Wine Spectator
------ Millésime 2009 ------
Alain Jaume Gigondas Terrasses de Montmirail 2009 $27
Ripe and mouthfilling, this displays fig, boysenberry and linzer torte character, with enticing notes of black tea, anise and spice. The long, racy finish has grip, but it's sleek and drive, by fresh acidity. Drink now through 2012. 1,000 cases made.-J.M.
Alain Jaume Vacqueyras GRande garrigue 2009 $29
Dark and rich, with inviting plum, fig and boysenberry notes backed by a racy, graphite-filled finish. Nicely buried acidity helps this stretch out. Drink now through 2013. 2,000 cases made.- J.M.
Alain Jaume côtes du rhône domaine grand veneur les champauvins 2009 $25
Ripe and distinguished, with a beautiful beal 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.-J.M.
Alain Jaume côtes du rhône grand veneur réserve 2009 $10
Juicy and friendly, with flavors of cherry compote and blackberry preserves offset nicely by violet and black tea notes. A streak of graphite keeps the finish fresh. drink now through 2012. 7,000 cases made.-J.M.
------ Millésime 2005 ------
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE, Domaine Grand Veneur "Les Origines" 2005
Dark, ripe and full-bodied, with a lots of currant, fig and cocoa flavors supported by bright mineral and sweet notes. The long lingering finish hs a nice latent structure, and this should blossom in the cellar. Best from 2008 through 2020. 2500 cases made. - JM 93/100
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE, Domaine Grand Veneur 2005
This is broad-shouldered, with lots of dark olive, fig, currant and beef flavors supported by tarry tannins that show excellent drive through the finish, where extra raspberry and graphite notes linger. Drink now through 2020. 4.000 cases made. - JM 92/100
COTES DU RHONE Villages " Les Champauvins" 2005
A bit pumped up, with cocoa and bacony toast fronting for dark plum and cherry fruit. Stays fresh enough on the muscular finish. Drink now. 8.000 cases made. - JM 88/100
COTES DU RHONE Réserve Grand Veneur 2005
Plump and forward, with a nice range of black cherry, plum, spice and mineral notes. Theres's a nice dash of grip on the finish. Drink now. 10.000 cases made. JM - 87/100