le vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2003

Tasting note:

Le Vieux Donjon

Le Vieux Donjon was founded in 1979 by Lucien and Marie-José Michel, whose parents each owned vineyards in the region before their marriage. After Lucien and Marie-José's marriage, those within the families united to form what is now known as Le Vieux Donjon. The winery itself consists of fourteen hectares of organic plots, with both red and white grapes. The vineyards are filled with incredibly old vines (as much as 80 years old), which they only pick from once the grapes have reached perfect ripeness. Lucien and Marie-Jose's daughter, Claire, also joined the team in 2008. Lucien and Claire work together to destem the fruit (only when necessary), or place the fruit directly into cement tanks to start the fermentation process. The wine is then pumped down into foudres and aged for 18-20 months.