Vieux Donjon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc 2023
94/100
RVF
91/100
Vinous
"A white wine with impeccable balance!"
"White flowers, honeysuckle, wisteria, broom, and a few exotic and spicy notes, the whole is supple, with a beautiful mineral depth. The juice is lively and balanced, the palate seduces with its controlled richness and tonic length. Less broad than in 2022, but more sapid. (Le Guide RVF 2025). A white Châteauneuf-du-Pape to enjoy now!
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Nose
With aromas of citrus and gunflint
Mouth
Lively, fresh, and mineral attack with notes of white flowers
Serve
At 10-12°C
Drink before
2033
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with a chestnut soup, langoustine ravioli, scallop risotto, truffle brie...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2022 guide) 3 stars (High-quality production, serving as a benchmark in its sector)
About the estate:
From 1979 onwards, Marie-José and Lucien Michel managed this estate before handing it over to their daughter Claire Michel-Fabre in 2008, who was joined by her brother François in 2012. Although the cellars are located in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this small 17-hectare estate is situated further north within the appellation. With its smooth, floral and very elegant style, Vieux Donjon has established itself as one of the spearheads of the refined and elegant style expected of a prestigious appellation such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100
Rated estate (2022 guide) 3 stars (These represent the excellence of French vineyards. The best terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical moment.)
About wine:
White flowers, honeysuckle, wisteria, broom, and a few exotic and spicy notes. The whole is supple, with beautiful mineral depth. The juice is lively and balanced, seducing the palate with its controlled richness and invigorating length. Less broad than in 2022, but more sapid.
About the estate:
The wines of the Domaine du Vieux Donjon are among the finest, most elegant, and most consistent in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. This production should serve as a model for young winemakers who wish to produce refined Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, rather than simply imposing ones. A meticulous and talented winemaker, Lucien Michel gradually handed over the reins to his two children, Claire, who arrived in 2007, and François, a trained agricultural engineer, in 2012. This new generation is harmoniously continuing the style that has made the estate's reputation, with two very high-quality cuvées. The wines are vinified in concrete vats and aged in large casks. The white wine is composed of equal parts Clairette and Roussanne. The reds are only partially destemmed, which does not prevent them from being delicate. The estate owns vineyards in some of the appellation's finest terroirs (8 hectares in Pied Long, beautiful plots in Cabrières, Rayas, Cristia, purchased in 2013, Pied de Baud, Bois de Boursan, Le Mourre de Gaud, etc.). It should be noted that the estate is expanding by 0.5 hectares at the bottom of Cabrières, with white Clairette and Clairette Rose vines.
Jancis Robinson
Rated Recommended
Vinous
Wine rated (2024 guide) 91/100
About wine:
Bottled in February 2024, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc displays aromas of ripe pear, quince, spring flowers, lemon flesh, and fennel. Moderately full-bodied at most, the refreshing 2023 hits the palate with lively acidity, which can be partly attributed to blocked malolactic conversion. This is a beautiful white Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Jeb Dunnuck
Rated estate (2020 guide) Recommended
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