Fine Wine Focus – Châteauneuf du Pape: Le Vieux Donjon

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Featured by Robert Parker as “one of the great unheralded estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape” in his book “The World’s Greatest Wine Estates”, Le Vieux Donjon continues to garner accolades for its wonderful wines with the 2005 vintage named third best wine of 2007 by Wine Spectator. 

Over 75% of the 32-acre estate comprises vines that are more than 80 years old and are situated on the coveted, galet-roulets laden  plateau of the appellation.  Despite their international success, the modest Michel family go about their business with the minimum of fuss, producing just the one red wine and eschewing the practice of elaborate special cuvées.

Châteauneuf du Pape: Le Vieux Donjon Rouge 2004

“The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape is similar in style to their 1999 but with more power. A cedary, sweet bouquet of herbes de Provence, roasted meats, kirsch liqueur, resiny notes, and perhaps incense as well, jumps from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fragrant, savory style of wine. Its tannins are present and persistent but sweet and well-integrated. The wine reveals outstanding concentration, purity, and plenty of Provencal typicity. It should drink well for 10-15 years.”  RP 90, Drink 2007-2022

Châteauneuf du Pape: Le Vieux Donjon Rouge 2006

“Vieux Donjon’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is a powerful, seriously-endowed effort for the vintage, displaying more structure and muscle than most wines in this forward, fruit-friendly year. Classic Provencal characteristics of garrigue, licorice, lavender, pepper, and kirsch soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged offering. In the mouth, it is masculine, tannic, medium to full-bodied, and powerfully built. Potentially one of the longest lived wines of the vintage, it will require 4-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades.” RP 90-92, Drink 2001-2027