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…
Category: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
2004 Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhone Valley, was founded in 1898 by Hippolyte Brunier. Located on the highest terrace of the appellation, the domaine was named for an 18th century telegraph relay tower located nearby. Today the 173-acre domaine is run by Daniel and Frederic Brunier, the great grandsons of the founder. Vieux Télégraphe is one of…
2008 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous – Bottle Notes
Clos Saint Jean was founded in 1900 in Chateauneuf du Pape and is still a small, family-run operation. The estate produces 12,500 cases annually. Brothers Pascal and Vincent Maurel run the business. Clos Saint Jean primarily produces Chateauneuf du Pape, including the Vieilles Vignes and several special cuvées including the Combe des Fous and Deus-Ex Machina. The late Philippe Cambie was…
2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes
The 2005 Beaucastel was the winning bottle in the April Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant the wine and it was served with grilled New York Strips, roasted asparagus and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes. Chateau de Beaucastel, located in Courthezon in the Southern Rhone Valley, has over 250 acres of organic vineyards. Unlike many Rhone Valley…
2006 Clos des Papes – Bottle Notes
The 2006 Clos des Papes was the winning bottle in the February Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with burgers. Clos des Papes is owned by the Avril family, now headed by Paul Avril and his son Vincent. The family has been making wine in Chateauneuf-du-Pape for 300 years. The name…
2003 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous – Bottle Notes
Clos Saint Jean was founded in 1900 in Chateauneuf du Pape and is still a small, family-run operation. The estate produces 12,500 cases annually. Brothers Pascal and Vincent Maurel run the business. Clos Saint Jean primarily produces Chateauneuf du Pape, including the Vieilles Vignes and several special cuvees including the Combe des Fous and Deus-Ex Machina. In 2002, Philippe Cambie…
2003 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – Bottle Notes
The family of Domaine du Pegau has roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape dating back to the mid-17th century. The word Pegau refers to a wine jug discovered in the excavations of the 14th century Pope’s palace in Avignon. Today, the estate is run by the Paul Ferraud and his daughter Laurence. Ruby red in color. 13.5% ABV. Breathtaking nose of red fruits, roasted herbs,…
2006 Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis – Bottle Notes
Domaine Isabel Ferrando is owned by Isabel Ferrando who created the estate when she purchased 3.9 hectares of vines. The goal was to create a wine that was distinct from Domaine Saint Prefert, her other Southern Rhone winery. The wine is 100% old vine Grenache made from grapes ranging from 65-100 years of age. 2004 was the debut vintage. Dark…
2009 Domaine de la Janasse Cuvee Chaupin – Bottle Notes
The 2009 Domaine de la Janasse Cuvee Chaupin was the winning bottle in the August Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for one hour and served with burgers. Domaine de la Janasse is located in Courthezon, in the Southern Rhone Valley, and it is one of the region’s brightest stars. The Sabon family has been growing…
2008 Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes
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…