The 2019 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve is a striking example of a Southern Rhône wine. This proprietary blend, predominantly composed of Grenache (approximately 90%), with Syrah and Counoise filling out the rest, originates from the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation in France. The wine is known for its deep red color and high alcohol content at 16%.
Decanter magazine gave this wine a commendable score of 96, highlighting its "gorgeous palate expression" and "wonderfully fine tannins." Despite the noticeable high alcohol content, the wine maintains a "lovely freshness" and "very good length." The review notes that this wine is produced only when the Grenache is balanced enough, making it a special selection from their oldest Grenache vines in Les Trois Sources.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the 2019 Cuvee Reserve a perfect score of 100, describing it as a "magical wine" with an "incredible, full-bodied, massive style." He praised its flawless integration of fruit, tannins, acidity, and alcohol, mentioning its complex flavors including "red, blue, and black fruits, loamy earth, Asian spice, licorice, and violet nuances." Dunnuck emphasized the wine's potential for aging, suggesting it will drink brilliantly for 20-25+ years.
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com scored the wine 99 points, noting its combination of "elegance, power, purity, and complexity." He described the nose as displaying a "floral bouquet along with kirsch, black raspberries, and red plums topped off with thyme, peppery spice, garrigue, and wet earth." Leve advises laying this wine down for 6-7 years to allow it to gain complexity in the bottle.
Vinous reviewer Nicolas Greinacher rated the wine 97 points, praising its "mesmerizing aromas" and "full-bodied, layered" mouthfeel. He noted the wine's long-lasting finish and velvety tannins, with flavors continuing to develop long after the wine has left the palate.
Overall, the 2019 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve is highly regarded by critics, with exceptional reviews highlighting its complexity, balance, and aging potential.