The outstanding, silky, pure 2009 Cotes du Rhone Les Champauvins represents a baby Chateauneuf du Pape. Composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, it reveals a deep ruby/plum color in addition to full-bodied flavors, light tannin, and lavender, truffle, black currant, and black cherry aromas. 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

Interestingly, it did not outclass its counterpart in the much inferior vintage of 2008, the 2008 Cotes du Rhone Les Champauvins. The latter wine was made from the same blend, has an identical price, and is of essentially equal quality. However, the 2008 is far more evolved than the twelve months difference in age would suggest. It also moves more toward the earthy, autumnal, vegetative character, but there is no shortage of sweet black cherry fruit, pepper, licorice, and spice box characteristics in this wine. Drink this full-bodied 2008 over the next two years, whereas the 2009 should last for 4-5 years. 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