Vieille Julienne’s Réservé: Grenache in Excelsis
Time to spill: Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a high-stakes gamble, but Vieille Julienne’s Réservé dares to redefine the stakes. Jean-Paul Daumen’s flagship wine isn’t just concentrated—it’s a masterclass in balancing power and precision. At its core, this Grenache-driven cuvée thrives on tension, where bold tannins meet floral elegance, and ripe fruit clings to a mineral backbone. It’s a wine that demands attention, yet rewards with a clarity that feels almost paradoxical for its intensity. The 2015 vintage is a textbook example of this duality. Deep ruby hues swirl with black cherry and smoked plum, while a whisper of violets cuts through the…