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One of my favorite estates in Châteauneuf du Pape (an area now being brilliantly covered by my colleague Jeb Dunnuck), Domaine Grand Veneur is internationally recognized for their fabulous Châteauneuf du Papes, but they also produce some terrific values. The estate wines are sold under the Grand Veneur label, but they have also started a négociant business under the name Alain Jaume. Those wines have been very promising as well.
Far more serious is the Alain Jaume 2012 Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne Les Travées. Composed of two-thirds Grenache, one-third Syrah, and about 5% Mourvèdre added to the blend, this loaded 2012 reveals good structure, lots of chocolaty black cherries and blackcurrants intertwined with loamy forest floor and underbrush notes. Medium-bodied, spicy, peppery, long and fleshy, it should be drunk over the next 4-5 years. - Robert Parker"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (November 2014), 88 pts
"A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, the 2013 Cairanne Les Travées exhibits ample black and blue fruits, licorice and hints of spice, medium to full-bodied richness, and a supple, layered and forward texture. It should be a solid value and drink nicely for 4-5 years. - Jeb Dunnuck"
"Deep ruby. Spice-accented raspberry, cherry and candied flowers on the deeply perfumed nose and in the mouth. Pliant and gently sweet, conveying an emerging smoky nuance. Smoothly plays richness off energy and finishes with spicy persistence and just a hint of dusty tannins. - Josh Raynolds"
"The 2015 Cairanne Les Travees checks in as a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre that saw a traditional vinification and elevage in tank. Notes of blackberries, dried herbs, licorice and garrigue nuances all emerge from this medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, classically styled Cairanne that’s going to continue drinking nicely for 4-5 years. 88 ptspts."
"A blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, the 2016 Cairanne Les Travees (a tank sample) was slightly reductive when I tasted it, making it difficult to evaluate. It does show some attractive peppery notes, medium to full body and some firm tannins on the spicy finish. Look for it to soften relatively quickly after bottling and drink it over the following 5 years or so. - Joe Czerwinski"