2022 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
$73.99
- See, even the Wine Spectator agrees with Frank. They’ve made it their #15 Wine of the Year! LAST 24 BOTTLES IN STOCK
- At the risk of losing my hard-earned moniker as PRIMA Vini’s Minister of Value, I am going to recommend the fabulous 2022 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge. At $74.99 per bottle, it’s well above my usual comfort range, but this incredible Rhone Valley red deserves your serious attention, not to mention a place in your wine cellar. Le Vieux Donjon, established in 1966 by Marcel Michel, is a relatively young estate in a very old region, but over the years has earned its place in the top-tier of wineries in this famous and illustrious appellation. Located midway between the townships of Orange and Avignon, in the heart of best winemaking district, Le Vieux Donjon organically farms 18 hectares of vines, planted in the sand, clay, limestone and rocky galet-rich soils that produce such profound, age-worthy wines. These days, the Michel Family continues to manage the estate, with siblings Claire and Francois Michel calling the shots, assuming the reins from mom and dad, Lucien and Marie Michel. The winemaking here is ultra-traditional; fermentation is in concrete tanks with the majority of the wine is aged in large, wooden vats (foudres). The Rouge is typically a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, greatly enhanced by the high percentage of old vine fruit grown at the domaine, in some cases, over 100 years old. The depth and richness provided by these mature vines really shows in the 2022 Vieux Donjon, with its explosive, mouth-filling fruit, stunning Provencal aromatics and voluptuous texture. This is the sort of wine that stands head and shoulders above its competition, crying out to be noticed and rewarding the attentive wine lover with an amazing taste experience. It’s a delicious drink right now but will continue to reward your patience for many years to come.
- Come to think of it, my reputation as Minister of Value is still secure because this wine, even at $74.99, can be viewed as offering true value because of its phenomenal quality, authenticity and cellar worthiness. After tasting the wine, I know you’ll agree. Cheers, Frank Rothstein
- Wine Spectator: #15 WINE OF THE YEAR An excellent example of classic Châteauneuf richness that shows good balance and energy. Juicy black raspberry, licorice and ganache are wrapped around a ballast of graphite shavings, while the refined structure reins in the warm, mouthcoating palate. Hints of grilled herbs, brown bread and lavender smoke detail the long, textured and mineral-rich finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2026 through 2038. 95 points
- Decanter: Enjoyably fresh and fluid style, good acidity, with lip-smacking raspberry and strawberry fruit. Good feeling of lift and drinkability considering the extreme vintage conditions. Elegant, fine tannins. Fermented in concrete vats, then aged in concrete and old foudres. 95 points
- Jeb Dunnuck: The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Le Vieux Donjon is a beautifully balanced, classic expression of the appellation, as well as this estate. It has a vivid purple hue, with ripe berry fruits, peppery herbs, floral, and sandalwood-like aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it’s seamless and elegant on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins and a great finish. This is a brilliant wine that’s already drinking well but will evolve gracefully over the next 15-20 years. 95 point
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