Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2018

1. Winery Background:

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is a highly regarded estate in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Southern Rhône Valley. The estate has been family-owned since 1905 and is currently managed by Jean-Paul Daumen, who took over in 1990. Under his leadership, the estate has adopted biodynamic farming methods and a focus on producing wines that reflect the purity of the terroir. Vieille Julienne is renowned for producing age-worthy, complex wines with a focus on minimal intervention and expression of the land.

2. The Producer:

Jean-Paul Daumen of Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is known for his attention to detail and commitment to biodynamic viticulture. The winery produces a small number of highly sought-after wines, each crafted to showcase the natural characteristics of the Rhône Valley’s terroir. Daumen’s approach includes low yields, hand harvesting, and organic vineyard management.

3. The Vineyard:

The Les Hauts Lieux vineyard is located in the higher altitude sections of the estate, where the vines benefit from cooler temperatures and excellent sun exposure. This vineyard has a mix of galets roulés (large pebbles) and sandy, limestone-rich soils, which help retain moisture and provide ideal growing conditions for the Grenache-dominant blend. The vines are old, many of them over 100 years old, which contributes to the intensity and concentration of the wine.

4. The Wine:

Les Hauts Lieux is a single-vineyard wine from Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, and it represents the purity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s terroir. It is one of the estate’s most prestigious offerings, made only in the best vintages. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and smaller amounts of other Rhône varietals, all sourced from the estate’s highest vineyards.

5. The Vintage:

2018 was a challenging vintage in the Rhône, marked by heavy rain in the spring but followed by a warm, dry summer. The conditions led to lower yields but produced intensely concentrated fruit. The wines from 2018 are known for their depth, balance, and aging potential.

6. Vinification and Aging:

Jean-Paul Daumen follows traditional winemaking practices with a minimalist approach. The grapes are harvested by hand, and fermentation takes place with native yeasts in concrete tanks. The wine undergoes long maceration periods to extract maximum flavor and complexity. After fermentation, the wine is aged in large neutral foudres (oak vats) for 18-24 months, which allows it to develop complexity while maintaining the purity of the fruit without excessive oak influence.

7. The Grapes:

• Grenache (predominantly): Grenache brings ripe red fruit, body, and richness to the blend.

• Syrah and Mourvèdre: Add structure, darker fruit, spice, and complexity to the wine.

8. Tasting Notes:

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights.

• Nose: Aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and raspberries dominate, with additional notes of dried herbs (garrigue), lavender, licorice, and a subtle smoky minerality. Over time, secondary aromas of leather, earth, and pepper emerge.

• Palate: Full-bodied and rich with silky, well-integrated tannins. The palate delivers flavors of dark fruits like plum and black cherry, along with hints of dried herbs, black pepper, and a slight earthiness. The wine has great depth and balance, with vibrant acidity and a long, persistent finish.

• Aging Potential: The wine has excellent aging potential and can be enjoyed now with decanting but will benefit from aging for another 10-15 years, developing more complexity and softening the tannins over time.

9. Food and Wine Pairing:

Les Hauts Lieux pairs beautifully with rich, hearty dishes that match the wine’s intensity:

• Lamb: Roasted lamb with rosemary or grilled lamb chops.

• Game meats: Venison or wild boar.

• Beef: Braised beef or grilled steaks with peppercorn sauce.

• Poultry: Roasted duck or game birds.

• Cheese: Aged cheeses such as Gouda, Comté, or Roquefort.

10. Service:

Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F). It is recommended to decant the wine for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the aromas and flavors to open up fully, especially if consumed young.

11. Storage:

Store the wine in a cool, dark place at a stable temperature of around 12-15°C (54-59°F). The 2018 vintage has great aging potential and will continue to develop for the next 10-15 years, reaching its peak between 2028 and 2035.

Scores:

• Wine Spectator: 95 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 96 points

• Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate): 97 points

• James Suckling: 96 points

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 is a powerful, complex wine that beautifully showcases the terroir of the higher-altitude vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s an excellent choice for collectors or those looking to enjoy a world-class Rhône wine with rich, flavorful dishes.