Domaine de Villeneuve (Bio-Dynamic): Chateauneuf-du-Pape

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.

2009 Domaine de Villeneuve Cotes du Rhone rouge “La Griffe”

From a vineyard located just beyond the northern border of Chateauneuf-du-Pape close to the winery. Consisting of roughly 1/3 each of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre this deeply flavoured wine delivers style and quality very close to Chateauneuf  at a fraction o f the price.

2009 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateauneuf du Pape “vieilles vignes”

“A blend of 70% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Cinsault and Clairette, this stylish, elegant 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes offers up copious aromas of raspberries, kirsch and loamy soil undertones as well as a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. The well-made wine is surprisingly evolved and is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years. This is another of the many vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape that is biodynamically farmed.” Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate

 2007 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateauneuf du Pape “vieilles vignes” 1500ml available – 750ml SOLD OUT

“This estate did not offer their 2008 for tasting, but they have hit the bull’s eye with their brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. Aged 80% in tank and 20% in old barrels, this blend of 70% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and the white grape Clairette is made from vines that average 65 years of age (some are over 100 years). This dense ruby/purple-hued offering smells like the essence of raspberry jam intermixed with boysenberries and blueberries. Exceptionally pure, with a layered mouthfeel and sweet tannin, this is undeniably the finest wine made by Proprietor Stanislas Wallut since he purchased Domaine de Villeneuve in 1992.” Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate