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