2008 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2008 Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the top wines of the vintage. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of underbrush, blackberries, kirsch, spice box, pepper and grilled meats. Spicy and luscious with medium to full body, decent acidity and sweet tannins, it should drink nicely for 7-8 years. Domaine Grand Veneur's estate vineyards have been managed brilliantly and many exceptional wines as well as wine values have been produced by the two Jaume brothers, Sebastien and Christophe. Furthermore, by establishing a negociant operation under the name Alain Jaume, they have done nothing but enhance their reputation throughout the southern Rhone. With respect to the estate bottled Chateauneuf du Papes, the Jaumes own nearly 40 acres of vines, all situated at the very northern end of the appellation, in the direction of Orange. Two of the finest white Chateauneuf du Papes of the appellation are made at Grand Veneur. As my value picks in issue #190 indicated, their entire white wine program merits serious consideration. Readers should not forget the great values I reviewed in issue #190: 2009 G.V. Cotes du Rhone blanc (86), 2009 G.V. Cotes du Rhone rose (87), 2009 G.V. Cotes du Rhone Reserve (87), 2009 G.V. Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins (90+), 2009 G.V. Lirac Clos de Sixte (93), 2009 Alain Jaume Cotes du Ventoux Les Gelinottes (89), 2009 Alain Jaume Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue (92). Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

A blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, the 2008 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the few ‘08s to come close to rivaling its ’07 sibling. This is no doubt due to the estate producing no Vieilles Vignes or Les Origines in ’08, as well as drastically reducing yields. While in a different style than the ’07, it is almost as good and gives up earthy dark cherry and cassis driven aromas with loads of minerality, spice, licorice, and peppered steak. Medium+ bodied with very clean, pure fruit, superb balance and a focused, energetic texture, this superb ’08 will be one of the longer lived wines of the vintage and should drink well for 10 to 12 years.

Bright purple. Sexy aromas of cherry-cola, lavender, oak spice and smoky minerals. Deep dark fruit preserve flavors provide very good palate coverage and are nicely perked up by notes of white pepper and allspice. Distinctly oak-influenced and supple, with good finishing sweetness and persistence.