DOM DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE ‘LES HAUTS LIEUX’ 2022

The Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de la Vieille Julienne are some of my all-time favorites and some of the greatest wines in the world. Over the past decade Jean-Paul Daumen has emerged as one of the most compelling winemakers in all of France. Daumen is one of the most meticulous viticulturists and winemakers in Chateauneuf du Pape. Taking advantage of his ancient vines in the Northern sector of Chateauneuf, and biodynamically farming the entire vineyard, he has produced extraordinary wines dating back to 1998 that have massive acclaim from the world’s most respected critics.. His winemaking philosophy is quite simple- old vines, tiny yields, no SO2 during vinification, neutral and no fining or filtration. His wines are benchmarks from the appellation. I have a tiny amount of his Dom de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hauts Lieux 2022 to offer. Robert Parker describes as one of the world’s greatest reds! Les Haut Lieux is produced from 70 year old vines at the highest elevation and the most sheltered part of the terroir of slopes. Marlstone soils and shallow safres covered with quartzite pebbles are entirely suitable for mourvedre. This higher elevation parcel and also includes slightly more Mourvedre, both of which give this cuvée a more firm, structured profile, especially in its youth. With five years in the wine is opening up superbly, to be enjoyed over the next 20 years. Incredibly concentrated, massive, and yet perfectly balanced, it has no hard edges and is just an incredible tasting experience. Benchmark Neuf!