2011 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Vieilles Vignes, Rhone

Domaine de Villeneuve is a small estate (8.4 hectares) situated in the northern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estates vineyards border Château Beaucastel on one side, and Mont-Redon on the other. 90% of the vines are between 30 and 100+ years of age, with 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 8% Syrah, and 7% of other allowed varieties.

The estate was purchased by the du Roy de Blicquy and Wallut families in 1993.  Since then they have completely refurbished the estate. A modern winery was built under-ground over three levels to allow all operations to be carried out by gravity feed to eliminate the use of pumps. Ageing of the Grenache takes place in large enamel lined cement tanks and the Syrah and Mouvedre components are aged in large casks.

Using bio-dynamic practices the old vines were nursed back to health and only a small percentage of the vineyard was re-planted , mostly to Syrah and Mourvedre. Yields are kept at a very low 24 to 28 hectoliters per hectare, and the percentage of wine matured in barrels never exceeds 20% of the total. These are stylish wines of intensity, depth and grace that possess natural balance and moderate alcohol levels with no undue heaviness or extract.

75% Grenache and 15% Mourverde, with Cinsault, Syrah and Clairette) bright ruby-red. Redcurrant and cherry on the nose, with subtle floral and mineral qualities adding complexity. taut red fruit flavors are tangy and sharply focused, with floral pastille and blood orange notes building on the back half. Finishes with a touch of smokey minerality, good clarity and tangy persistence. in a linear, nervy style that benefits from aeration.

Steve Tanzer vinous.com