Magnum Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 Le Vieux Donjon | Rhône

Domaine du Vieux Donjon is a family-run wine estate that has been around for generations, and has held its own in terms of both quality and price. The Michel family has been producing wine since the 1970s. Before that, they only sold grapes in bulk. Today, this wine estate produces some of the most refined and elegant wines in the entire Châteauneuf du Pape appellation.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Personally, I don't quite understand why this wine estate isn't more famous than it is. The Vieux Donjon wines are extra! This wine has everything you love abouta great Châteauneuf du Pape. Fine, elegant and silky, it develops very complex aromas if you're patient.

My first experience with this wine was a real gustatory success. Visually, not much to say, the color is typical of a Châteauneuf, dark and intense. But where it really stands out is in the texture and finesse of its tannins.

On the nose, it's discreet on opening. After a few hours in the decanter, the wine fully reveals itself and develops an impressive aromatic palette (strawberry jam, dried tomato, prune, cinnamon). A superb nose, a wine that absolutely needs to be oxygenated in its youth.

On the palate, the attack is delicate and the substance caressing. Aromatically, this wine reveals notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry) and a hint of licorice. The ageing is very well controlled. The winemaker has done his utmost to ensure that the wood does not leave its mark on the wine.