2005 Cotes du Rhone Champauvins

Consistently one of the best values and sleeper selections from the southern Rhone is Grand Veneur’s Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins. This wine is consistently outstanding, seemingly regardless of vintage conditions, and 2005 is another knock-out offering. Full-bodied with a deep ruby/purple color, hints of licorice, kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and loads of fruit in a full-bodied luscious style, it should drink well for 4-5 years. Readers have to distinguish between the negociant wines of Alain Jaume, which are under the label “Alain Jaume,” and his estate wines, which appear under the “Grand Veneur” label. In both cases the quality is extremely high and unlike many estates where prices have dramatically soared over recent vintages, Grand Veneur’s proprietor, Alain Jaume, continues to offer very fair value for the quality. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228