Le Vieux Donjon - Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2022 (750ml)
Price: $61.99
| Producer | Le Vieux Donjon |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Subregion | Chateauneuf du Pape |
| Varietal | Rhone Blend |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 5574 |
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Shows very good depth and concentration while being medium-bodied. More forward and lighter, fresher than some vintages, this wine is more appealing because of the vintage conditions. Slightly chalky, persistent tannins that give the wine good structure and depth, and lovely fresh, juicy acidity. Long and concentrated on the finish, there is a savory, delicious drive to the wine.
Le Vieux Donjon Description
Le Vieux Donjon was established in 1979 between Lucien and Marie-José Michel, whose parents each owned vineyards in the region prior to their marriage. Upon the marriage of Lucien and Marie-José, those within the families combined to form what is now known as Le Vieux Donjon. The winery itself is made up of fourteen hectares of organic parcels, containing both red and white grapes. The vineyards are filled with incredibly old vines (as much as 80yrs), which they only pick from once the grapes have achieved perfect ripeness. Lucien and Marie-Jose’s daughter, Claire, also joined the team in 2008. Lucien and Claire work together to destem (only when necessary), or pass the fruit directly into cement tanks to begin the fermentation process. The wine is then pumped downstairs into foudres and left to age 18-20 months.
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
#15 Top 100 Wines of 2025
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.
James Suckling: 94 Points
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.
Vinous: 93 Points
As is custom at this address, the 2022 Chateauneuf-du-Pape spent one year in old oak foudres. Neatly blending 75% Grenache with 10% Mouvedre, 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 won't need as much time to mellow as in 2020 or 2019. Finishing on a savory note, this expressive Chateauneuf smoothly integrates its 15.25% alcohol and comes highly recommended.
