“The Vieilles Vignes is one of the great Châteauneuf-du-Papes.” John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhône Few producers have done more to redefine modern Châteauneuf-du-Pape than Domaine de Marcoux. Long before biodynamics became fashionable, the Armenier family was quietly farming their vineyards without chemicals, becoming the first estate in the appellation to convert to biodynamic viticulture nearly three decades ago. Since Sophie and Catherine Armenier assumed full control of the Domaine in the mid-1990s, Marcoux has become one of the Southern Rhône's most admired addresses, producing wines of remarkable elegance, perfume and precision. Today, Sophie's son, Vincent Estevenin, continues the family's commitment to biodynamic farming while further increasing biodiversity throughout the vineyards. In the cellar, the philosophy remains unchanged: native fermentations, gentle extraction, concrete fermentation and maturation in large old foudres preserve the purity and character of each site. Despite its reputation, Marcoux remains remarkably small, producing just two to four thousand cases each year from an exceptional collection of old vineyards across Châteauneuf-du-Pape. What has long distinguished the Domaine is its pursuit of elegance. In a region often associated with richness and power, Marcoux has always favoured perfume, freshness and balance. The latest release once again showcases the breadth of the estate, from the vibrant Côtes du Rhône and increasingly impressive Lirac La Lorentine through to the benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge and the magnificent Vieilles Vignes. Across the range, these wines remain true to the philosophy that has made Marcoux one of the Southern Rhône's benchmark estates: purity, perfume and remarkable balance.