An outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur is loaded with spice garrigue violets and underlying minerality that's backed up by perfectly ripe black cherry and pit like fruits. Silky and polished on the palate with medium to full body a full concentrated mid-palate and ripe tannin that shows on the finish this is a solid wine that should please any Châteauneuf lover. Given the balance and fruit it's delicious and approachable now but should continue to evolve and drink well for 12-15 years.

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (a 3500-case blend of 70% Grenache 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre from nearly 70 year old vines) exhibits abundant notes of sweet cassis licorice kirsch garrigue and tobacco leaf in a full-bodied layered opulently textured style. This hedonistic turn-on should continue to drink well for a decade or more.

Still showing some grip up front with a firm raisined edge of plum skin that's holding the core of crushed raspberry and blackberry fruit at bay for now. Additional licorice and spice notes hang in the background. Needs a little time to soften. Best from 2012 through 2018. 4000 cases made. -JM