Lucien Michel
Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
Big and kind of blown out, still delicious. Nose is amazing at first pour.
Big and kind of blown out, still delicious. Nose is amazing at first pour.
Jun 18th, 2021
With all due respect to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this is the original Donjon. Claire Fabre represents the third generation in charge at Le Vieux Donjon. Founded in 1966 by her grandfather Marcel Michel, and run by her parents Lucien and Marie José Michel from 1979 to 2008. Prior to taking the reins, Claire interned with Harlan Estate in Napa. Consulting oenologist Philippe Cambie also lends his services. Despite the Harlan/Cambie associations, Le Vieux Donjon is old school, through and through, and ascribes to the traditionalist principle of "one estate, one wine." The 2010 does not disappoint. While there's clearly a smoked mesquite overtone that permeates throughout and continuously, the plum, black cherry, kirsch, black olive, lavender, dried Provençal herbs, tar, and cured meat entangle thoroughly. The result is an incense that doesn't quit.
With all due respect to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this is the original Donjon. Claire Fabre represents the third generation in charge at Le Vieux Donjon. Founded in 1966 by her grandfather Marcel Michel, and run by her parents Lucien and Marie José Michel from 1979 to 2008. Prior to taking the reins, Claire interned with Harlan Estate in Napa. Consulting oenologist Philippe Cambie also lends his services. Despite the Harlan/Cambie associations, Le Vieux Donjon is old school, through and through, and ascribes to the traditionalist principle of "one estate, one wine." The 2010 does not disappoint. While there's clearly a smoked mesquite overtone that permeates throughout and continuously, the plum, black cherry, kirsch, black olive, lavender, dried Provençal herbs, tar, and cured meat entangle thoroughly. The result is an incense that doesn't quit.
2 people found it helpfulAug 4th, 2017
Can't go wrong with this. Appealing nose of smoke, dark fruit, chocolate, plum cake, and mocha. Robust wine with robust alcohol levels. Darker chocolate notes over a cherry backbone. Well-integrated acids and smooth tannins keep this wine from being too flabby. Unfiltered, which shows in each pour. Great wine.
Can't go wrong with this. Appealing nose of smoke, dark fruit, chocolate, plum cake, and mocha. Robust wine with robust alcohol levels. Darker chocolate notes over a cherry backbone. Well-integrated acids and smooth tannins keep this wine from being too flabby. Unfiltered, which shows in each pour. Great wine.
1 person found it helpfulJan 10th, 2021
Why not my favorite vintage so far, I feel this carries the warmth well. Rich and ripe without pushing the limits too much. The extra SY and MO components lend themselves well and this has some flash and darkness that bring a wild side to it all. Ive found some ‘17s to have significant brett but I think this balances well. Tannins are ripe but could use some more time to integrate a touch and soften their chew. Ripe black cherry compote, Chambord, roasted plums, animal, sweet spice and clovey layers of brett. 60 GR 20 SY 18 MO 2 CIN
Why not my favorite vintage so far, I feel this carries the warmth well. Rich and ripe without pushing the limits too much. The extra SY and MO components lend themselves well and this has some flash and darkness that bring a wild side to it all. Ive found some ‘17s to have significant brett but I think this balances well. Tannins are ripe but could use some more time to integrate a touch and soften their chew. Ripe black cherry compote, Chambord, roasted plums, animal, sweet spice and clovey layers of brett. 60 GR 20 SY 18 MO 2 CIN
1 person found it helpfulMar 22nd, 2020
Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com
clean pronounced aromas of ripe red cherries, bramble and black plum along with oak aromas of butterscotch and toast
dry, med+ acidity, med+ tannins and high alcohol
medium+ body, medium+ int. a slightly dry and coarse texture med+ finish with blackcurrant flavours. very good, can age 10-15 years. #cdp #chateauneuf #grenache
clean pronounced aromas of ripe red cherries, bramble and black plum along with oak aromas of butterscotch and toast
dry, med+ acidity, med+ tannins and high alcohol
medium+ body, medium+ int. a slightly dry and coarse texture med+ finish with blackcurrant flavours. very good, can age 10-15 years. #cdp #chateauneuf #grenache
Very approachable rounded fruit. Good structure, drink over next 5 years
Very approachable rounded fruit. Good structure, drink over next 5 years
Jan 9th, 2016
Such raving reviews and yet, I'm left unimpressed. Jammy and a little flinty with lots shavings.
Such raving reviews and yet, I'm left unimpressed. Jammy and a little flinty with lots shavings.
Nov 10th, 2024