Domaine Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine Complete Guide

domaine-vieille-julienne

Learn everything about Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting notes, a history of the property, and information on the vineyards. If you want to read about other important wineries and winemakers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne History, Overview

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne was founded in 1905. At first, like many small producers in the Southern Rhone Valley, the fruit was harvested and sold to negociants who bottled and sold the wine under various names. This changed in the late 1960s when Maxine Daumen began bottling the wines of Domaine Vieille Julienne.

In 1990, Jean-Paul Daumen, following in the footsteps of his family started working at Domaine Vieille Julienne. Domaine Vieille Julienne is still a family affair, as today, the son of Jean-Paul, Antoine Daumen is being trained to eventually take over the estate.

That was the first major step forward for Domaine Vieille Julienne as they focusing on producing wine from their old vine Grenache. For the first time, they were now 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 Julienne Reserve the estate began earning the accolades and recognition they deserved Construction began in 2012 for a new tasting room and office and was finished in 2014.

Vieille Julienne Jean Paul

At the time, Domaine Vieille Julienne produced three red Chateauneuf du Pape wines. In 2001, they discontinued production of their Vieille Vignes. That fruit is now used as part of their Reserve’.

The Reserve, which is produced from 100-year-old Grenache vines is only made in select vintages. It’s one of the most expensive and hardest-to-find wines in the Rhone appellation. It’s also well worth the price and the trouble to find a bottle.

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne owns 15 hectares of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape. The increase in their holdings took place in about 2016 when they added 5 hectares of vines that were in some sections contiguous to their holdings in the appellation. The terroir is rock-strewn, sandy soil, perfect for the Southern Rhone Valley.

While the vines have an impressive average age of 60 years, the estate also has old Grenache vines that are over 100 years old! Biodynamic farming techniques are practiced in their vineyards. In their vineyards, they plant Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Cinsault.

The vineyard is planted in parcels, but the plots are all field blends, and not separated by grape variety. Thus picked at the same time. In the making, the wine, the thought process to the blending is on a parcel by parcel basis, and not based on a grape by grape variety choice.

Low yields are the goal at Vieille Julienne. They are often under 20 hectoliters per hectare, which gives the wine a lot of its power, purity, and concentration. The grapes are destemmed before alcoholic fermentation. At Vieille Julienne, all grapes are co-fermented. Aging takes place in a combination of foudres and old, oak barrels.

The best vintages of Domaine de la Vieille Julienne are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001 and 2000.

Domaine Vieille Julienne produces four Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge wines.

Vieille Julienne Bottle - Copy

Domaine Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Counoise and 5% Cinsault. The vines range in age from 70 to 100 years of age. The wine is aged in a combination of foudres and used French oak barrels. The production is close to 2,000 cases per year.

Domaine Vieille Julienne Reserve – The Reserve’ is produced from 95% old vine Grenache and 5% Syrah. The Grenache vines are over 100 years of age. Vieille Julienne Reserve is produced from a 1 hectare of the oldest vines. The terroir is unique, fine-grained very sandy soil. You also find some clay and limestone, along with small rocks and stones. The vines are planted in the Bois Lauzon, Cabrieres and Maucoil lieux-dits.

The grapes are completely destemmed. Vinification takes place in cement vats. The wine is aged in foudres for an average of 12 months before bottling. The wine is not made every year. It is produced only when the estate finds the grapes to be different and unique from their other parcels.

For example, in 2007, a vintage that is sublime in Chateauneuf du Pape, the Reserve was not made because the fruit did not stand out from the estate’s other parcels. One of the best wines in the appellation, only 200 cases at the most are produced of this elixir each year.

It is important to note that Domaine Vieille Julienne Reserve is not made in every vintage. The wine is only made in the best vintages. Very little wine of this elixir is produced, making it hard to find, as roughly 150 cases, give or take, are produced in any given vintage.

Vieille Julienne Les Trois Sources made its debut in 2010 – From a precocious terroir with vines planted on clay, sand, and gravel soil, here the grapes mature earlier than their other vines. The parcels are located in the north of the appellation in the Maucoil and Bois Lauzon lieux-dits. As you can surmise, the name of the wine comes from the grapes planted in 3 different parcels.

Les Trois Sources is a blend of 70% old vine Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Counoise 5% Cinsault 5% Mourvedre with the rest of the fruit coming from a field blend made with various AOC allowable grapes. On average the yields are close to 22 hectoliters per hectare. The grapes are 100% destemmed. Vinification takes place in traditional cement vats. The wines are aged for 12 months in foudres.

Vieille Julienne Les Haut-Lieux made its debut in 2010 – From vines situated in the highest north exposition in the south of the estate. The terroir is a complex mosaic of limestone and quartz soil in the Mont Redon lieu-dit. The grapes are among the latest maturing in their portfolio, due to the naturally cooler terroir.

The wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsault. The grapes are destemmed. Vinification takes place in cement tanks. The wine is aged in foudre. This is one of the estate’s longest-lived wines. Yields are low at close to 18 hectoliters per hectare.

Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape was not produced after 2009. Starting in 2010, the selection previously used in the regular Cuvee became the base for 2 new wines that were added to their portfolio; Les Trois Sources and Les Hauts Lieux. The reason for the change in the wines is quite philosophical.

According to Jean-Paul Daumen, previously, the wines were labeled and produced due to their vine age. Today, he looks at the wines and the vineyards differently. So now, the wines are blended and produced according to their terroir.

When to Drink Vieille Julienne, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Vieille Julienne is a wine that is much better wine some age. Young vintages can be decanted for about 1 -3 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Vieille Julienne is usually better with 4-7 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages, the wine should be consumed within 5-25 years after the vintage.

Serving Domaine de la Vieille Julienne with Wine, Food Pairing Tips

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed dishes, barbecue, sausage, and cassoulet. Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms pasta, eggplant, tomatoes, and cheese.

In 2005, Vieille Julienne produced a special, one-off bottling to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Domaine. The wine, produced from their oldest Grenache vines in Cotes du Rhone appellation was produced from insanely low yields of only 10 hectoliters per hectare! This is probably the best wine from any producer ever made in the Cotes du Rhone. Good luck finding any as the production was close to a whopping 300 cases.

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne also makes very strong red and white wine in the Cotes du Rhone appellation from 15 hectares of vines they own in the appellation.

www.vieillejulienne.com

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Wine Tasting Notes

44 Vintages 267,989 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2021
96
One of the darkest hues of the vintage, the wine is close to opaque in color. The perfume opens with flowers, black raspberries, licorice, kirsch, cherries, and bouquet garni. As good as the nose is, here, it is the palate that owns the experience with its layers of elegant, seductive, pure silky, fresh, sweet, fruits. The finish is long, vibrant, and spicy, with a white pepper accent in the finish that adds more brightness and finesse, along with touches of licorice, and dark chocolate that show up at the backend of the finish. The wine is made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles as the production is only 1,500 bottles give or take. Drink from 2025-2040.

One of the darkest hues of the vintage, the wine is close to opaque in color. The perfume opens with flowers, black raspberries, licorice, kirsch, cherries, and bouquet garni. As good as the nose is, here, it is the palate that owns the experience with its layers of elegant, seductive, pure silky, fresh, sweet, fruits. The finish is long, vibrant, and spicy, with a white pepper accent in the finish that adds more brightness and finesse, along with touches of licorice, and dark chocolate that show up at the backend of the finish. The wine is made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles as the production is only 1,500 bottles give or take. Drink from 2025-2040.

222 Views   Tasted
2021
94
Flowers, licorice, smoked cherries, spice, black raspberries, kirsch, and olives fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, supple, elegant, and mot-importantly, energetic. The fruits are ripe, sweet ,and pure, with a spicy, white pepper edge on the backend of the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre with just a bit of Cinsault, and Counouise to wrap up the blend. Drink from 2024 - 2034.

Flowers, licorice, smoked cherries, spice, black raspberries, kirsch, and olives fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, supple, elegant, and mot-importantly, energetic. The fruits are ripe, sweet ,and pure, with a spicy, white pepper edge on the backend of the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre with just a bit of Cinsault, and Counouise to wrap up the blend. Drink from 2024 - 2034.

212 Views   Tasted
2021
94
Flowers, red cherries, blue fruit, licorice, and black raspberries open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is soft, lush, rich, ripe, and packed with lusciously-textured, black cherries with just a hint of blueberries, and a spicy, peppery note that shows in the vibrant, backend. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault ,and a myriad of various other allowable varieties. Drink from 2024-2032.

Flowers, red cherries, blue fruit, licorice, and black raspberries open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is soft, lush, rich, ripe, and packed with lusciously-textured, black cherries with just a hint of blueberries, and a spicy, peppery note that shows in the vibrant, backend. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault ,and a myriad of various other allowable varieties. Drink from 2024-2032.

218 Views   Tasted
2020
98
Almost opaque in color the wine is in contention for the most concentrated wine of the vintage with its multiple layers of dark, inky berries, black pepper, black plum liqueur, dark cherries, licorice, chocolate and black pepper. The wine coats your palate with its layers of richness and flesh. Full-bodied, concentrated, dense and intense with a chewy finish that does not quit. The layers of black, blue and dark red fruits are seemingly endless as they build and expand. If you are lucky enough to score a bottle or two, give it some time in the bottle as the wine needs at least 5-8 years before it really starts to show all of its stuff. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles as it becomes close to impossible to find as it matures. This is a clear contender for the wine of the vintage. Drink from 2026 - 2045.

Almost opaque in color the wine is in contention for the most concentrated wine of the vintage with its multiple layers of dark, inky berries, black pepper, black plum liqueur, dark cherries, licorice, chocolate and black pepper. The wine coats your palate with its layers of richness and flesh. Full-bodied, concentrated, dense and intense with a chewy finish that does not quit. The layers of black, blue and dark red fruits are seemingly endless as they build and expand. If you are lucky enough to score a bottle or two, give it some time in the bottle as the wine needs at least 5-8 years before it really starts to show all of its stuff. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles as it becomes close to impossible to find as it matures. This is a clear contender for the wine of the vintage. Drink from 2026 - 2045.

927 Views   Tasted
2020
97
Flowers, black, red and blue fruits, truffle, olives, spice, smoke, charcoal, and garrigue fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is rich, concentrated and fresh as well and full-bodied, long and deep. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and just a bit of Cinsault and Counouise to wrap up the blend. Drink from 2024 - 2039.

Flowers, black, red and blue fruits, truffle, olives, spice, smoke, charcoal, and garrigue fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is rich, concentrated and fresh as well and full-bodied, long and deep. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and just a bit of Cinsault and Counouise to wrap up the blend. Drink from 2024 - 2039.

925 Views   Tasted
2020
96
Black raspberries, flowers, garrigue, licorice, mint and a background note of fig and cocoa at the end of the nose. The wine is bright, fresh and vibrant with a peppery edge on the kirsch, black raspberries, fig and cocoa that you find on the palate. There is a brightness to the fruit that provides lift and vibrancy in the finish that resonates. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and a myriad of various other allowable varieties. Drink from 2025-2038.

Black raspberries, flowers, garrigue, licorice, mint and a background note of fig and cocoa at the end of the nose. The wine is bright, fresh and vibrant with a peppery edge on the kirsch, black raspberries, fig and cocoa that you find on the palate. There is a brightness to the fruit that provides lift and vibrancy in the finish that resonates. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and a myriad of various other allowable varieties. Drink from 2025-2038.

1,275 Views   Tasted
2019
99
Combining elegance, power, purity, and complexity, this hits all the right notes from start to finish. The nose displays a floral bouquet along with kirsch, black raspberries, and red plums topped off with thyme, peppery spice, garrigue, and wet earth. The mid-palate is packed with fruit and the finish starts off strong and builds in intensity with its layers of ripe, vibrant, peppery fruits and its gorgeous sense of purity. You should lay this down for 6-7 years before pulling a cork as it is one of those wines that gains complexity in the bottle. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles as it becomes close to impossible to find as it matures. Drink from 2026 - 2040

Combining elegance, power, purity, and complexity, this hits all the right notes from start to finish. The nose displays a floral bouquet along with kirsch, black raspberries, and red plums topped off with thyme, peppery spice, garrigue, and wet earth. The mid-palate is packed with fruit and the finish starts off strong and builds in intensity with its layers of ripe, vibrant, peppery fruits and its gorgeous sense of purity. You should lay this down for 6-7 years before pulling a cork as it is one of those wines that gains complexity in the bottle. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles as it becomes close to impossible to find as it matures. Drink from 2026 - 2040

2,725 Views   Tasted
2019
97
With a nose that is like walking into a flower shop that sells fresh cherries, the wine is already just great. Rich, elegant, fresh, supple and pure, the layers of sweet, peppery red cherries, garrigue, spice and salty crushed rocks starts off strong and keeps right on going. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counouise. Drink from 2024 - 2039

With a nose that is like walking into a flower shop that sells fresh cherries, the wine is already just great. Rich, elegant, fresh, supple and pure, the layers of sweet, peppery red cherries, garrigue, spice and salty crushed rocks starts off strong and keeps right on going. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counouise. Drink from 2024 - 2039

3,031 Views   Tasted
2019
96
Vibrant, fresh, spicy and energetic, the wine pops with all of its sweet, ripe, kirsch, black raspberries, peppery spice and garrigue on the nose. There is length, vibrancy, elegance and loads of fruit that really stick with you from the mid-palate through to the finish. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre along with small amounts of various other allowable grape varieties. Drink from 2024 - 2036

Vibrant, fresh, spicy and energetic, the wine pops with all of its sweet, ripe, kirsch, black raspberries, peppery spice and garrigue on the nose. There is length, vibrancy, elegance and loads of fruit that really stick with you from the mid-palate through to the finish. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre along with small amounts of various other allowable grape varieties. Drink from 2024 - 2036

2,755 Views   Tasted
2018
98
A great success in any vintage, but a marvel in a difficult year, this superb wine offers a deep, dark, red hue. The perfume, with its blend of flowers, licorice, garrigue, spices, cherries and plums is gorgeous. Richly textured, concentrated, long and with depth and complexity, the lusciously textured finish lingers on your palate. Give it 3-5 years of aging and it will be even better!

A great success in any vintage, but a marvel in a difficult year, this superb wine offers a deep, dark, red hue. The perfume, with its blend of flowers, licorice, garrigue, spices, cherries and plums is gorgeous. Richly textured, concentrated, long and with depth and complexity, the lusciously textured finish lingers on your palate. Give it 3-5 years of aging and it will be even better!

2,933 Views   Tasted
2018
96
Meaty, deep, dark, rich and concentrated, the wine is lush, spicy, intense, long, complex and finishes with peppery, fresh, red fruits, olives and herbs that feel just great on your palate and in the long finish.

Meaty, deep, dark, rich and concentrated, the wine is lush, spicy, intense, long, complex and finishes with peppery, fresh, red fruits, olives and herbs that feel just great on your palate and in the long finish.

3,354 Views   Tasted
2018
94
Spicy, fresh, sweet, ripe red fruits, herbs, thyme, flowers and pepper open the medium-bodied, kirsch packed wine. The soft, inviting palate delivers ripe, red cherries, kirsch and spicy black raspberries from start to finish. This will be just great on release and should deliver the goods for at least decade or longer.

Spicy, fresh, sweet, ripe red fruits, herbs, thyme, flowers and pepper open the medium-bodied, kirsch packed wine. The soft, inviting palate delivers ripe, red cherries, kirsch and spicy black raspberries from start to finish. This will be just great on release and should deliver the goods for at least decade or longer.

3,864 Views   Tasted
2017
98
The bouquet is on the floral side, with wild cherries, licorice, spice, stone, earth and herbs to complicate matters. Full-bodied, round, rich and juicy, with a gorgeous sense of purity, concentration and energy, the wine is long, deep and tannic. You should lay this down for 7-8 years before pulling a cork. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles.

The bouquet is on the floral side, with wild cherries, licorice, spice, stone, earth and herbs to complicate matters. Full-bodied, round, rich and juicy, with a gorgeous sense of purity, concentration and energy, the wine is long, deep and tannic. You should lay this down for 7-8 years before pulling a cork. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah and 5% Counoise. If this seems like your thing, grab a few bottles.

2,690 Views   Tasted
2017
97
The wine is silky, lush, fresh and peppery. The fruit has lift, tannin, crushed stones, spice and sweet, energetic dark red berries. Offering a juicy wave of peppery red fruits with vibrancy, minerality and freshness, you also find a long, spicy, kirsch note that lingers in the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counouise.

The wine is silky, lush, fresh and peppery. The fruit has lift, tannin, crushed stones, spice and sweet, energetic dark red berries. Offering a juicy wave of peppery red fruits with vibrancy, minerality and freshness, you also find a long, spicy, kirsch note that lingers in the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counouise.

3,819 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Spicy floral, ripe, red fruits, pepper, jam, licorice and black raspberries open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is soft, with freshness and a juicy, peppery kirsch end note. There is good concentration of flavor, fruit and freshness from start to finish. The wine was made from 60% Grenache,10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5 % Mourvedre and small amounts of all the other various other allowable grape varieties.

Spicy floral, ripe, red fruits, pepper, jam, licorice and black raspberries open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is soft, with freshness and a juicy, peppery kirsch end note. There is good concentration of flavor, fruit and freshness from start to finish. The wine was made from 60% Grenache,10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5 % Mourvedre and small amounts of all the other various other allowable grape varieties.

3,998 Views   Tasted
2016
100
The color is deep, purple blue. It's almost opaque. The wine is off the charts. There is a beautiful purity of fruit. The melange of fruits runs from black to deep red. The wine is mouth coating. But it is also light on its feet. The finish is seamless, remaining with you for close to 60 seconds. This is another contender for the wine of the vintage, and that's really saying something, considering how many stunning wines were produced this year. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. Only 250 cases were produced of this stunner. So, if this seems like your thing, run, do not walk to the store and grab a few bottles.

The color is deep, purple blue. It's almost opaque. The wine is off the charts. There is a beautiful purity of fruit. The melange of fruits runs from black to deep red. The wine is mouth coating. But it is also light on its feet. The finish is seamless, remaining with you for close to 60 seconds. This is another contender for the wine of the vintage, and that's really saying something, considering how many stunning wines were produced this year. The wine is usually made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. Only 250 cases were produced of this stunner. So, if this seems like your thing, run, do not walk to the store and grab a few bottles.

7,517 Views   Tasted
2016
98
Deep in color, the wine is floral with licorice, black cherry, wet earth, spice, animal, herbs and a hint of the clay and rocks. The wine meshes power with elegance. It's difficult to pair refinement and power, but that's what you find here. The finish blends licorice, pepper, dark, red pit fruits and sensuous textures that build with intensity. This is just great wine! The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counouise.

Deep in color, the wine is floral with licorice, black cherry, wet earth, spice, animal, herbs and a hint of the clay and rocks. The wine meshes power with elegance. It's difficult to pair refinement and power, but that's what you find here. The finish blends licorice, pepper, dark, red pit fruits and sensuous textures that build with intensity. This is just great wine! The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counouise.

5,163 Views   Tasted
2016
97
Deeply colored, the wine offers licorice, black cherry, plum and kirsch, with hints of fig, earth, herbs and spice. Exciting to taste the wine is rich, dense, opulent and fresh. The fruit is on the top spectrum of ripe, and yet it still holds freshness and vigor. The finish holds your interest and the fruit. This is the best vintage for Les Trois Sources yet. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and a myriad of various other allowable varieties.

Deeply colored, the wine offers licorice, black cherry, plum and kirsch, with hints of fig, earth, herbs and spice. Exciting to taste the wine is rich, dense, opulent and fresh. The fruit is on the top spectrum of ripe, and yet it still holds freshness and vigor. The finish holds your interest and the fruit. This is the best vintage for Les Trois Sources yet. The wine was made from 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and a myriad of various other allowable varieties.

4,241 Views   Tasted
2015
98
The deep, dark color is a warmup for all the rich, dark, red fruits that are on their way. This could be the most concentrated wine in 2015. The wine is powerful, ripe, and dense. The wealth of fruit here is incredible. But don't let the layers of fruit scare you away. Everything is in balance and harmony here. Long in the mouth, the wine just keeps on going for perhaps 50 seconds! This is a compelling Chateauneuf du Pape that can age for decades. The wine is made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.

The deep, dark color is a warmup for all the rich, dark, red fruits that are on their way. This could be the most concentrated wine in 2015. The wine is powerful, ripe, and dense. The wealth of fruit here is incredible. But don't let the layers of fruit scare you away. Everything is in balance and harmony here. Long in the mouth, the wine just keeps on going for perhaps 50 seconds! This is a compelling Chateauneuf du Pape that can age for decades. The wine is made from 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.

3,224 Views   Tasted
2015
96
Earthy, dark fruits, fig, dark chocolate and prune notes create the perfume. On the palate the wine is plush, lusty, rich and deep. The spice, sweet, intensity of the black cherries, black plums and black raspberries on the palate keep you involved with the wine from start to finish.

Earthy, dark fruits, fig, dark chocolate and prune notes create the perfume. On the palate the wine is plush, lusty, rich and deep. The spice, sweet, intensity of the black cherries, black plums and black raspberries on the palate keep you involved with the wine from start to finish.

4,049 Views   Tasted
2015
94
Deep in color with density flavor, the wine is concentrated, fresh, ripe and sweet, There is lift here that carries through to the finish, which lets the juicy, pepper black fruits and soft tannins come through. The end note serves up a mineral driven, stony, back cherry liqueur sensation. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counoise.

Deep in color with density flavor, the wine is concentrated, fresh, ripe and sweet, There is lift here that carries through to the finish, which lets the juicy, pepper black fruits and soft tannins come through. The end note serves up a mineral driven, stony, back cherry liqueur sensation. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counoise.

2,845 Views   Tasted
2014
92
This ready to go charmer is loaded with fresh, sweet, ripe, peppery, dark red berries, thyme and garrigue. Medium bodied, and already tasty, this is perfect to drink now, while waiting for the much bigger wines from 2015 and 2016 to come around.

This ready to go charmer is loaded with fresh, sweet, ripe, peppery, dark red berries, thyme and garrigue. Medium bodied, and already tasty, this is perfect to drink now, while waiting for the much bigger wines from 2015 and 2016 to come around.

2,372 Views   Tasted
2012
97
Deep in color, with a floral, earthy, dark red berry perfume. Elegant in style with a long, fresh, ripe finish that brings its plumy notes all the way through from start to finish. This is a compelling example of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Deep in color, with a floral, earthy, dark red berry perfume. Elegant in style with a long, fresh, ripe finish that brings its plumy notes all the way through from start to finish. This is a compelling example of Chateauneuf du Pape.

3,481 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Juicy plum, black cherry and kirsch, with supple textures and sweet, spicy, round black cherry notes really take off in the open, plush textured, spicy finish.

Juicy plum, black cherry and kirsch, with supple textures and sweet, spicy, round black cherry notes really take off in the open, plush textured, spicy finish.

3,222 Views   Tasted
2012
93
Sweet plum, spice and garrigue open to a medium/full bodied, fresh, spicy, black cherry filled wine and fresh, open, fruit filled personality that is already fun to drink and should get even better with age.

Sweet plum, spice and garrigue open to a medium/full bodied, fresh, spicy, black cherry filled wine and fresh, open, fruit filled personality that is already fun to drink and should get even better with age.

1,981 Views   Tasted
2011
93
Earthy, fresh, spicy fruits with a peppery, zippy personality, leaving you with an impression of sweet, ripe, black raspberries and kirsch in the lush finish.

Earthy, fresh, spicy fruits with a peppery, zippy personality, leaving you with an impression of sweet, ripe, black raspberries and kirsch in the lush finish.

3,679 Views   Tasted
2011
91
Sweet flowery cherries and red berries bring you to young, tannic wine that finishes with fresh, crisp raspberries in the end note. This will be better with a few years of age.

Sweet flowery cherries and red berries bring you to young, tannic wine that finishes with fresh, crisp raspberries in the end note. This will be better with a few years of age.

2,190 Views   Tasted
2010
99
Deep in color, the nose blasts off with lavender, cherry, spice, pepper and earthy scents. When the wine hits the palate, the wine is deep, rich, concentrated and packed with sweet, silky, black raspberries, cherry and kirsch that remains on your palate and expands in flavor. This bottle was popped and poured. Perhaps, if the wine and I both had more time together, this could hit triple digits. It's truly a stunning example of old vine Grenache.

Deep in color, the nose blasts off with lavender, cherry, spice, pepper and earthy scents. When the wine hits the palate, the wine is deep, rich, concentrated and packed with sweet, silky, black raspberries, cherry and kirsch that remains on your palate and expands in flavor. This bottle was popped and poured. Perhaps, if the wine and I both had more time together, this could hit triple digits. It's truly a stunning example of old vine Grenache.

5,938 Views   Tasted
Every now and then a wine leaves you speechless. This is that good! With complex aromatics, the wine offers charcoal, jam, pepper, spice and garrigue to get the ball rolling. The wine is pure, long and expansive, with an incredible intensity of flavor and vast array or perfect ripe and over ripe fruits. The finish builds for close to 50 seconds! There is no sensation of heat in the 16.4% ABV finish.

Every now and then a wine leaves you speechless. This is that good! With complex aromatics, the wine offers charcoal, jam, pepper, spice and garrigue to get the ball rolling. The wine is pure, long and expansive, with an incredible intensity of flavor and vast array or perfect ripe and over ripe fruits. The finish builds for close to 50 seconds! There is no sensation of heat in the 16.4% ABV finish.

9,153 Views   Tasted
2010
94
Drinking at close to peak, the nose, and the wine is filled with ripe, black raspberry, pepper, jam and garrigue, with a background note of fig. Ripe, round, luscious, and fruity, there is no reason to continue aging this wine. I'm going to drink my bottles over the next 3-5 years.

Drinking at close to peak, the nose, and the wine is filled with ripe, black raspberry, pepper, jam and garrigue, with a background note of fig. Ripe, round, luscious, and fruity, there is no reason to continue aging this wine. I'm going to drink my bottles over the next 3-5 years.

3,430 Views   Tasted
What's not to like? Loads of fresh, sweet, peppery, red fruits with a peppery edge. On the palate, the blast of sweet fruits keep on going with its lean the kirsch liqueur, cherry, black raspberry and spicy side of the style range. It's not pricey and it's ready to drink today. Like I said, what's not to like?

What's not to like? Loads of fresh, sweet, peppery, red fruits with a peppery edge. On the palate, the blast of sweet fruits keep on going with its lean the kirsch liqueur, cherry, black raspberry and spicy side of the style range. It's not pricey and it's ready to drink today. Like I said, what's not to like?

4,287 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored, with a nose of black cherry, plum liqueur, cracked pepper and garrigue, the voluptuous texture feels great and holds through the sweet, fresh kirsch and black raspberry finish. If I had to quibble, I wish the finish was a bit longer, but it's so delicious, it's hard to complain. For those that care, the bottle was popped and poured. This is showing great right now. If you have a bottle, pop a cork.

Deeply colored, with a nose of black cherry, plum liqueur, cracked pepper and garrigue, the voluptuous texture feels great and holds through the sweet, fresh kirsch and black raspberry finish. If I had to quibble, I wish the finish was a bit longer, but it's so delicious, it's hard to complain. For those that care, the bottle was popped and poured. This is showing great right now. If you have a bottle, pop a cork.

6,052 Views   Tasted
Sweet cherry and black raspberry tones, with freshness, concentration, balance, length and texture, that ends with a blast of bright, fresh, peppery kirsch.

Sweet cherry and black raspberry tones, with freshness, concentration, balance, length and texture, that ends with a blast of bright, fresh, peppery kirsch.

5,533 Views   Tasted
Sweet cherries, silky, lush textures, the structure to age and a fresh, pure, long red berry finish that builds and expands are found in this wine. However, it requires a few years of age before everything delivers all its ample goods.

Sweet cherries, silky, lush textures, the structure to age and a fresh, pure, long red berry finish that builds and expands are found in this wine. However, it requires a few years of age before everything delivers all its ample goods.

4,954 Views   Tasted
2010
93
A parcel selection blending 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counoise from 70 year old vines planted in limestone soils produced a deep colored, mineral driven, tannic wine with sweet, fresh, black cherries and lusty, plummy tones that remain in your mouth.

A parcel selection blending 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Counoise from 70 year old vines planted in limestone soils produced a deep colored, mineral driven, tannic wine with sweet, fresh, black cherries and lusty, plummy tones that remain in your mouth.

4,019 Views   Tasted
With lush, sexy berries, licorice and spice, the wine ends with layers of juicy, fresh, sweet, jammy berries, earth and spice.

With lush, sexy berries, licorice and spice, the wine ends with layers of juicy, fresh, sweet, jammy berries, earth and spice.

2,675 Views   Tasted
2009
96
Discreet truffle, plum, spice and a boat load of sweet kirsch get this going. The wine is about the pure silky red fruits on the palate. Even though the wine is 16% ABV, there is no sensation of heat in the experience. This could get even better with a few more years in the bottle.

Discreet truffle, plum, spice and a boat load of sweet kirsch get this going. The wine is about the pure silky red fruits on the palate. Even though the wine is 16% ABV, there is no sensation of heat in the experience. This could get even better with a few more years in the bottle.

3,508 Views   Tasted
2008
90
Light in color showing floral and cherry notes with freshness. The light, elegant textures serve up an easy to drink wine that will be best in its youth.

Light in color showing floral and cherry notes with freshness. The light, elegant textures serve up an easy to drink wine that will be best in its youth.

3,011 Views   Tasted
2007
93
Black pepper, plum and cherry notes lead to ripe, sweet black raspberries and soft textures. This peppery, fresh, stylish wine is completely open and drinking great today.

Black pepper, plum and cherry notes lead to ripe, sweet black raspberries and soft textures. This peppery, fresh, stylish wine is completely open and drinking great today.

3,335 Views   Tasted
Still showing good color, the perfume offers plums, black cherry, black raspberry, spice, earth, garrigue and jammy blackberries. Fresh and packed with lush, pure, ripe, jammy red berries, this luscious Chateauneuf du Pape is open for prime time drinking, where it should remain for several years.

Still showing good color, the perfume offers plums, black cherry, black raspberry, spice, earth, garrigue and jammy blackberries. Fresh and packed with lush, pure, ripe, jammy red berries, this luscious Chateauneuf du Pape is open for prime time drinking, where it should remain for several years.

4,893 Views   Tasted
2006
93
Still young, this delicious wine offers layers of sweet, ripe, peppery, black raspberries, cherries, jam and garrigue. Rich, round and flavorful, this is a good time to be popping a cork on this expressive wine.

Still young, this delicious wine offers layers of sweet, ripe, peppery, black raspberries, cherries, jam and garrigue. Rich, round and flavorful, this is a good time to be popping a cork on this expressive wine.

3,668 Views   Tasted
2005
98
The purity of the sweet, ripe, spicy red berries stands out here. Voluptuous, concentrated, complex, vibrant and long, with serious levels of intensity in every sip is what you will find here. Popped, poured and devoured over the next 90 minutes or so, this is just a great bottle of Grenache that's hitting its stride.

The purity of the sweet, ripe, spicy red berries stands out here. Voluptuous, concentrated, complex, vibrant and long, with serious levels of intensity in every sip is what you will find here. Popped, poured and devoured over the next 90 minutes or so, this is just a great bottle of Grenache that's hitting its stride.

3,119 Views   Tasted
Truly opaque ruby in color. Pepper, blackberry and plums are kissed with spice. Massive concentration and an expansive finish make this a show stopper of a Chateauneuf du Pape wine. 98+ Why is it not 100? Because for me 00 & 01 are better.

Truly opaque ruby in color. Pepper, blackberry and plums are kissed with spice. Massive concentration and an expansive finish make this a show stopper of a Chateauneuf du Pape wine. 98+ Why is it not 100? Because for me 00 & 01 are better.

5,717 Views   Tasted
2005
95
Cotes du Rhone is inky in color. This 480 bottle cuvee, that's right, 480 whopping bottles were produced in 05 comes from terroir that is better than a lot of terroir from Chateauneuf. Very spicy with a good dose of cinnamom, melted blackberry and blue fruit on the nose. Tannic and packed and stacked wih dense, ripe fruit. This wine was a one time only effort and will not be produced again.

Cotes du Rhone is inky in color. This 480 bottle cuvee, that's right, 480 whopping bottles were produced in 05 comes from terroir that is better than a lot of terroir from Chateauneuf. Very spicy with a good dose of cinnamom, melted blackberry and blue fruit on the nose. Tannic and packed and stacked wih dense, ripe fruit. This wine was a one time only effort and will not be produced again.

2,904 Views   Tasted
2004
90
No reserve was made in this vintage, so all the old vine fruit was placed in their regular cuvee. Fully mature, medium bodied, peppery red fruits and a bushel of garrigue is what you will find on the nose and palate. This is good to go.

No reserve was made in this vintage, so all the old vine fruit was placed in their regular cuvee. Fully mature, medium bodied, peppery red fruits and a bushel of garrigue is what you will find on the nose and palate. This is good to go.

2,064 Views   Tasted
2003
96
Clearly at full maturity, the wine offers depth of flavor, richness and layers of ripe, dark red fruit, with only a minor touch of fig accompanying the kirsch. Long, complex and at probably slightly past its peak, if you own any, you should drink them over the new few years as I fear, the wine will continue taking on more fig, and chocolate overtones.

Clearly at full maturity, the wine offers depth of flavor, richness and layers of ripe, dark red fruit, with only a minor touch of fig accompanying the kirsch. Long, complex and at probably slightly past its peak, if you own any, you should drink them over the new few years as I fear, the wine will continue taking on more fig, and chocolate overtones.

3,705 Views   Tasted
Pure, sweet, luscious, sensuous, sexy cherries for days, with hints of licorice, garrigue, pepper and earth. The wine feels as good as it tastes. Not decanted, just popped, poured and devoured.

Pure, sweet, luscious, sensuous, sexy cherries for days, with hints of licorice, garrigue, pepper and earth. The wine feels as good as it tastes. Not decanted, just popped, poured and devoured.

4,264 Views   Tasted
Does mind boggling juice go far enough, for a tasting note? Perhaps it should. Because this is more than stunning! Layer after layer of intense, powerful, ripe, sweet, luscious, rich, dark red fruits coat your mouth, teeth, gums and palate with flavor. There is real intensity here, but balance, harmony, complexity and a finish that sticks with you for close to 50 seconds! This is hard to find, as the production is about 150 cases or so, but it is worth the effort as this is a stunner!!! The wine was decanted about 30 minutes, or a bit longer.

Does mind boggling juice go far enough, for a tasting note? Perhaps it should. Because this is more than stunning! Layer after layer of intense, powerful, ripe, sweet, luscious, rich, dark red fruits coat your mouth, teeth, gums and palate with flavor. There is real intensity here, but balance, harmony, complexity and a finish that sticks with you for close to 50 seconds! This is hard to find, as the production is about 150 cases or so, but it is worth the effort as this is a stunner!!! The wine was decanted about 30 minutes, or a bit longer.

5,305 Views   Tasted
This is stunning! Perfectly balancing power and elegance, the fruit shows a beautiful sense of purity, the textures are soft and silky and the finish, with its pure kirsch essence goes on and on. There is no sensation of heat or over ripeness, which is difficult in the 2003 vintage. Something else to consider, believe it or not, except I promise this is true, about 25% of the wine remained in the bottle, which was recorked, but left on the bar top. 24 hours later, this was still absolutely delicious! I was amazed and happy to know I still had a few bottles of this stunner in my cellar.

This is stunning! Perfectly balancing power and elegance, the fruit shows a beautiful sense of purity, the textures are soft and silky and the finish, with its pure kirsch essence goes on and on. There is no sensation of heat or over ripeness, which is difficult in the 2003 vintage. Something else to consider, believe it or not, except I promise this is true, about 25% of the wine remained in the bottle, which was recorked, but left on the bar top. 24 hours later, this was still absolutely delicious! I was amazed and happy to know I still had a few bottles of this stunner in my cellar.

5,658 Views   Tasted
Intense kirsch, garrigue, earth and spice notes create the intoxicating aromatic palate. Concentrated, long, deep and intense, with silky tannins and no sensation of heat, this is a great bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Intense kirsch, garrigue, earth and spice notes create the intoxicating aromatic palate. Concentrated, long, deep and intense, with silky tannins and no sensation of heat, this is a great bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape.

3,625 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, with kirsch, cherry griotte, garrigue, pepper, black raspberry jam and stone in the nose, this concentrated, rich. fleshy, ripe Chateauneuf du Pape was made from yields of only 12 hectoliters per hectare! You can taste and feel the levels of depth and richness. There is a lot of intensity to be found. With not much air, the wine was still holding a lot in reserve. I'd give it a few more years or an hour in the decanter. With some additional bottle age, I imagine the wine should score higher. Even though the wine is 16.5% ABV, there is no sensation of heat, or too much jam in the flavors or finish.

Deep in color, with kirsch, cherry griotte, garrigue, pepper, black raspberry jam and stone in the nose, this concentrated, rich. fleshy, ripe Chateauneuf du Pape was made from yields of only 12 hectoliters per hectare! You can taste and feel the levels of depth and richness. There is a lot of intensity to be found. With not much air, the wine was still holding a lot in reserve. I'd give it a few more years or an hour in the decanter. With some additional bottle age, I imagine the wine should score higher. Even though the wine is 16.5% ABV, there is no sensation of heat, or too much jam in the flavors or finish.

3,374 Views   Tasted
Jammy red berries, spice, pepper, fennel, kirsch liqueur aromas, thick, rich and intense, this ripe, jammy, ABVic, voluptuous Chateauneuf du Pape is not for the timid!

Jammy red berries, spice, pepper, fennel, kirsch liqueur aromas, thick, rich and intense, this ripe, jammy, ABVic, voluptuous Chateauneuf du Pape is not for the timid!

3,291 Views   Tasted
2001
98
Probably starting its gentle slide as the concentration was not same as the previous bottle and secondary notes were more present. Still, this remains stunning with its array of earthy, peppery, garrigue, underbrush, lavender and kirsch notes. Rich, yet elegant in texture, the finish really hangs in there with its beautiful mix of ripe, spicy, sweet, peppery red fruits and earthy accents. This is probably best over the next 5 years or so.

Probably starting its gentle slide as the concentration was not same as the previous bottle and secondary notes were more present. Still, this remains stunning with its array of earthy, peppery, garrigue, underbrush, lavender and kirsch notes. Rich, yet elegant in texture, the finish really hangs in there with its beautiful mix of ripe, spicy, sweet, peppery red fruits and earthy accents. This is probably best over the next 5 years or so.

3,796 Views   Tasted
This continues its record of mind blowing performances due to all its attributes including: waves of ripe, sweet, peppery, fresh, dark red fruits. The opulent textures still allows you to enjoy the freshness and strength from all the fruit. This is liqueur of Grenache. The finish must stick with you for at least 50-60 seconds.

This continues its record of mind blowing performances due to all its attributes including: waves of ripe, sweet, peppery, fresh, dark red fruits. The opulent textures still allows you to enjoy the freshness and strength from all the fruit. This is liqueur of Grenache. The finish must stick with you for at least 50-60 seconds.

4,036 Views   Tasted
Stunning in every way, the wine paired intensity, power, elegance and concentration with ripe fruits, freshness and complex aromatics. Still young, there is no real reason to wait to open a bottle, but there is no hurry either as this is Chateauneuf du Pape at its best!

Stunning in every way, the wine paired intensity, power, elegance and concentration with ripe fruits, freshness and complex aromatics. Still young, there is no real reason to wait to open a bottle, but there is no hurry either as this is Chateauneuf du Pape at its best!

5,855 Views   Tasted
A compelling nose packed with fresh black pepper, pure blackberry liqueur, kirsch, herbs, earth, spice and jam capture your attention. The wine had incredible concentration, viscosity and length. The pure, dark berry, jam and spicy, intense, black raspberry finish lasts for at least sixty seconds! This stunning example of Chateauneuf du Pape is just entering prmie time drinking. This is difficult to find as the production is under 200 cases. But it's worth the effort and expense if you want to experience Chateauneuf du Pape at its best.

A compelling nose packed with fresh black pepper, pure blackberry liqueur, kirsch, herbs, earth, spice and jam capture your attention. The wine had incredible concentration, viscosity and length. The pure, dark berry, jam and spicy, intense, black raspberry finish lasts for at least sixty seconds! This stunning example of Chateauneuf du Pape is just entering prmie time drinking. This is difficult to find as the production is under 200 cases. But it's worth the effort and expense if you want to experience Chateauneuf du Pape at its best.

8,496 Views   Tasted
2001
95
The last vintage of this wine for Vieille Julienne as it was folded into the Reserve in subsequent vintages. This was also my last vintage of this cuvee'. With a nose of licorice, kirsch, smoke, clay, herbs and earth, the wine is fleshy, fresh, vibrant and packed with juicy, spicy, sweet, ripe, black raspberries, cherry and plums. Drinking great today, there is no reason not to pop a cork as it's in the perfect state of pleasure today.

The last vintage of this wine for Vieille Julienne as it was folded into the Reserve in subsequent vintages. This was also my last vintage of this cuvee'. With a nose of licorice, kirsch, smoke, clay, herbs and earth, the wine is fleshy, fresh, vibrant and packed with juicy, spicy, sweet, ripe, black raspberries, cherry and plums. Drinking great today, there is no reason not to pop a cork as it's in the perfect state of pleasure today.

3,769 Views   Tasted
2000
94
On the downhill climb. Not so bad when you consider it is almost 24 years old at this stage. Catch it now for the remainder of its peppery kirsch, spearmint, garrigue, wild cherry, and spicy characteristics on the nose and in the long, kirsch and herb packed finish. Drink from 2023-2026.

On the downhill climb. Not so bad when you consider it is almost 24 years old at this stage. Catch it now for the remainder of its peppery kirsch, spearmint, garrigue, wild cherry, and spicy characteristics on the nose and in the long, kirsch and herb packed finish. Drink from 2023-2026.

1,879 Views   Tasted
Lush, sexy, sensuous, rich and peppery, the fruit is ripe, sweet, fresh and spicy. The concentrated, deep wine feels just great on your palate, making it difficult not to ask for another pour. This is probably drinking at absolute peak, so if you have a bottle, pop a cork.

Lush, sexy, sensuous, rich and peppery, the fruit is ripe, sweet, fresh and spicy. The concentrated, deep wine feels just great on your palate, making it difficult not to ask for another pour. This is probably drinking at absolute peak, so if you have a bottle, pop a cork.

2,153 Views   Tasted
This is one sexy pleasure machine of Chateauneuf du Pape. Plush, silky textures, mouth filling levels of fruit and a complex set of aromatics including smoke, licorice, blackberry, clay and fresh herbs. This is drinking at peak.

This is one sexy pleasure machine of Chateauneuf du Pape. Plush, silky textures, mouth filling levels of fruit and a complex set of aromatics including smoke, licorice, blackberry, clay and fresh herbs. This is drinking at peak.

4,029 Views   Tasted
I love this wine! That is more than enough of a tasting note for anyone that knows me. It does not display quite the same level of flamboyance it showed in its youth, but the wine is explosive in its aromatics, with a melange of dark red berries, spice and earth. On the palate, the wine fills your mouth with concentrated sips of extremely ripe and over ripe black raspberries, kirsch, jammy plums and spice. This is at the perfect state of maturity, with the right amount of freshness and secondary character.

I love this wine! That is more than enough of a tasting note for anyone that knows me. It does not display quite the same level of flamboyance it showed in its youth, but the wine is explosive in its aromatics, with a melange of dark red berries, spice and earth. On the palate, the wine fills your mouth with concentrated sips of extremely ripe and over ripe black raspberries, kirsch, jammy plums and spice. This is at the perfect state of maturity, with the right amount of freshness and secondary character.

4,855 Views   Tasted
2000 Vieille Julienne Reserve might not have been a fully correct bottle. The pepper, dark cherry and garrigue, kirsch and eary aromas were present, but the palate was shorter than I remembered. The wine was good, but it was not the stunning example of 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape from this producer I have tasted before

2000 Vieille Julienne Reserve might not have been a fully correct bottle. The pepper, dark cherry and garrigue, kirsch and eary aromas were present, but the palate was shorter than I remembered. The wine was good, but it was not the stunning example of 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape from this producer I have tasted before

4,442 Views   Tasted
Dark ruby in color, the powerful, attention grabbing perfume offers jammy black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, blueberry and black cherry liqueur aromas. From 100% old vine Grenache, this powerful, packed and stacked Rhone wine coats your palate with deep, spice filled black cherry, kirsch and jammy flavors. This voluptuous Chateauneuf du Pape is drinking perfectly today.

Dark ruby in color, the powerful, attention grabbing perfume offers jammy black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, blueberry and black cherry liqueur aromas. From 100% old vine Grenache, this powerful, packed and stacked Rhone wine coats your palate with deep, spice filled black cherry, kirsch and jammy flavors. This voluptuous Chateauneuf du Pape is drinking perfectly today.

4,051 Views   Tasted
00 Vieille Julienne Reserve remains one of the potential benchmarks for the vintage. Fresh ground pepper, jammy blackberries, black cherry, red cherry, white cherry, kirsch and a myriad of intense liqueur aromatics explode from your glass. This palate staining, mouth coating wine offers freshness, massive levels of concentrated fruit and a finish that lasts for close to 60 seconds! This is probably close to fully mature, but there is no hurry to drink up. It should remain at this plateau for at least another 5-8 years.

00 Vieille Julienne Reserve remains one of the potential benchmarks for the vintage. Fresh ground pepper, jammy blackberries, black cherry, red cherry, white cherry, kirsch and a myriad of intense liqueur aromatics explode from your glass. This palate staining, mouth coating wine offers freshness, massive levels of concentrated fruit and a finish that lasts for close to 60 seconds! This is probably close to fully mature, but there is no hurry to drink up. It should remain at this plateau for at least another 5-8 years.

4,675 Views   Tasted
Essence of liquefied Chateauneuf Du Pape! This is off the charts. The mouth feel is thick, rich, opulent and voluptuous. It has to be experienced to be believed! Perfectly balanced with a seemingly endless finish. Few expensive wines are worth the money. But, this wine is truly worth the price of admission.

Essence of liquefied Chateauneuf Du Pape! This is off the charts. The mouth feel is thick, rich, opulent and voluptuous. It has to be experienced to be believed! Perfectly balanced with a seemingly endless finish. Few expensive wines are worth the money. But, this wine is truly worth the price of admission.

5,678 Views   Tasted
2000
93
This has slipped from its lofty peak and requires consumption over the next few years allowing you to enjoy all of its earthy, cherries, red plums, kirsch, herbs, and peppery nuances. Drink from 2022-2025.

This has slipped from its lofty peak and requires consumption over the next few years allowing you to enjoy all of its earthy, cherries, red plums, kirsch, herbs, and peppery nuances. Drink from 2022-2025.

2,082 Views   Tasted
Drinking perfectly today, the offers ample, fresh, ripe. spicy red and black fruits, earth and fennel. Produced from Grenache vines that are mostly close to 100 years old, the wine is rich, soft, plush, long and complex.

Drinking perfectly today, the offers ample, fresh, ripe. spicy red and black fruits, earth and fennel. Produced from Grenache vines that are mostly close to 100 years old, the wine is rich, soft, plush, long and complex.

3,552 Views   Tasted
Concentrated and ripe with essence of Grenache and a wild side to its personality, this lacks the sophistication and depth of the Reserve. This shows the sauvage, wild side of Chateauneuf.

Concentrated and ripe with essence of Grenache and a wild side to its personality, this lacks the sophistication and depth of the Reserve. This shows the sauvage, wild side of Chateauneuf.

3,202 Views   Tasted
1999
93
This deep, ruby colored elixir is filled with jammy red and black fruits, spices and herbs. Plush in the mouth. Liqueurious in texture. The finish is close to :40.

This deep, ruby colored elixir is filled with jammy red and black fruits, spices and herbs. Plush in the mouth. Liqueurious in texture. The finish is close to :40.

3,494 Views   Tasted
Still deeply colored, this peppery, jammy red fruited, herbal perfumed wine reminds me of a scaled down version of the 2000 Vieille Julienne Reserve. Concentrated for any year, but in 99, it's a major accomplishment. The wines deep, cherry liqueur core fills the finish. I would drink this over the next 5-7 years to preserve its lush, rich fruit.

Still deeply colored, this peppery, jammy red fruited, herbal perfumed wine reminds me of a scaled down version of the 2000 Vieille Julienne Reserve. Concentrated for any year, but in 99, it's a major accomplishment. The wines deep, cherry liqueur core fills the finish. I would drink this over the next 5-7 years to preserve its lush, rich fruit.

3,532 Views   Tasted
Layers of black and red, jammy fruit. Very sweet. This shows great today, but will improve.

Layers of black and red, jammy fruit. Very sweet. This shows great today, but will improve.

3,446 Views   Tasted
This is is an outstanding wine. with good color and a nose filled with ripe, red pepper tinged fruit and fresh herbs. Lots of extraction, depth and complexity. Drink it on the young side.

This is is an outstanding wine. with good color and a nose filled with ripe, red pepper tinged fruit and fresh herbs. Lots of extraction, depth and complexity. Drink it on the young side.

3,482 Views   Tasted
1998
90
Good length, balance and ripe fruit make this a pleasure to taste. But it is not even close to the level VJ began producing starting with in 1999. Fully mature, drink up.

Good length, balance and ripe fruit make this a pleasure to taste. But it is not even close to the level VJ began producing starting with in 1999. Fully mature, drink up.

3,091 Views   Tasted