Serge and Jean-Paul’s grandfather, Jean Jouffron was the principal architect of this domaine of 15 hectares, which he in turn assumed from his grandfather Benoit Jouffron, who started the domaine in about the year 1800. The Domaine is most striking to an importer for its combination of two salient aspects - these 15 ha. are dotted over the four corners of Chateauneuf, including some of the best situated lieux-dit in the whole appellation, and, what’s more, the vines are very old, some majestically so.

There are 112 year old vines in the corner of Vaudieu near Rayas; there are 117 year old vines in Coste Froide, near La Crau, 105 year old vines just below the village of Chateauneuf, and so on. In fact, for the cuvee we have, the average age of the vines is 90 years old (the average for the whole domaine is 50 plus years). The blend of our cuvee is 85% Grenache, 3% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre and 10% field blend of over 100 year "13 varieties".

Until 1998 Serge and Jean-Paul sold their entire production to negotiants. The 1998 was a good, traditionally made first effort. The 1999 showed a year’s experience and improvement. In 2000 they hired a young woman oenologist who really sees the almost mythically powerful potential of the vines they possess, reflected fittingly in the ancient chalice (calice) depicted on the label. The 2000 begins to show greatness and the 2001 even more so.

Thus, two men of the soil, some of the best soil in Chateauneuf, and an oenologist in tune with the big picture produce this deep, rich expression of Grenache and the stones of Chateauneuf.