2018 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Côtes du Rhône Lieu-dit Clavin

A great bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge bursts with rich red fruit flavors. As it evolves, you’ll taste notes of dusted leather, game, and herbs (known as “garrigue,” after the region’s scrubland of sage, rosemary, and lavender).  Unfortuntately you do pay a high price for the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape name.

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne on the very northern borders of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation is now considered to be one of the leading domaines. One of the first estates to convert to biodynamic practises, attention to detail is everything here, and it’s wines are held in high regard by sommeliers and restaurateurs around the world.  The grapes for this Cotes du Rhone Lieu-Dit Clavin are grown just outside the Chateauneuf appellation boundary making it very good value.  No less care is taken in the winenaking process compared to the much higher priced Châteauneuf-du-Papes.

Raspberry and plummy fruits, liquorice and white pepper spice, bramble fruits and on the finish, a sweet-strawberry tingle that glows in the back of your throat.