2006 Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne- A Benchmark in Chateauneuf du Pape

The wines of Domaine de la Vieille Julienne are traditionally made, extraordinarily concentrated Chateauneuf du Papes created from old vine, biodynamically farmed sites and made from minuscule yields, hands off, no SO2 during vinification, and aged in neutral tanks or old wood. Jean-Paul Dauman achieves amazing levels of ripeness and power while keeping the taut mineral expression of this appellation in full display. 

Since  Daumen took over the estate in 1990 things have changed here.  Not only has a new aging cellar has been built, but some interesting decisions to improve the quality of the wines have been taken as well. Almost all of the crop is destemmed now, and experimentations with small casks are being made. 

Robert Parker says Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is  "Always one of my favorite Chateauneuf du Pape estates to visit, proprietor Jean-Paul Dauman has made Domaine de la Vieille Julienne a brilliant reference point for this appellation. These are traditionally made, extraordinarily concentrated Chateauneuf du Papes..."

Reviews

Wine Spectator 95 Points

Very rich and densely packed, with a huge core of raspberry ganache, macerated plum and hoisin sauce notes wrapped by dark licorice, Turkish coffee and charred applewood. The long finish ripples with tannins, but this is velvety and well-integrated. Needs some time. Rather serious juice. Best from 2011 through 2033. -JM

Robert Parker 94 Points

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dense purple color as well as an expressive bouquet of black currants, licorice, kirsch, meat juices, and hints of spice box as well as lavender. Full-bodied, opulent, rich, and stunningly concentrated, it is one of the vintage's finest efforts. This beauty should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years.