France · Rhône Valley

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is a biodynamic Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate run by Jean-Paul Daumen, farming around 12 hectares of old-vine Grenache, Mourvèdre, and a small amount of Clairette on some of the appellation's oldest parcels — several plots contain vines exceeding 80 years of age. The estate produces several cuvées distinguished by vine age and parcel selection: the Réserve (from the oldest vines), the lieu-dit Clavin Blanc (white Châteauneuf), Les Hauts Lieux, and the base Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge. The Réserve is the auction anchor at 70 lots averaging $188 with the 2010 vintage most traded; Clavin Blanc averages $64 across 46 lots with the 2004 vintage the most frequently sold. Auction prices reach $461, with an overall average of $121. Daumen's biodynamic approach and minimal intervention in the cellar — long maceration, large old oak aging, no fining or filtering — produce wines of remarkable density and longevity. Wine Advocate has awarded the Réserve scores of 93–99 across exceptional vintages, driving collector demand. The domaine is often cited alongside Rayas and Vieux Télégraphe as producing Châteauneuf of genuine distinction.