2010 Daumen Principaute d’Orange

Region: Rhone Valley < France
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming (Demeter), native yeast, low SO2
Winemaker: Jean-Paul Daumen

A second project from Jean-Paul Daumen, 5th generation owner and winemaker of Vielle Julienne, one Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s top producers. This blend comprises Grenache (35%) and Syrah (15%) from his ‘lieu-dit Clavin’ vineyard, along with organic Cabernet and Merlot sourced from friends who farm exactly to his specifications. Jean-Paul embraced biodynamics when he took over the family estate in 1990, rejecting all herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers and chemical products used in the vineyard and avoiding all unnatural additions (including cultured yeasts) in the cellar, save SO2 which is only added before bottling. The fruit is cement fermented and aged for 1 year in big old oak foudres.  It’s floral with notes of orange blossoms on the nose and palate, there is spice and savory herb, lovely acidity and leathery tannins – a beautiful, well-balanced wine. It’s an amazing deal, seriously like getting a thoroughbred for the price of the pony. But sadly, I only got a tiny amount of this, so when it’s gone it’s gone…