It might surprise some people to find that world-renowned Le Vieux Donjon is a relatively new creation, having been founded after the marriage of Lucien and Marie José Michel in 1979. Despite their huge success, the modest Michels (these days ably assisted by their daughter Claire) go about their business with the minimum of fuss, producing just the one red and one white wine and eschewing the practice of fancy special cuvées. “If seeking The Real Thing at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where the Grenache is quite rightly seasoned with other varietal influences, and where the land is allowed to speak, I would highly recommend Le Vieux Donjon to anyone`s cellar.” John Livingstone-Learmonth. drinkrhone.com.