2019 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

While the Jaume family history in Chateauneuf du Pape dates back to the planting of their first vines in 1826, it was not until 1979 that Alain and Odile Jaume took over the traditionally managed Domaine Grand Veneur. Starting with 4.5 hectares of vines, further purchases over the years followed, and the family now own 16 hectares of vines concentrated in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape and just outside of it, in the lieu-dit of Champauvins. Alain is a firm believer organic viticulture, noting "A great wine is one that is made from healthy grapes and that allows the unique character and complexity of its terroir to be expressed". This ethos is shared by Alain's children Christophe, Sébastien, and Hélène, who now run the estate and who are making some of the finest wines in their history.

Included in the purchase of the Domaine were plots of incredibly old Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah vines, many over 100 years in age and which form the basis of their stunning Vieilles Vignes cuvee. This modern styled example is a tiny production averaging around 350 cases per year. Les Origines is also blessed with old vine stocks, most over 65 years of age, and is equally as polished and pure in style. Finally the Domaine has a long history of white Chateauneuf du Pape production, continued now with their 100% Roussanne cuvee La Fontaine, another rarity with about 200 cases made each year. These are amongst the finest new discoveries from Chateauneuf du Pape that we've encountered in years.

Impenetrable inky black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Heady black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry aromas soar from the glass complexed by provincial herb, graphite, scorched earth, leather and pepper notes along the way. Extravagantly rich and dense the palate is a super concentrate of black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry fruits which are framed by a robust yet velvety tannin structure. Lurking beneath the absurd levels of richness are scorched earth, dried herbs, new leather and pepper. Ripe and grippy in its mouthfeel it finishes expansive and power packed. Magnificent stuff!
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews....
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is based on 45% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the balance Syrah, all destemmed and raised in 55% new French oak. Gorgeous cassis, violet, graphite, fruitcake, and peppery herbs define this brilliant effort, and it's full-bodied, with a pure, seamless texture, wonderful tannins, and one heck of a great finish. This magical 2019 is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age (it's brilliant even today) yet keep for 20 years or more. Châteauneuf du Pape lovers need to have this in their cellar! Drink 2025-2040.
99 points
JebDunnuck.com

Always the densest and richest of the cuvées at this benchmark estate, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes features scents of cedar and mocha layered against a backdrop of black cherries. This actually is a bit like Black Forest cake—that ripe, rich and dense, with chocolate and vanilla shadings—but remains dry and savory in the end, with velvety tannins and tremendous length. It's approximately 50% Grenache (aged in tank), plus 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah (both aged in new barrels). Drink 2023-2035.
97+ points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate