Domaine de la Vieille Julienne - Lieu-Dit Clavin Cotes-du-Rhone 2022
Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $31.99
| Producer | Domaine de la Vieille Julienne |
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| Country | France |
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| Region | Rhone |
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| Varietal | grenache noir, cinsault, syrah, mourvèdre, bourboulenc, clairette, white gr |
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| Vintage | 2022 |
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| Sku | 16580 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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Founded in the 17th Century, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is one of the more highly regarded producers in the Rhone Valley. However, they took a hit in 1936 when the Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC was fully demarcated. For better or worse, a line has to be drawn somewhere, and the D72 road seemed as good a line as any. Except that would have cut out Beaucastel (and no way that was happening),so there’s this little sliver carved out to the northeast, allowing for their holdings to be included in Chateauneuf.
For Julienne, they weren’t so lucky. Despite being part of the same vineyard, the vines north of the D72 were excluded from carrying the Chateauneuf du Pape label. This now the single vineyard “Clavin”. Okay, to be fair, these slopes are northern-facing and in days gone by, they struggled to ripen as fully as those on the southern-facing slopes. Of course, Global Warming, and you know the story by now… what was once a difficult spot is now an oasis of cooler temps in a sweltering sea.
Clavin is contiguous with the Trois Sources part of their Chateauneuf vineyards, the wine thereof will set you back nearly $70! With the exact same winemaking and attention to detail, the Clavin offers Chateauneuf du Pape styling at a fraction of the price!
From 85 year-old vines (on average), planted to the traditional red grapes of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre along with white grapes of Bourboulenc, Clairette and grenache Blanc.
James Suckling: 92 Points
“Well-crafted and crunchy, showing cherries, currants, peppercorns, stones and wild herbs. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright character, this is vivid and full of energy. Pulpy fruit, a floral touch and a lift of spices toward the flavorful finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate: 91 Points
“The Côtes-du-Rhône 2022 Clavin evokes aromas of dark wild berries, licorice, violets, dark cherries and a touch of chocolate, followed by a moderately weighted, layered and juicy palate with a delicate and sappy core of fruit and a long, ethereal finish. Bottled in March 2024, there is no reason to wait.”
Wine Spectator: 90 Points
“A sleek, somewhat restrained version, with red currant and crunchy cherry undercut by racy acidity. Black tea tannins are fine-grained but hold a solid grip on the finish, edged in sultry smoke and smoked bacon notes, all washed over by cooling minerality. Refined and characterful. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise. Drink now through 2029.”
Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points
“The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Clavin is a little gem of a wine that has ripe darker cherry and blackberry fruits as well as some peppery, leather, and dried garrigue-like aromatics. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and outstanding length. This is one of those wines that I always buy if I see it.”
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