2019 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Vieilles Vignes, Rhone

A fruity nose of raspberries, strawberries and sweet spices. Full body with fine, firm tannins. Fruity and structured with a fresh core of berries on the mid-palate and plenty of sweet spices and spiced cherries towards the compact finish. Grenache, mourvedre, syrah, cinsault and clairette. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2026.

93 points jamessuckling.com

Old vines planted across the stony galets roulés soils of Châteauneuf du Pape form the backbone of Les Vieilles Vignes from Domaine de Villeneuve. The estate has deep roots in the southern Rhône, with the Wallut family tending vineyards here since the early twentieth century. In recent decades the domaine has embraced organic farming and a gentle winemaking philosophy that focuses on preserving the character of the fruit and the warmth of the Mediterranean landscape. Les Vieilles Vignes draws mainly on Grenache from mature vines, supported by small amounts of traditional Rhône varieties, producing a wine that reflects both the history and terroir of this celebrated appellation.

The colour is a deep ruby with garnet tones. Aromas open with ripe red cherry, plum and raspberry layered with garrigue herbs, sweet spice and hints of liquorice. As the wine evolves in the glass notes of dried thyme, earth and warm pepper add further complexity. The palate is generous and textured with supple tannins carrying flavours of dark berries, red plum and savoury herbs. A gentle warmth and underlying spice reflect the sun soaked vineyards of the southern Rhône while freshness keeps the wine balanced and lively. The finish is long and savoury with layers of fruit and spice unfolding gradually.

The wine will continue to develop over the next ten to fifteen years and suits slow roasted lamb, duck dishes, grilled meats or rustic Provençal cooking rich with herbs and olive oil.