Domaine de la Vieille Julienne "Clavin" Côtes-du-Rhône 2022 (Pre-Arrival)

Jeb Dunnuck : 90 Points

(10/29/2024) The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Clavin is a little gem of a wine that has ripe darker cherry and blackberry fruits as well as some peppery, leather, and dried garrigue-like aromatics. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and outstanding length. This is one of those wines that I always buy if I see it.

Decanter : 92 Points

(9/17/2023) Very deeply coloured. Blackberry and a touch of prune. Decidedly full-bodied and concentrated, with robust, slightly grainy tannins. Has good density and freshness, and it’s very concentrated. From a plot of vines next to the winery that lies just outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundaries, 25hl/ha; spends three months in concrete, 18 months in foudres and another year in bottle before release, they take the winemaking seriously. Very old vines, similar soils to Les Trois Sources – compact sand. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030.

Wine Spectator : 90 Points

(6/30/2025) A sleek, somewhat restrained version, with red currant and crunchy cherry undercut by racy acidity. Black tea tannins are fine-grained but hold a solid grip on the finish, edged in sultry smoke and smoked bacon notes, all washed over by cooling minerality. Refined and characterful. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise. Drink now through 2029. 1,200 cases made, 250 cases imported.

Wine Advocate : 91 Points

(9/6/2024) The Côtes-du-Rhône 2022 Clavin evokes aromas of dark wild berries, licorice, violets, dark cherries and a touch of chocolate, followed by a moderately weighted, layered and juicy palate with a delicate and sappy core of fruit and a long, ethereal finish. Bottled in March 2024, there is no reason to wait. Drink Date: 2024 - 2034.

Vinous - Nicolas Greinacher : 90 Points

(6/2024) The medium-bodied 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Clavin is rather reductive on this encounter. Time in the glass brings forward red and black cherry elements, black plum and a dash of licorice. Hitting the palate with sweet-tasting fruit and good concentration, the polished 2022 can be enjoyed right after release. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030.