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2021 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Removed from a professional wine storage facility

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

...ripe, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style revealing gorgeous blackberry and subtle cassis fruits, polished, ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and terrific complexity in its licorice, peppery garrigue, and roasted meat-like aromas and flavors.

93James Suckling

Impressive nose of forest berries with stacks of licorice, savory and bark character. Full-bodied and seriously structured on the palate where the tannins are still a bit mouth-puckering and will need some years of aging in bottle to harmonize. Massive weight and moderate acidity at the bold finish.

92Wine Spectator

Dark and brooding, this densely packed version shows winey character laced with warm fig and sappy berries. Gains a bit of an old-school feel, thanks to slightly chewy tannins, while warm baking spices and smoked apple wood line the formidable finish. Packs serious mineral power and warm earth notes, too.

REGION

France, Rhône Valley, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appellation, is a large area of nearly 8,000 vineyard acres centered around the picturesque town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Located in southeastern France just north of the Avignon hills, the name of the appellation means “new castle of the pope” and it is a reference to the 14th century, when the Popes of Avignon built summer homes in the Southern Rhone Valley. Today the appellation is one of the most renowned in France and its terroir is known for layers of small pebbles, called “galets.” The stones in the soil are thought to help store heat and keep the soil warm, which helps ripen the grapes. The stones also help keep the soil from drying out in hot summer months. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a leader in establishing the idea that AOC wines in France should be made only with specified grapes, and the appellation allowed 13 grape varieties to be used. Since then the rules have been slightly modified to include several more allowable grapes. Red and white wines are produced, though in practice about 97% of all Châteauneuf –du-Papes are reds made with a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardine, Syrah and Vaccarese. The red wines of this appellation are prized for being big, rich, spicy and full-bodied. White wines of the appellation are made with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin. Whites are floral, fruity and relatively full-bodied.