Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, Les Hauts Lieux, Southern Rhône, France, 2016

Producer Profile

Despite our already large portfolio of Châteauneuf estates, we did not hesitate when we had the opportunity to add Jean-Paul Daumen’s wines to our offering. These are very serious wines with a class coveted by many other producers.

With 10 hectares of vines at the very northern part of Châteauneuf du Pape and 5 hectares of Côtes du Rhône on the Lieu Dit Clavin, they are never the blockbusters produced by so many during the past decade, Vieille Julienne wines are completely unique and this is why they are so sought after!

Viticulture

Les Hauts Lieux refers to higher-elevation plots within the domaine's holdings, which enjoy slightly cooler conditions due to altitude and exposure. These parcels are farmed organically and biodynamically, with a strong focus on soil vitality and the natural rhythm of the vines. The terroir here is characterised by sandy and limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage, helping produce wines with both power and finesse. Old vines, some of which are over 70 years in age, contribute to the concentration and depth of the wine. Strict pruning and very low yields ensure that only the healthiest, most expressive grapes are harvested. Hand-harvesting and careful sorting in the vineyard are standard practice, reflecting the domaine’s commitment to quality and terroir expression.

Winemaking

Winemaking at Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is minimalist and traditional, designed to allow the vineyard to shine. Grapes are destemmed or left whole depending on the vintage, then fermented in concrete tanks with native yeasts. Extraction is gentle, relying on manual punch-downs and careful temperature control to avoid over-extraction and maintain elegance. The wine is then aged for up to 18 months in a combination of neutral foudres (large oak vats) and concrete. There is no fining or filtration prior to bottling, preserving the wine’s integrity and texture. Each vintage is crafted with patience and precision, and the resulting wine reflects the purity of fruit and structure derived from both site and philosophy.

Tasting Note

The nose opens with dark berries, black cherries, and plums, interwoven with garrigue (wild herbs), liquorice, smoked meat, and subtle notes of lavender and black pepper. It’s both wild and refined, offering a vivid sense of place and power. On the palate, Les Hauts Lieux delivers dense fruit concentration with a velvety texture. It is full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, showcasing ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, layered finish.

Food Matching

Slow-braised lamb shanks with rosemary, grilled venison, duck with berry reduction, or cassoulet.