TN: 2007 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape

WINE TALK
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  • 2007 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (8/3/2013)
    Decanted 2 hrs. The darkness of color certainly hints at the viscosity this wine was soon to display. A bit of brett on the nose, but in a small enough amount that when paired with along with some fresh raspberry and lavender you can easily write off as ‘its got that French nose thing going’. A heavy weight for sure, at least in texture, as unbaked chocolate and stewed plums (a product of the hot 07 vintage, no wood or barrel influence) are felt on the sides and corners of the mouth. Yet, at least for this taster, the core of the wine was rock solid, full of an earthy – mineral sensibility that was very compact, and may take quite a few years yet to show its true colors. Medium to long finish, needs 5 + years. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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Was fortunate to try this wine over the weekend out of a 375 and had it blind. Aromatically, it reminded me of an Alban syrah - tons of tar, slight rubber tire, a bit of reduction. Large scaled wine for sure, but quite balanced. Opened up nicely over a few hour period in glass to provide layer upon layer of aromas and flavors.

All in all, a very good wine - but not one that I would have guessed was a grenache-dominated wine IMHO.

Cheers

3

We opened an 07 Le Vieux Donjon at our Christmas eve dinner. I was not really focused on the wine but everyone enjoyed it. Our bottle was clean, polished and balanced. I did not find it overly ripe or hot as many 07s are said to be, but the other bottle on the table was an 08 QC Cab which tasted like blackberry liqueur.