Vieux Donjon was formed in 1966 by Marcel Michel. The current iteration came about in 1979 with the marriage of Lucien and Marie José Michel. Both Lucien and Marie José’s parents owned vineyards in the region, and those holdings were combined to form Vieux Donjon. The domaine covers fourteen hectares of vineyards, thirteen planted to red grapes and one planted to white.
Light brick red in color. 13.5% ABV. Cherries, garrigue and wet stones on the nose. The palate is super complex with olives, plums, kirsch, mesquite, iodine and Asian spices. A touch rustic and very old school in style. The finish is dry and tannic. I decanted this wine briefly but I think it will show even better with at least 90 minutes in a decanter.
My rating: 93 points.
For my money the 2001 vintage is a total sleeper. Perhaps it is because the ’01’s were overshadowed by the flashier ’00’s. You would be well served to look for the ’01 Vieux Donjon, Charvin or Vieux Telegraphe.
2010, the current vintage, is highly recommended and runs around $75. The 2011 vintage will be available at retail soon and will undoubtedly find a place in my cellar.
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