Domaine de la Vieille Julienne | Southern Rhône

Jean-Paul Daumen took over from his father in 1992 and has since become one of the most revered, inventive and respected producers in France. He is a thoughtful, intelligent and deeply caring vigneron, managing the beautiful estate of Domaine de la Vieille Julienne like a philosopher or poet. Daumen farms 10ha of biodynamic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with an average vine age of 70 years. There is a stonethrow distance between his Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône appellations (3 metres to be precise), so it is not a surprise to Rhône lovers that both display the power and structure the region’s best wines are known for.


Jean-Paul during our tasting in September 2017

 


The 3 metre distance between Vielle Julienne's Côtes du Rhône vineyard
and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary.

 

Jean-Paul is aware of the unique nature of an estate property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and started to change his methods of vinification and blending in 2010. He moved away from blending in the winery and put all his focus on balanced field blends in the vineyard; the process of blending is now on a parcel by parcel basis, and not based on a grape by grape variety choice. Low yields are a priority at Vieille Julienne. Being held below 20hl per hectare, this leads to power, purity and concentration in his wines. The grapes are destemmed before co-fermentation in the cuverie, while aging takes place in a combination of foudres and old oak barrels. In short, these are “vineyard” wines of immense concentration, but little winery influence. In addition to his Vieille Julienne label, Jean-Paul is also making wines under his biodynamic negoc label Daumen. Even if these wines have the intention to be more accessible, they are anything but simple.

The Daumen releases...which can be thought of as super-negociant wines where Jean-Paul is directly involved with all aspects of the vineyards and winemaking. In short, there are few wines I'd rather have on my table than those from Jean-Paul Daumen! 

 - Jeb Dunnuck

 

L-R: Fesq's Joe Caruso & Ashley Hyde with Jean-Paul Daumen in 2019

 

The greater Rhône region

 


2017 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-dit Clavin (Arriving Spring 2019)

75% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% others.

92-94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

 

2016 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-dit Clavin (sold out)

Blackberries, ground herbs, licorice and crushed violets. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly well balanced with excellent length. Cellar for up to 20 years.

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
90 Points, Wine Spectator

 


2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources (Arriving Spring 2019)

70% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Counoise, 5% Mourvedre, 5% others.

98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
93-95 Points, Vinous

 

2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources

Black raspberry, black licorice, violets and salty minerality. Inredible purity and tannin structure. Full-bodied, concentrated and perfectly balanced with a multitude of layers and facets.

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
96 Points, Wine Spectator
92-94 Points, Vinous
95-97 Points, Wine Advocate

 

 


2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux (Arriving Spring 2019)

65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault, 5% Counoise.

99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
93-95 Points, Vinous

 

2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux

Comes from higher elevation parcel and includes Mourvedre. Harvest is very late due to cooler terroir. Wine offers impressive notes of cassis, crushed rocked and violets. Structured and tannic providing purity of fruit and incredible elegance. Cellar for 20 years+.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck, August 2018
96 Points Wine Spectator
94-96 Points Vinous
92-94+ Points Wine Advocate

 

 


2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve (Arriving Spring 2019)

85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault.

100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
94-96 Points, Vinous

 

2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve (sold out)

Only made in the best years from 100 year old Grenache vines. Incredible spice, violets, roasted meat, black licorice, cassis and incense. Full-bodied, elegant with greatly balanced depth and length. Ultra fine tannins and layered mid-palate displaying great finesse, balance and purity. Cellar for 20+ years.

98 Points Jeb Dunnuck, August 2018
97 Points Wine Spectator
93-95 Points Vinous

97 Points Wine Advocate

 

 


2016 Daumen Côtes du Rhône

From vines near the estate and a small parcel in Boislauzon. Classic blackberry, grounded pepper, bouquet garni and some violet/floral notes. Medium-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate.

90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck