2017 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Trois Sources Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 2017 Les Trois Sources Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a clear and precise expression of one of the Southern Rhône’s most coveted terroirs, and while Jeb Dunnuck called it “spectacular” and “a singular wine,” we think that even his 97-point review might be selling it short.

This bottle manages to strike a perfect balance: It boasts superb opulence and concentration poised between the firm tannins and fresh acidity that define the palate. It’s the kind of Châteauneuf experience that you find at the very top of the region, and it’s worthy of as much space as you can allocate in your cellar. 

It was a hot spring day when we visited Domaine de la Vieille Julienne. Winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen led us up the gentle slope of the Cabrières plateau, through the tall meadow grass growing among the ancient rows of arthritic-looking vines. Every so often, his pleasant chatter fell quiet as he bent to pluck and taste a green berry.

These were some of the most prized grapes in France—the field medley for Vieille Julienne’s $300 pièce de résistance, which Daumen simply calls Réservé. The vineyard also comprises Les Trois Sources—the wine that converted us into Vieille Julienne fans for life. 

Daumen told us the sandier soils in his vineyards, in the northeast corner of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, lead to more aromatic wines than those on the other, stonier side of the village—and he embraces that character. For us, this wine evokes the wildflowers, herbs, and game fowl from the vineyard’s environs. By turns smoky and spicy and sweet, but always fresh, it’s never flashy or overt, and it’s simply one of the finest expressions of Châteauneuf that you’ll find.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 15.00%
• 2 hours
• Now – 2042
• 65% Grenache10% Cinsault10% Syrah8% Mourvèdre8% Counoise7% Other Red Varietal
• Serving temperature – 60°
• Cork