The Rhône Report
------ The Rhône Report - Issue 9 ------
Domaine grand veneur
2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Les Valats (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rasteau)
A traditionally made wine that’s aged all in vat and is a blend of 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, the 2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Les Valats shows a mineral, earthy personality with ground pepper, spice, and cherry driven aromas, medium body, and solid focus and depth. The tannin here is ripe and sweet, and this solid Rasteau should drink well for 4-6 years. (88-90 pts.)
2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras)
Always a rock solid wine, the 2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is a vat and cask aged blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 15% Cinsault. Smelling like the essence of Provence, with loads of garrigue, spice, flowers, and sweet blackberry and raspberry aromas, the wine is fleshy and supple on the palate, with a soft, friendly feel, beautiful purity and freshness, and solid length on the finish. It should be a crowd pleaser for 5-8 years. (89-92 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages)
Looking superb, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins is a blend of 70 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah, and 10 % Mourvèdre that’s aged all in stainless steel vats. It really shines on the nose with pure blackberry, cassis, lavender, spice, and riveting minerality. This is followed by a medium+ bodied wine that has outstanding richness, a full, concentrated mid-palate, and ripe tannin on the finish. Possibly even better than the outstanding ’09, this should be given a year or two of bottle age, and then consumed over the following 5-8 years. (90-93 pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Reviewed in Issue 8 and re-tasted with consistent notes “An outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur is loaded with spice, garrigue, violets, and underlying minerality that’s backed up by perfectly ripe black cherry and pit-like fruits. Silky and polished on the palate, with medium to full body, a full, concentrated mid-palate, and ripe tannin that shows on the finish, this is a solid wine that should please any Châteauneuf lover. Given the balance and fruit, it’s delicious and approachable now, but should continue to evolve and drink well for 12-15 years. (92 pts.)”
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
An excellent barrel sample, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. The Grenache is aged all in vat, the Syrah in older barrels, and the Mourvèdre in 10% new oak. The wine shows a classy, mineral driven profile with blackberry and raspberry fruit, licorice, and spice aromatics, medium to full body, and a concentrated, brilliantly focused texture and finish. This should benefit from 2-3 years on release, and have 15 years of longevity. (91-93 pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
A brilliant wine and an unquestionable success in the vintage, the Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines is a blend of 50 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah, and 30 % Mourvèdre that’s aged for 18 months in new oak casks. Despite this elevage, the wine soaks up the oak and delivers a spectacularly pure array of crème de cassis, blackberry, spice, licorice, and toast. The purity and freshness are captivating, and the wine shows full body, beautiful focus, a classic, firm texture, and very silky, yet substantial tannin on the finish. Give bottles of solid 3-5 years and then drink over the following 15+ years. (95 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
As with the ’09, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, tasted out of barrel, is frightfully concentrated and dense, showing a backwards, unevolved profile with stunning purity, searing minerality, full body, massive structure, and a tannic, chewy, very long finish. This structured, backwards Châteauneuf-du-Pape is overflowing with structure and raw material; it will need cellar time and should be very long lived. (93-96 pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Even more dense and concentrated than the ’09 Les Origines is the profound 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah that’s aged for 18 months in new oak, it’s very powerful and concentrated, showing absolutely brilliant aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, crushed flowers, graphite, dark chocolate, and licorice on the nose. Decadent and yet still complex aromatically, the wine is full-bodied and possibly the most concentrated wine in the vintage, showing full body, a thick, yet firm, focused texture, perfect balance, and masses of very fine, silky tannin. There’s no doubt a modern profile here, but I think it still shows solid southern Rhône flair and character. Bottles should be given 4-6 years of bottle age, at which point it should drink well for 20+ years. This bottle had been opened for two days, so if drinking anytime soon, open the day before and double decant. (97 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
The fourth vintage for this cuvee (it was made in ’06, ’07, ’09 & ’10), the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah that’s all aged for 18 months in new oak. Showing an extremely rich, powerful profile (similar to Mordorée’s Cuvée de la Reine des Bois but with a slightly more modern feel), it has decadent blackberry, graphite, toast, charred earth, and serious mineral aromas on the nose. While I wrote in my notes that
this was the richest in the lineup, I would not bet money that I could tell this apart from the Les Origines at this young stage. Nevertheless, this cuvee always seems to distinguish itself with more depth and mid-palate substance once in bottle. There’s no denying the modern slant here, but this holds onto its southern Rhone roots and is a brilliant, full-bodied, awesomely textured and structured Châteauneuf-du-Pape that should age effortlessly. Give bottle 5-7 years in a cold cellar, and then drink over the following 20+ years. (95-98+ pts.)
2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Lirac Roquedon (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Lirac) $21
The 2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Lirac Roquedon, tasted from barrel, is a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, that’s aged for 14 months in 35% oak barrels. Showing a very fresh, pure profile, with loads of spice (the only trace of the oak elevage) and back end minerality, the wine is medium+ bodied on the palate and very well balanced. This will most likely turn out to be a very good, possibly outstanding bottle of wine that should have a good 5-8 years of longevity. (88-90 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Lirac Clos de Sixte (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Lirac) $28
A fantastic barrel sample that’s up there (or at the top) of the appellation, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Lirac Clos de Sixte is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, that’s aged for 14 months in 35% oak barrels. Showing brilliantly pure, rich aromatics of blackberry and assorted dark fruits, spice, and loads of minerality, the wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, beautifully balanced, and quite structured, showing boat loads of tannin and structure on the finish. This should be an age-worthy wine that I think will benefit from 1-3 years in the cellar. Impressive, but that’s no surprise as this wine is always a serious performer that competes with anything from the southern Rhône. (90-93 pts.)
------ The Rhône Report - Issue 8 ------
Alain jaume & fils
Domaine grand veneur
2009 Alain Jaume & Fils Gigondas Terrasses de Montmirail (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas) $NA
Showing similar to how it did out of tank a year ago, the 2009 Alain Jaume & Fils Gigondas Terrasses de Montmirail is a beauty, displaying pure, clean aromatics of both red and black fruits, dusty spice, mineral, and perfumed floral nuances on the nose. Fresh and lithe on the palate, with medium body, a focused, polished texture, and good acidity that is balanced by perfectly ripe fruit, this should evolve positively for 2-4 years, and have a solid decade of prime drinking. (91 pts.)
2009 Alain Jaume & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Les Valats (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau) $NA
Earthy and mineral-driven, with a classic bouquet of black cherries, leather, dusty earth, and dried spices, the 2009 Alain Jaume & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Les Valats, a blend of 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, is medium bodied, beautifully balanced, and possesses a light, fresh texture. This opens up with an hour of air, and should drink well over the coming 4-6 years. (90 pts.)
2009 Alain Jaume & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Terron (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) $NA
A blend of 85 % Grenache, 10 % Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre that’s aged mostly in vat, but with 20% in oak casks, the 2009 Alain Jaume & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Terron is a classic Châteauneuf with spicy, floral driven aromatics that are rounded out by loads of kirsch, licorice, garrigue, and background minerality. Medium bodied and balanced on the palate, with a tight, fresh texture, upfront acidity, and focused and tannic finish, this lacks a touch of depth and richness through the mid-palate but should benefit from a 2-3 years in the cellar, and drink well for just under a decade. (89+ pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) $NA
An outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur is loaded with spice, garrigue, violets, and underlying minerality that’s backed up by perfectly ripe black cherry and pit like fruits. Silky and polished on the palate, with medium to full body, a full, concentrated mid-palate, and ripe tannin that shows on the finish, this is a solid wine that should please any Châteauneuf lover. Given the balance and fruit, it’s delicious and approachable now, but should continue to evolve and drink well for 12-15 years. (92 pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) $47
Fresh and clean, with tart pear and citrus notes that are buffered by crisp minerality and green herb nuances, the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, a blend of Grenache blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette, is medium bodied, very focused, and edgy on the palate. This fleshes out with air, gaining richness and depth, so a decant is recommended if drinking anytime soon. (90 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Blanc Reserve (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône) $NA
The 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Blanc Reserve is a light, refreshing white that delivers crisp citrus, lemon rind, and mineral aromatics, medium body, a fresh, edgy texture, and a clean finish. It fills in admirably with air and has the acidity and richness to be versatile on the table. It should drink well for 2-3 years and is a solid value. (88 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Blanc de Viognier (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône) $NA
Very fresh and pure, with more lime and citrus than overt floral notes, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Blanc de Viognier is a classy white that shows citrus rind, lime, and touches of tropical notes, medium body, juicy acidity, pure, fresh fruit, and an excellent finish. Very easy drinking and well balanced, this delicious white is perfect for drinking over the coming year or two. (89 pts.)
2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Rosé Reserve (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône) $NA
A brilliant pink/salmon color, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Rosé Reserve (40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre) sports perfumed, crisp aromas of wild cherries and strawberry fruits, rose petal, and spice on the nose. Fresh and clean on the palate, with a light, smooth texture, juicy fruit, and a clean, dry finish, this is a delicious Rosé that’s perfect for drinking over the coming summer months. (87 pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône) $18
A fantastic Côtes du Rhône that is worth your attention is the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins. A blend of 70 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah, and 10 % Mourvèdre that’s aged completely in stainless steel, the wine shows pure, textbook aromatics of black cherries, garrigue, crushed flowers, and leather, medium body, superb balance, and a silky, polished and overall elegant profile. While fleshy and well fruited through the middle, more of the wine’s structure shows on the finish with plenty of ripe, fine-grained tannin adding length and focus. Impressive and with loads of depth and personality, this value priced offering should not be missed and is perfect for drinking over the coming 5-8 years or so. (91 pts.)
2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Lirac Clos de Sixte (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Lirac) $25
Wow, one gorgeous bottle of wine that competes with Mordorée’s Lirac Cuvée de la Reine des Bois as the top wine of the Appellation, the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Lirac Clos de Sixte is a stainless steel aged blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre that delivers a brilliant array of black cherry and blackberry styled fruits, licorice, spice, lavender, and crushed rock on the nose. This is followed by a medium to full bodied, beautifully fruited wine that has loads of polish, a silky texture, and a long, classically style, focused finish. Easily my favorite vintage of this cuvee to date, this is far from a fruit bomb and shows solid precision as well as notable structure. Superb now, this should easily continue to perform for 5-8 years, if not longer. (93 pts.)
