Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape 'Les Hauts Lieux' 2022 - 750ml

98pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts-Lieux is based on 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault, and the rest Counoise and comes from vines just in front of the estate as well as the slightly higher elevation Brusquière plateau, which is a later, cooler terroir. Its deep ruby hue is followed by a killer nose of ripe red and black fruits, peppery herbs, leather, and graphite. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's concentrated, has a deep, layered mouthfeel, beautiful mid-palate density, and one hell of a great finish. It's one of the wines of the vintage.

95pts Decanter

Very ripe, and if anything even fresher than Les Trois Sources this year. Great finesse of tannin, and a really solid base for long ageing. This will take a long time to come round, and will be good for decades. Moderate alcohol, and a freshening, succulent, saline edge. No Syrah in the blend here, plentiful Mourvèdre however, which performed well in 2022. From three parcels close to the limestone plateau, some clay, relatively high altitude and late ripening, with less exposure to the sun.

95pts Wine Advocate

One of my favorite wines at this address, the 2022 Les Hauts-Lieux, derives from vines planted on a cooler, higher elevation on calcareous soils. These grapes, including more Mourvèdre (20%), are picked 15 days later than the other grapes. Evoking aromas of dark cherries, ground pepper, iris, tapenade and dark olive, it’s full-bodied, powerful and structured with velvety tannins and a dense, concentrated core of fruit enhanced by notes of chocolate and spices that segues into a long, mineral and superb finish. It’s poised to reach its 20th anniversary in outstanding condition.

95pts Wine Spectator

This is texturally stunning, offering intricately woven layers of steeped cherry, plum and smoldering cast iron all smudged in salt and smoke. Heady and not shy on fruit, this shows expert balance and drive, with salty mineral underpinnings and a pretty floral edge. The refined tannins hold on effortlessly. Delicious now but will benefit from a few years in the cellar. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Best from 2027 through 2040.

94pts James Suckling

A textural, succulent and spicy Chateauneuf-du-Pape with sweet cherries, grilled meat, grilled thyme and some stones. It's full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy center-palate with crushed-berry and dried-rose character and some candied orange in the energetic finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink from 2027.

94pts Vinous

Mixing 70% Grenache with 20% Mourvèdre, 7% Cinsault, 7% Counoise and other permitted varieties, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux is dashing. Sun-drenched raspberry, strawberry, red plum and licorice are front and center. Leafy shadings add gentle freshness. Full-bodied and concentrated, the 2022 is firmly framed by ripe tannins that provide solid structure. It will take at least four more years before to unleash its full potential.

Winemaker Notes

This is the highest elevation and the most sheltered part of the terroir of slopes. Marlstone soils and shallow safres covered with quartzite pebbles are entirely suitable for mourvedre. Under the tense tannins, wines are vigorous with huge elegance.