Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Les Champauvins 2009

Professional Ratings

• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The outstanding, silky, pure 2009 Cotes du Rhone Les Champauvins represents a baby Chateauneuf du Pape. Composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, it reveals a deep ruby/plum color in addition to full-bodied flavors, light tannin, and lavender, truffle, black currant, and black cherry aromas. Grand Veneur is one of the most brilliant estates in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as the force behind the negociant wines sold under the Alain Jaume label. Virtually everything they produce has merit. Some of this estate’s 2009 red wines are just hitting the market as they are bottled early to preserve their fruit and freshness. I can’t say enough about the job Alain Jaume’s two sons, Sebastian and Christophe, have done with this estate. The impeccable attention to detail in the vineyards, the meticulous vinification, and the careful bottling benefit every consumer.
  Rating: 90+
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Ripe and distinguished, with a beautiful beam of linzer torte and macerated red currant fruit supported by graphite and licorice notes. The long finish lets the fruit hang on while staying fresh and racy. Modern and very suave. Drink now through 2013. 5,000 cases made.