"The entry-level Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocène. A normal mix of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre raised in a combination of older barrels and concrete tanks, it has a fabulous bouquet to blackberries, blueberries, crushed pepper, new leather, and garrigue. It's beautifully concentrated, has remarkable purity, and a stacked mid-palate. It's certainly one of the most successful entry-level CDPs out there.
"There are few better run estates in the world than that of the Jaume Family’s Domaine Grand Veneur. Located in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and run today by brothers Christophe and Sebastien Jaume, the estate produces a quasi-modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (their Les Origins and Vieilles Vignes) as well as a growing number of negociant based wines from throughout the Southern Rhône. The 2017s whites are terrific across the board, and this vintage has produced charming, pure wines that are already drinking beautifully. The 2016 reds are some of the finest I’ve tasted from this estate."- Jeb Dunnuck (August 2018, LE MILLÉSIME… The 2016s from the Southern Rhône - Part 1), 90-92 pts