Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Grand Veneur 2019

Inky purple in colour and wonderfully perfumed aromas of black fruits, violets and cassis, minerally graphite and crushed stone. The palate is full and silky smooth with fine tannins, notes of dark chocolate and some spice on the long finish. This 2019 Vieilles Vignes scored 99/100 from wine critic Jeb Dunnuck. Certified organic and working in a traditional, sustainable way by hand in the vineyard this is classic style of Châteauneuf is one that can be enjoyed young but also has great ageing capacity. The fruit for the Vieilles Vignes come from two separate vineyards and is 45% both Grenache and Mourvedre with a little bit of Syrah as well. All plots are hand harvested at optimum ripeness and vinified separately before maturing in both oak casks and concrete vats, to retain the freshness of the fruit.

Lovely, big and robust now though will keep into the 2040s.

Alain Jaume, a respected name in the southern Rhône, is the latest of a long line - going back to the 1820s - of his family to be involved in viticulture. Sitting at the top end of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, his estate produces wines from the Côtes du Rhône, and Lirac appellations and, of course, Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself. And among his vineyards, Domaine Grand Veneur stands out as the flagship, renowned for its exceptional terroir and old vines. Jaume's own approach maintains that balance between time honoured practices and innovation.