2001 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve

2001 Vieille Julienne - Wine Advocate #151 - Feb 2004: he spectacular 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve (200 cases of a 95% Grenache/5% Syrah blend) is a monumental example of the appellation. This extraordinary offering boasts an opaque purple color as well as awesome aromatics consisting of ground pepper, blueberry and blackberry jam, and kirsch liqueur. It is full-bodied, with multiple layers, a seamless integration of acidity and tannin, and a finish that lasts over a minute. Despite its high alcohol (15.5%), it is surprisingly elegant. This wine is kept completely in old wood barriques prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. It comes from the same parcel as the Vieilles Vignes, but this particular section of the vineyard is a plot of 100-year old Grenache vines planted in a vein of sand that runs through what is otherwise a rocky vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Jean-Pierre Daumen (only 43 years old) is at the top of his game ... and we are all the beneficiaries. A new label debuted in 2001 as Jean-Paul Daumen is fed up with the bickering going on between the two Chateauneuf du Pape syndicates. He has eliminated the engraved bottle, using a standard Burgundy-styled bottle, and also has a new label. Daumen told me that after 2001, there will no longer be a Cuvee Vieilles Vignes as everything will go into the traditional Chateauneuf du Pape bottling. The only exception will be great vintages when they will produce limited quantities of a Reserve cuvee.
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve