Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, Les Hauts Lieux, Southern Rhône, France, 2021

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 is 3.5ha and found at the highest elevation and the most sheltered part of the terroir of slopes. Limestone dominated soils with marlstone sand shallow safres covered with quartzite pebbles are entirely suitable for Mourvedre. Under the tense tannins, wines are vigorous with huge elegance. Vine age here averages 70 years old.

Winemaking

Harvest is entirely by hand with the 1st selection in the vineyard and 2nd selection in the cellar. Vinification continues to be traditional, and the fermentation is natural, without any additions. Solely natural yeast reveals both singularity of each terroir and single expression for each vintage. Entirely destemmed – No added sulphites – Vatting 20 days in concrete with temperature controlled – Soft extraction to respect the tannins. Following a long and slow fermentation, wines are drained away in foudre (large oak barrels). Then, after 18 months aging, the bottling is done without fining and filtering. 1 year in large old foudre and 6 months in bottle before release.

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.