De la Vieille Julienne

Southern Rhone (France)

Although Domaine de la Vieille Julienne has existed since 1905, it really entered the modern era in 1990 when Jean-Paul Daumen took over from his father who had been the first to commence bottling at the domaine. That was the first major step forward as they focusing on producing wine from their old vine Grenache – seeking true ripeness and low yields. The next new move made by Jean Paul Daumen was the creation of Vieille Julienne reserve, which made its debut with the 1994 vintage. The hard work and efforts began to pay off with a good 1998 for Vieille Julienne. The following year they produced one of the top wines from the difficult 1999 vintage. With the release of their stunning 2000 Domaine Vieille Juliene Reserve, which earned 100 Pts from Robert Parker, they quickly became one of the hottest and most in-demand, as well as expensive wines in the entire Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Jean-Paul has never rested on his laurels to improve his wines. Since 2000 they began implementing biodynamic techniques on some parcels, which has now expanded to all vines within the Domaine. Coming all from a cool, mostly sandy terroir located in the northern part of the appellation, these traditionally made wines possess singular characters that have both richness and depth on the palate, as well as notable elegance and freshness. They epitomise this tiny terroir and are more Vieille Julienne that they are Châteauneuf du Pape.

DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE

CDP "LES HAUTS-LIEUX" 2012

TASTING NOTE

Robert Parker (93 pt), “More firm and backwards, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Les Hauts Lieux is a longer-term prospect. Big minerality, dark fruits, iron, steel and licorice all emerge from the glass. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, edgy and concentrated, with building tannin. Give this beauty 4-5 years in the cellar and enjoy through 2032. It should be one of the longest lived efforts in the vintage.”

Wine Spectator (95 pt), “Big and broad, with layers of red currant and plum paste, raspberry confiture and melted black licorice all folding together, framed by a smoldering charcoal note and backed by a long graphite spine. Lovely spice nuances fill in on the finish. Rock-solid and will reward patient cellaring. Best from 2018 through 2030.”