The 2003 Cotes du Rhone Reserve is a sleeper of the vintage. Wonderfully sweet raspberry and black currant fruit jumps from the glass of this wine, which exhibits superb density, rich, full-bodied flavors, but with purity and elegance. This is a super value as well and should drink well for another 3-4 years.
For the last 7-8 years, this has been one of the best-run estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. Alain Jaume and his two capable sons, Sebastien and Christophe, continue to propel Domaine Grand Veneur into the upper echelon of quality. They also offer an impressively well-made negociant line of wines (under the name Alain Jaume). The hallmarks of the Grand Veneur wines include their extraordinary purity of flavor and impeccable balance. Moreover, they have kept prices remarkably fair.
Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228