The 2009 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Blanc de Viognier and 2009 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve blanc are both terrific examples of white southern Rhones. 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

The 2009 Cotes du Rhone blanc (40% Viognier, 40% Roussanne, and 20% Clairette) exhibits notes of white flowers intermixed with a crystalline minerality, light to medium body, and attractive freshness. It falls off quickly on the palate, so it is best drunk over the next 6-12 months. Grand Veneur is one of the most brilliant estates in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as the force behind the negociant wines sold under the Alain Jaume label. Virtually everything they produce has merit. Some of this estate’s 2009 red wines are just hitting the market as they are bottled early to preserve their fruit and freshness. I can’t say enough about the job Alain Jaume’s two sons, Sebastian and Christophe, have done with this estate. The impeccable attention to detail in the vineyards, the meticulous vinification, and the careful bottling benefit every consumer.Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258