Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2004 Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes

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. 14% ABV. Soaring nose of red fruits, garrigue, wet pavement and licorice. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Fresh, charming and traditional through and through. Kirsch, plums, blood and roasted herbs on the palate. Medium length on the finish with ever so present tannins. Really well made CdP that exceeded expectations. In fact this wine was markedly better than a bottle I had several years ago. Well stored bottles will make it to twenty years of age but there is also no reason to wait.

My rating: 92 points.

Vieux Donjon is an organically farmed, traditional style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape that ages well and sells for a fair price. The 2016 and 2017 versions of Vieux Donjon can currently be bought at retail for around $60 and should have a place in your cellar.

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