Nestled in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne has been crafting exceptional wines since 1992 when Jean-Paul Daumen took over from his father. In the years since, Daumen has risen to become one of France's most revered, inventive, and respected producers. He approaches his work with the thoughtfulness of a philosopher and the passion of a poet, managing the estate's 10 hectares of biodynamically farmed land with meticulous care and attention.
Daumen's vineyards boast an average vine age of 70 years, a testament to the estate's commitment to quality and tradition. The proximity of just 3 metres between his Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône appellations is no coincidence, as both wines display the power and structure that the region is renowned for.
Recognizing the unique nature of his estate, Daumen made the decision in 2010 to shift his focus to balanced field blends in the vineyard, rather than blending in the winery. This change, along with strict yield limits of less than 20hl per hectare, results in wines of immense concentration and purity. The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed before co-fermentation in the cuverie, followed by aging in a combination of large foudres and old oak barrels. The result is a range of "vineyard" wines that showcase the true character and terroir of each parcel.
In addition to the prestigious Vieille Julienne label, Daumen also produces wines under his biodynamic negoc label, Daumen. These wines, while intended to be more accessible, are anything but simple. With Jean-Paul's direct involvement in every aspect of the vineyards and winemaking, they are a testament to his unwavering dedication to quality and excellence.
It's no wonder that wine critics like Jeb Dunnuck consider Domaine de la Vieille Julienne to be among the best in France. With its combination of traditional techniques, biodynamic farming, and a visionary winemaker at the helm, this estate truly stands out as a producer of exceptional wines that are meant to be savored and celebrated. So, whether you're a long-time Rhône lover or new to the region, there are few wines more worthy of a place on your table than those from Domaine de la Vieille Julienne.
