2004 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape
SKU #1023324
94 points
Wine Spectator
**Highly Recommended & #31 on the Top 100 of 2006** Tight on the nose, but with a great beam of red and black fruits, as well as hoisin sauce, olive, cocoa, tar and raspberry ganache. Long, lush finish pumps out darker and darker fruit. Has the racy profile of the vintage, but its range sets it apart. Best from 2007 through 2026. (JM)
(11/2006)
92 points
Vinous
Dark red. Intense strawberry and raspberry aromas, with complicating suggestions of tapenade and smoked meat. Full and deep, with lush bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors complicated by a hint of game. Finishes on a sweet cherry note, with suave tannins and very good length. (JR)
(1/2007)
91 points
Wine & Spirits
A staunchly traditionalist estate, Le Vieux Donjon makes wines that require plenty of time to show their best. The 2004 has alluringly ripe flavors of raspberry and black cherry fruit, backed by a pronounced gamey undertone not unlike that of a good French andouillette. It feels energetic and sleek, but very wound-up: keep it in the cellar for another five to ten years.
(2/2007)
90 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape is similar in style to their 1999 but with more power. A cedary, sweet bouquet of herbes de Provence, roasted meats, kirsch liqueur, resiny notes, and perhaps incense as well, jumps from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fragrant, savory style of wine. Its tannins are present and persistent but sweet and well-integrated. The wine reveals outstanding concentration, purity, and plenty of Provencal typicity. It should drink well for 10-15 years. (RP)
(2/2007)
Jancis Robinson
Finely perfumed with a whiff of savoury meatiness and undergrowth. Rather delicate, aromatic mid palate. Elegant and true to its origins. (JH)
(3/2009)
