2010 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape- France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (8/17/2014)
I’m not a big CdP drinker, so take this with a big grain of salt, but I really enjoyed this wine. Not stewed or over ripe at all, some light purple and red fruits are well balanced over a broad tannic palate. Enough acidity to keep this interesting, although the focus here is clearly the fruit. An almost floral nose adds to the interest.
I know Cambie is the devil, but this may be the exception that proves the rule. I’ve all but stopped drinking S Rhone, but this was remarkably nimble and delicious. Worth checking in on if you have a few.
Haven’t tried one since 2012, but back then it was delicious, one of the less ripe CdP of the vintage, meaty, plummy, peppery, a more classic wine than most. Thanks!
I am not a Cambie fan. I tasted this back in 2012 and bought a six pack. Really lovely, classic CDP, IMO. Not sure about the nature of his consultation here, but I’ve been drinking Donjon since 1990 and I don’t taste any stylistic changes or detect any of the usual negatives due to his influence. My guess is that the owners have kept a pretty firm hand in determining both the style and the finished wine. Whatever the case, I trust my taste buds on this one. Thanks for your notes.