A rich, mouthfilling effort, Vieux Donjon's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is concentrated and velvety, showing plenty of power and weight. Ripe cherries and raspberries are dusted with clove and star anise, then joined by hints of leather and cocoa on the long, intense finish. This is a beautiful Vieux Donjon that should drink well for more than a decade. Drink Date 2020-2033.

Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate (September 2020)

This estate always makes a traditionally styled wine and their 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape is no exception, revealing a medium ruby/purple color as well as spicy, gamey notes of red and black currants, smoked game, peppery garrigue, and new saddle leather. Medium to full-bodied, with terrific elegance (which is the vintage), a gorgeous texture, and outstanding length, this is classic, old-school Châteauneuf du Pape done clean, balanced, and brilliantly! It’s going to evolve nicely for 15 years or more. Maturity 2020-2035. 

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (October 2020)

Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. High-pitched, mineral- and smoke-tinged red and dark berry and potpourri scents are complemented by notes of licorice and baking spices. Silky and open-knit, offering sweet raspberry, cherry, and lavender pastille flavors that show fine delineation and tighten up steadily with air. Shows solid, spicy thrust and energetic lift on the impressively long finish, which is given shape by harmonious tannins. Drinking Window 2025-2035.

Josh Raynolds, Vinous (May 2021)

Dark robe; has a measured, harmonious nose, nice poise, comes with berry fruits, smokiness, a hint of licorice, light floral notes. The palate holds bright, welcoming dark fruit, spark in it, is juicy and continuous, lucid. This is open, drinks well, the tannins supple and inside. It’s very pleasing, without grandeur, holds suck on pastilles, coulis style fruit, some buzz in the powder of the tannins. Drinking advise from 2021.Tasted in May 2019.