As always, Grand Veneur has done a terrific job with the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Reserve red. Composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, this gorgeous, dark ruby/purple-tinged offering exhibits plenty of meaty notes intermixed with black raspberries and kirsch. Full-bodied and luscious, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 2-3 years. This is one of the most ambitious estates as well as burgeoning negociant operations in Chateauneuf du Pape. The two Jaume brothers, Sebastien and Christophe, continue to ratchet up the level of quality with a bevy of brilliant Chateauneuf du Papes and for bargain hunters, some top-flight offerings that include generic Cotes du Rhones as well as Cotes du Rhone-Villages. They also produce an impressive Gigondas. The estate wines, bottled under the name Domaine Grand Veneur, include two of the finest white Chateauneuf du Papes of the village (they own 5 acres of white grapes, a relatively large amount when only 3-4% of the appellation's production is in white wine).Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228