1995 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Fully mature as well, the 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape displays pretty aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness and a silky, evolved profile on the palate. Giving up notions of sweet cherries, sandalwood, cedar and garrigue, it’s a wine I suspect was better a few years, but it will continue to evolve gracefully. I’d drink them if I had them though. Another bastillion of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape, Vieux Donjon is owned by Lucien and Marie Jose Michel, with the winemaking now firmly in the hands of their talented daughter, Claire Michel. They produce a single red and white Chateauneuf du Pape, with the red always a rough blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and the balance a mix of other permitted varieties. They started partial destemming in 1993, pulling out the green stems and keeping the more lignified stems. Aging occurs all in concrete tanks and older foudre. This was a fabulous tasting with both Claire and her brother Francois, and as I hope the notes show, the wines have classic Chateauneuf du Pape character and broad drink windows. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173