Wine Advisor
Le Vieux Donjon, Chateauneuf Du Pape 2007
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
Up there with the 2010 in terms of quality, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape dishes out loads of plum, lavender, ground pepper and licorice in its full-bodied, ripe and layered profile. Possessing a rock-star texture, no hard edges and beautiful concentration, it’s drinking nicely now, and should continue to evolve gracefully for another decade. Another bastillion of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape, Vieux Donjon is owned by Lucien and Marie Jose Michel, with the winemaking now firmly in the hands of their talented daughter, Claire Michel. They produce a single red and white Chateauneuf du Pape, with the red always a rough blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and the balance a mix of other permitted varieties. They started partial destemming in 1993, pulling out the green stems and keeping the more lignified stems. Aging occurs all in concrete tanks and older foudre. This was a fabulous tasting with both Claire and her brother Francois, and as I hope the notes show, the wines have classic Chateauneuf du Pape character and broad drink windows. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The three component parts of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, Syrah from the estate’s holdings in Pialons, old vine Grenache from sandy terroirs, and Mourvedre, are all brilliant, hence the estimated rating of (94-96). The wine reveals a dense purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of camphor, licorice, graphite, sweet red and black fruits, smoked meats, and a hint of charcoal. Full-bodied and pure with plenty of Provencal garrigue and meaty characters, this superb, chewy red should turn out to be their finest effort since the 1998 and 1990. It is a classic, traditionally made Chateauneuf du Pape to drink between 2013-2026. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Still backward and unevolved, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 5% other authorized varietals) was aged completely in foudre. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a reticent, but burgeoning bouquet of black cherries, plums, black currants, garrigue, lavender, and licorice. One can sense the weight, power, and richness in the mouth, but the tannins are there, and the wine also has very good acids. Consequently, patience will be required, and this is one 2007 where 2-3 years of bottle age is warranted. The wine is capable of lasting 15-20+ years. This pure, deep, full-bodied 2007 is the finest Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Donjon has made since their sensational 1998 and 1990. Vieux Donjon's traditional winemaking is more and more in the hands of owner Lucien Michel's talented daughter, Claire, although both parents (Lucien and his wife Marie Jose) are still very involved. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Glass-staining ruby. Highly expressive, exotically perfumed bouquet of black raspberry, potpourri, smoky minerals and anise. A smooth, silky midweight with flavors of sweet red and dark berries complicated by notes of candied flowers and zesty minerals. Really clings on the finish, with the red fruit flavors refusing to let up.
About the Producer
Le Vieux Donjon is one of the best wineries in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region. In 1979, Lucien Michel and Marie Jose got married and later established the Old Church Winery. Therefore, this is a relatively young winery. Both the couple were born in the winery. Winemaking family. Their marriage combined the two families and their vineyards into a new estate, Old Church Winery. Château Vieux Cathédrale covers 32.1 acres, all on a plateau near Mont Redon and the village of Les Cabriere, whose land is covered with the famous “galets roules” (football-sized rocks). ). There are many old vines planted in the winery, including 25 acres of vines that are over 80 years old. In 1990, the Michel family planted a hectare of clairette, roussanne and grenache blanc and had already begun making fruit wines from the grapes harvested from these trees. Dry white Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine. However, the true glory of this winery is the majestic red wines they produce.
