Wine Spectator 95:
An excellent example of classic Châteauneuf richness that shows good balance and energy. Juicy black raspberry, licorice and ganache are wrapped around a ballast of graphite shavings, while the refined structure reins in the warm, mouthcoating palate. Hints of grilled herbs, brown bread and lavender smoke detail the long, textured and mineral-rich finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2026 through 2038.
They actually rate this above such Chateauneuf icons as the $300 Cailloux Centenaire.
Decanter 95, too, and also Dunnuck:
As to the red from this great estate, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as a classic blend of 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault that raised in concrete and foudre. It shows the perfumed, ripe, yet also elegant style of the vintage and has beautiful red and black fruit, some classic Provençal, spicy, garrigue nuances, medium to full body, a great mid-palate, and ripe tannins. It's going to a forward, approachable Vieux Donjon that will also evolve for 10-15 years if well stored. As I’ve written many times, Le Vieux Donjon is a reference point estate for classically made Châteauneuf du Pape. Their Châteauneuf du Pape comes from a mix of terroirs and is always a majority Grenache with smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, partially destemmed, with the élevage in a mix of concrete tanks and large foudre.
