Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Best on Day 3. The 2021 pours, a deep ruby color with medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of black and red bramble fruit, red and purple flowers, black pepper, garrigue, dried herbs, rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the pepper plays an even greater role. The finishes long and the texture is silky smooth. The high alcohol is almost imperceptible. On Day 1, this was good but not particularly interesting (though the quality was clearly there). After significant air, this blossomed into a really compelling Gigondas; full of character! Best after 2026 and through 2036+. — 4 months ago
Outstanding, soulful and rich, this is classic in every sense of the word for a Chateauneuf du Pape. Aged 14 years, this is a lot more primary and less evolved than I would have expected, which makes me love this more for the high quality that shows and it's ability to get even better with more cellar time. Full bodied, a silky and velvety palate feel, with gently intense fruit and spice, long on the finish. A whopper at 15.5% but it wears it well, perfect balance!
Deep ruby red core, ruby edges. Really pretty red hues. The nose is pronounced with black raspberry, black cherry, damson, with garrigue, garden herbs, subtle spices and roasted meat. The palate is med+ to full bodied with velvety tannins, plenty of alcohol, and a very balanced, rich, flavor intensity, and a long finish, easy going with a classic profile. — a day ago
Pop and pour. Notes from 24 hrs open (in the fridge overnight). While this was compelling yesterday, it is glorious today. On the nose: pure lavender, garrigue, soft cola and a touch of sweet incense, wow. On the palate: very good acidity, fantastic density, sweet blackberry, a touch of ash and heat, cola and a surprisingly dark finish, showing a smoldering warmth and very fine tannin. Seems like at least another 3-5 years before peak if this btl is representative. Absolutely gorgeous. — 5 months ago
Medium-bodied but somehow rich, the 2015 cuvée from Le Vieux Donjon is loaded with sappy red fruit balanced by garrigue, anise, and florals. Easy drinking but not simple, it pleased a wide range of palates at our Christmas dinner. Still seems to have the legs to go a few more years. — a month ago
Bought on release and stored at 55 degrees in my cellar since. Old world style, spicy, earthy and true to its name …garrique! Could have easily passed for a well made CNDP. WOW 20 year old Vacqueyras who would have guessed. — 6 months ago
Gilbert Van Hassel
Fabulous CNP. Medium to full bodied, highly perfumed, garrigue, strawberry and raspberry, very smooth and elegant. Predominantly Grenache. — 16 days ago