The 2021 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a notable red wine from the Southern Rhône region of France. This proprietary blend consists of 45% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, crafted from organically grown grapes. The wine is matured with the Grenache aged in concrete tanks and the Mourvèdre and Syrah in new oak barrels.
Receiving high praise from reviewers, this wine has been described as "impressive" by James Suckling, who awarded it a score of 93. Suckling notes the wine’s "stacks of licorice, savory and bark character" with a full-bodied structure, suggesting it is best enjoyed from 2026 as the tannins continue to harmonize.
Jeb Dunnuck, who gave it a score of 94, highlights the wine’s richness and complexity, referencing its "gorgeous blackberry and subtle cassis fruits" and "polished, ripe tannins." He describes it as a "beautifully textured, layered, impressive 2021" with a potential to be enjoyed over the next decade.
Wine Spectator also acknowledges its depth with a score of 92, commenting on its "dark and brooding" nature, with a "winey character laced with warm fig and sappy berries," and a finish lined with "warm baking spices and smoked apple wood."
Jeff Leve, giving it another 94, emphasizes the wine’s deep and meaty character, with a "creamy edge" to its fruit layers. He suggests allowing the wine to age for a year or two to enhance its qualities further.
The highest praise comes from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 95. Joe Czerwinski describes the wine as having "scents of truffle and tree bark" complementing its black cherry and plum notes. He anticipates that the wine will soften over time, enhancing its mocha-tinged finish.
In summary, the 2021 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a robust and complex wine, well-regarded by critics and expected to age gracefully.