For my entire wine career, Vieux Donjon has been one of my go-tos in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

I love Vieux Donjon's purity and classicism.

Having witnessed how well the 1990 and 1998 have aged, I'm convinced that these are among the most thoughtfully composed wines of the region.

I feel confident that the 2016 will join the list of greats that this domaine has released. It's the most exciting vintage of Vieux Donjon in over a decade. Just to highlight this, I'll mention that the last vintage we offered of Vieux Donjon was 2007. Compared to 2007, the 2016 vintage is more restrained.

The 2016 Châteauneufs are a complete package. The combination of the vintage's clarity, verve and concentration is deeply impressive. The wines' texture and intense savory character only up the ante.

This is a vintage that Vieux Donjon simply rocked. It offers a pristine expression of spice, dark fruits, and fragrant herbs. I'm particularly taken by the wine's brightness and lift. Overall, this is a wine of staggering complexity and harmony.

It's very rare these days that we turn our attention to Châteauneuf, but the 2016 Vieux Donjon is too extraordinary to overlook. I don't have the slightest doubt that this will be a legendary bottle of Vieux Donjon. There are few better values for your cellar.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits