{"product_id":"le-vieux-donjon-vieux-donjon-cndp-2018-75-cl","title":"Le Vieux Donjon Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eLe Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 is a powerful yet beautifully composed red from one of the appellation’s most consistent, traditional estates. This is a full-bodied, richly textured wine that captures the warmth and generosity of the southern Rhône while retaining balance and finesse. Crafted from old-vine fruit and a classic Châteauneuf blend, it delivers immediate pleasure now and has the structure to age gracefully for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape shows a deep ruby to garnet hue with a vivid, almost velvety appearance. The nose is expressive and complex, offering ripe cherries and wild raspberries layered with notes of clove, star anise, dried herbs (garrigue), and a subtle floral lift. As it opens, more savory tones of leather, cocoa, and a hint of smoked meat begin to emerge.\n\nOn the palate, this is a full, mouth-filling wine with a velvety texture and impressive concentration. The core of sweet red and black berry fruit is framed by fine, ripe tannins and a spine of fresh acidity that keeps the richness in check. Flavors of kirsch, raspberry liqueur, baking spices, licorice, and cocoa unfold into a long, persistent finish with a touch of earthy minerality and leather. While already approachable, the structure and depth suggest a drinking window of 10–15 years from vintage, rewarding patience with further complexity and integration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLe Vieux Donjon’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 is sourced from a mosaic of parcels across the appellation’s classic terroirs—galets roulés (large rounded stones), sandy soils, and clay-limestone—contributing both power and finesse. The blend is typically dominated by Grenache, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a small proportion of other permitted Rhône varieties from old vines. Harvest is done by hand, with strict sorting to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes make it to the cellar. Vinification follows a traditional approach: largely whole-cluster fermentation in concrete or neutral vats, with indigenous yeasts and careful temperature control. The wine is then aged in large old foudres and neutral oak, rather than new barrels, preserving the purity of fruit, the expression of terroir, and the classic, soulful character of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a natural companion to rich, savory dishes such as slow-braised lamb shank, beef daube Provençale, roast duck, game birds, or herb-crusted rack of lamb. It also pairs beautifully with earthy flavors like mushroom ragout, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) for optimal balance between fruit and structure. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the aromatics and texture to fully unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLe Vieux Donjon is a revered, family-run domaine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, founded in the 1960s and now helmed by the next generation, notably Claire Michel, who continues the estate’s traditional, terroir-driven philosophy. With around 30+ hectares under vine, all in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the domaine has earned a reputation for producing a single, benchmark red cuvée each year—an approach that ensures all of the best fruit goes into one flagship wine. Known for consistency, authenticity, and age-worthy wines that remain remarkably well-priced for their quality, Le Vieux Donjon is widely regarded as one of the quiet stars of the region, often cited by critics and enthusiasts as a reference point for classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Le Vieux Donjon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252839174481,"sku":"PS-7730908594376","price":51.02,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/DONJON_c29dcb57-6ad7-4e2e-8b98-cfcb5fd755b9.png?v=1783447194","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/le-vieux-donjon-vieux-donjon-cndp-2018-75-cl","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}