Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2004 Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes

2004 Vieux Donjon

Vieux Donjon was formed in 1966 by Marcel Michel. The current iteration came about in 1979 with the marriage of Lucien and Marie José Michel. Both Lucien and Marie José’s parents owned vineyards in the region, and those holdings were combined to form Vieux Donjon. The domaine covers fourteen hectares of vineyards, thirteen planted to red grapes and one planted to white.

Ruby red in color with some bricking on the edges. Plums, kirsch, saline and spice cake on the nose. Medium in weight with light tannins. Garrigue, Asian spices, raspberry, raisin, cranberry and iodine on the palate. Delicious wine that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 92 points.

The 2004 wines from CdP were outclassed at release buy the flashier ’03 and ’05’s. They are drinking beautifully right now and represent great value if you are inclined to buy at auction.

Both the 2010 and 2011 versions of Vieux Donjon can currently be bought at retail. The 2010 at approximately $75 is exceptional and should have a place in your cellar. The 2011 is a well made wine from a lesser vintage and is also a buy at about $65.

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