Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2022

Le Vieux Donjon is a French wine producer located in Chteauneuf-du-Pape. The modern estate was established by Marcel Michel in 1966, a young estate by European standards but around a third of the ancient vines are more than 100 years old.

Unlike many Chteauneuf-du-Pape producers, Le Vieux Donjon does not make a separate bottling from its old-vine grapes. Rather, the estate produces a single white cuve and one red Chteauneuf-du-Pape blend from classic Rhne varieties.

Critical Acclaim

95 Wine Spectator

An excellent example of classic Chteauneuf 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, Mourvdre and Cinsault. Best from 2026 through 2038.

95 Jeb Dunnuck

As to the red from this great estate, the 2022 Chteauneuf Du Pape checks in as a classic blend of 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvdre, and Cinsault that raised in concrete and foudre. It shows the perfumed, ripe, yet also elegant style of the vintage and has beautiful red and black fruit, some classic Provenal, spicy, garrigue nuances, medium to full body, a great mid-palate, and ripe tannins. It’s going to a forward, approachable Vieux Donjon that will also evolve for 10-15 years if well stored. As Ive written many times, Le Vieux Donjon is a reference point estate for classically made Chteauneuf du Pape. Their Chteauneuf du Pape comes from a mix of terroirs and is always a majority Grenache with smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvdre, and Cinsault, partially destemmed, with the levage in a mix of concrete tanks and large foudre.

94 James Suckling

A well-crafted, balanced and refined red. This has notes of sweet cherries, dried herbs, red berries and mild spices. Medium- to full-bodied with fine yet firm tannins. Juicier at the center with a solid frame of tannins coating the palate at this stage. Bright fruit with plenty of vitality in the long, peppery finish.

93 Vinous

As is custom at this address, the 2022 Chteauneuf-du-Pape spent one year in old oak foudres. Neatly blending 75% Grenache with 10% Mourvdre, 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 wont need as much time to mellow as in 2020 or 2019. Finishing on a savory note, this expressive Chteauneuf smoothly integrates its 15.25% alcohol and comes highly recommended.