| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Le Vieux Donjon is a beautifully balanced, classic expression of the appellation, as well as this estate. It has a vivid purple hue, with ripe berry fruits, peppery herbs, floral, and sandalwood-like aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it’s seamless and elegant on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins and a great finish. This is a brilliant wine that’s already drinking well but will evolve gracefully over the next 15-20 years. 2025 - 2040
Tasted blind. Bright and vibrant nose, with purple fruit and cassis. The tannins are firm and densely compact. Sweet fruit and a rich, layered mid palate. Young, primary and in need of many years to resolve the firm tannins; but there is huge potential here! (AC)
Enjoyably fresh and fluid style, good acidity, with lip-smacking raspberry and strawberry fruit. Good feeling of lift and drinkability considering the extreme vintage conditions. Elegant, fine tannins. Fermented in concrete vats, then aged in concrete and old foudres.
Vieux Donjon's style is just what Châteauneuf du Pape needs more of - this is a wine that leans on tradition, unobscured by oak, heavy excraction or the belief that more is better. Vivid ruby in the glass, the nose bursts forward with freshly pressed cherries, raspberry coulis and wild strawberries. The palate is silky, rounded by the vintage's warmth but never heavy or hot. The tannins are ripe and knit into the fruit, propping it up with a lightly chalky texture that adds salinity and savour. This is a serious Grenache led blend, but it is simply delicious to drink despite its youth. The sheen of red berries lingers on the finish together with a hint of white pepper and more saline spice. Excellent - you could drink it now but it will doubtless age for 15+ years.
As to the red from this great estate, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as a classic blend of 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre, 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 Provençal, 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.
