Jean-Paul Daumen took over from his father in 1992 and has since become one of the most revered, inventive and respected producers in France. He is a thoughtful, intelligent and deeply caring vigneron, managing the beautiful estate of Domaine de le Vieille Julienne like a philosopher or poet. Daumen farms 10ha of biodynamic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with an average vine age of 70 years. There is a stonethrow distance between his Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône appellations (3 meters to be precise), so it is not a surprise to Rhône lovers that both display the power and structure the region’s best wines are known for.

Brilliant ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet features fresh, mineral-tinged red berry liqueur, lavender and incense scents, and mineral and Asian spice flourishes add complexity. Pliant and seamless on the palate, showing a superb blend of density and energy to the sweet Chambord, cherry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors. Fine-grained, building tannins give shape to the strikingly long, vibrant finish, which emphatically echoes the red fruit and floral notes. Drink: 2023-2030; Date Tasted: Dec 2019; Rating: 95 Points; Josh Raynolds; Vinous   

A true “wow” wine, the deep, concentrated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux (there's 20% Mourvèdre) offers awesome notes of blackcurrants, smoked meats, graphite, crushed rocks, and licorice. Extraordinarily concentrated, perfectly balanced, structured, and long, it's another sensational wine from this estate. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for 15-20 after that. Rating: 99 Points; Jeb Dunnuck