Wine Advisor
Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2016
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Lurid violet. A highly complex bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, incense, vanilla and exotic spices, and a floral accent builds steadily as the wine opens up. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering deeply concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry, cola and spicecake flavors that are energized and given spine by a core of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding clarity and fruity thrust on a long, sweet finish framed by smooth tannins.
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Showing a bit of development, Grand Veneur's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes remains my benchmark vintage for this cuvée. The nose offers complex notes of mocha, black olives, red berries and hints of garrigue, while the full-bodied palate is rich, velvety and inviting. If one had to quibble, there's perhaps a touch of warmth showing on the finish, but this is a terrific wine by any measure and one that should drink well for at least another decade.
About the Producer
Vignobles Alain Jaume is a family-owned wine producer established in 1826 and based in the north of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region at Domaine de Grand Veneur. The wine portfolio of Vignobles Alain Jaume is produced from a wide range of Southern Rhône appellations, with most reds based around Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The latter two grapes are aged in French oak barrels, whilst the Grenache is matured in concrete tanks. The white Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of Clairette and Roussanne, while Viognier is added for one Côtes-du-Rhône, and used on its own for the other. The vineyards of Grand Veneur and Domaine du Clos du Sixte in Lirac are certified organic.
