Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Donjon 2003

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Starting at: $43^.99

11 Reviews

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Winery:

Le Vieux Donjon

Varietal:

Rhône Blend

Region:

France > Rhone Valley > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-pape

Type:

Red Wine

Color:

Drink Dates:

Drink Now - 2015

UPC:

 

User Tags:  stone fruits, (tree) fruit, cherry, berry, plum, color descriptors, fruit, nose, digestif, ruby 

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What to Expect

The Grand Vin of the Southern Rhone Valley, Châteauneuf is perhaps the quintessential blended wine. With 13 varieties of grapes allowed, 15 if you included both the light and dark skinned varieties of Grenache and Picpoul, each winemaker has the ability to craft a unique and distinct interpretation of the soils and climates of the region. While few producers use all or even most of the 13 varieties, most rely on Grenache to form the heart and soul of their wines. These are rather big and distinctly warm climate wines that are rich with alcohol. The tannins of Grenache are modest, so many of these wines require little aging to be enjoyed; yet many can improve over the course of a decade. Typically one finds rich strawberry and red cherry tones in Châteauneuf with complicating notes of herbs and lavender, frequently referred to as "garrigue". There are frequently notes of game, leather and tar, typical of Syrah and Mourvedre - two other important components of many wines.

Winemakers Notes

"Robert Parker 94: The powerful 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape comes closest in character to the 1990 (which is still drinking beautifully). Its dark ruby/plum/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of resiny pine forest interwoven with creme de cassis, black cherries, melted licorice, and smoky herbs. In the mouth, gamy, meaty flavors emerge along with black currants, cherries, and a hint of the sushi wrapper called nori. Full, rich, and moderately tannic, this 2003 requires another 1-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15 years."" (2006) Decanter 5 Stars: Big, brooding, read more...packed with dark/red fruit, notes of cherry and cassis. Rich, powerful and concentrated. Imposing structure. Long finish. Drink 2007-18. Wine Spectator 93: Hard as nails now, this is packed with ultraripe plum and blackberry fruit all supported by brawny, muscular tannins that romp through a licorice- and tar-filled finish. May be ferocious for some, but those who sock it away in the cellar will be rewarded. Best from 2008 through 2025. 5,000 cases made. (JM) (11/05) Steven Tanzer 93: Dark red. Sweet, exotic aromas of blackberry, cassis, molasses, bitter chocolate and dried flowers. Richly textured and dense, offering ripe dark berry flavors and nuances of floral pastilles and dark chocolate. A fat, unctuous wine that also boasts excellent purity of fruit and length, with soft, rounded tannins. (1/06) """    (hide)

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