across several different parcels including Mont Redon (Grenache), Les Cabrières (Grenache) & Les Pialons (Syrah). The grenache vines are 90-100 years old. Le Vieux Donjon practices organic farming without the fancy certificates. Aka, ‘Reasonable Farming.’ They will perform green harvest and pruning as needed, and is usually one of the last to start harvesting their red grapes. A manual harvest is performed using buckets and small clippers. Sorting happens in the field in medium-sized plastic bins located on the tractor. The team of harvesters is made of approximately 20 people each year.
Vinous: 93 Points
As is custom at this address, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape spent one year in old oak foudres. Neatly blending 75% Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, it unwinds with notes of violet, forest strawberry, licorice, black cherry and graphite. Open-knit and inviting, the 2022 is gently framed by ripe tannins that won't need as much time to mellow as in 2020 or 2019. Finishing on a savory note, this expressive Châteauneuf smoothly integrates its 15.25% alcohol and comes highly recommended.
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