Vieux Donjon Offer

A seductive, balanced, juicy and citrusy Chateauneuf-du-Pape white blend of 70% clairette and 30% roussanne with aromas of fresh lemons, white peaches and warm herbs. A touch of flowers, too. It's medium-bodied with a delicious blanched-almond character on the palate. Round and velvety with a tactile finish. JAMES SUCKLING

Love the one two punch here. It hits with real oomph and then there is a burst of freshness that sears its way through the abundance of ripe stone fruits. Throughout it all there is a heavy duty presence of lemon oil, it attaches itself to your palate with the help of some phenolic heft and extract. That lengthens things considerably, drawing all that flavour in to position and holding it there. A fulsome but refreshing and tantalisingly mineral CNDP Blanc that continues to evolve, slowly, with air, unleashing more details, whisps of smoke, the occasional note of something exotic, sweet thai basil? Curry leaves? It's a faint theme that waves its way through the more floral and herbaceous components. Excellent! This is not only a great intro to the style, but kind of textbook in its delivery. Another classic from Donjon. ROSCOE

As to the red from this great estate, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as a classic blend of 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault that raised in concrete and foudre. It shows the perfumed, ripe, yet also elegant style of the vintage and has beautiful red and black fruit, some classic Provençal, spicy, garrigue nuances, medium to full body, a great mid-palate, and ripe tannins. It's going to a forward, approachable Vieux Donjon that will also evolve for 10-15 years if well stored. JEB DUNNUCK

Vieux Donjon's style is just what Châteauneuf du Pape needs more of - this is a wine that leans on tradition, unobscured by oak, heavy extraction or the belief that more is better. Vivid ruby in the glass, the nose bursts forward with freshly pressed cherries, raspberry coulis and wild strawberries. The palate is silky, rounded by the vintage's warmth but never heavy or hot. The tannins are ripe and knit into the fruit, propping it up with a lightly chalky texture that adds salinity and savour. This is a serious Grenache led blend, but it is simply delicious to drink despite its youth. The sheen of red berries lingers on the finish together with a hint of white pepper and more saline spice. Excellent - you could drink it now but it will doubtless age for 15+ years THOMAS PARKER MW

As is custom at this address, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape spent one year in old oak foudres. Neatly blending 75% Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, it unwinds with notes of violet, forest strawberry, licorice, black cherry and graphite. Open-knit and inviting, the 2022 is gently framed by ripe tannins that won't need as much time to mellow as in 2020 or 2019. Finishing on a savory note, this expressive Châteauneuf comes highly recommended. NICOLAS GEINACHER, Vinous

Tasted blind. Bright and vibrant nose, with purple fruit and cassis. The tannins are firm and densely compact. Sweet fruit and a rich, layered mid palate. Young, primary and in need of many years to resolve the firm tannins; but there is huge potential here! JANCIS ROBINSON MW

An excellent example of classic Châteauneuf richness that shows good balance and energy. Juicy black raspberry, licorice and ganache are wrapped around a ballast of graphite shavings, while the refined structure reins in the warm, mouthcoating palate. Hints of grilled herbs, brown bread and lavender smoke detail the long, textured and mineral-rich finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2026 through 2038. WINE SPECTATOR