Established in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Jaume family has been making wine since 1826 when Mathieu Jaume started harvesting grapes. Since 1979, Alain Jaume has run the Domaine, now with the help of his two sons, Sébastien and Christophe, and daughter Helene. Vignobles Alain-Jaume continues to be one of Kysela’s top producers.
Winemaking in this region dates back to the 14th century when the papal see was moved to Avignon. A papal castle, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, was built to house seven successive popes between 1309 and 1377. Impressed by the area’s exceptional terroir surrounding the castle, Pope Jean XXII planted the first vines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1320. Interestingly, the wine that gave Châteauneuf-du-Pape its original reputation was the white and not the red. The white wine was a favorite of Pope Innocent VI.
Today the castle is now an historic monument in Avignon, and the papacy is based in Rome’s Vatican City. But the pope’s coat of arms displayed on the bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape still remains, and the wines are still more or less produced in the same manner as when the popes first pressed their juice.
The estate is located in the commune of Orange on the northern border of the southern Rhone, and consists of 90 hectares (225 acres) covering different appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône 'Les Champauvins' & Côtes-du-Rhône, Lirac and Vacqueyras. Estate labels include Grand Veneur, Clos de Sixte and Château Mazane. A third label is under Negociant Alain Jaume and include the following AOC's: Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Cairanne, Ventoux.
Production figures for the Estate label (Alain Jaume's own vineyards):
- Cotes du Rhone Champauvins: 9,000 cases
- Lirac Rouge Domaine du Clos de Sixte: 5,000 cases
- Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Grand Veneur: 3,300 cases
- Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Grand Veneur: 400 cases
- Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines red: 1,700 cases
- Chateauneuf du Pape La Fontaine white: 300 cases
- Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes: 530 cases
- Vacqueyras Chateau Mazane: 1,300 cases
Both Grand Veneur and Clos de Sixte vineyards are grown in accordance with certified organic agricultural practices. The soils are maintained exclusively by light plowing and fertilized with vegetal compost. The vines are only sprayed when there are justified risks to the health of the vines, and only organic-permitted treatments are used. Yields are low, or kept under control by green-harvesting. This method, carried out by hand in summer, provides optimum sun exposure for the best clusters and enables the winery to be selective on both quantity and quality of the grapes. Harvesting is by hand, from pruning the leaves to aerate the clusters to picking and sorting grapes and selecting only the best to press.
Once grapes are hand sorted, they are immediately transferred to the cellar to be crushed, de-stemmed and cooled before being placed in vats. Following a careful maturation, the wines undergo only a light clarification to allow unique terroir characteristics of each wine to remain.
Among the 13 grapes grown on the estate properties, six stand out
The Reds
The trio of Black Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is blended to produce the range of red wines; each adding depth and character personality to the wine:
Black Grenache constitutes the backbone of the wine, bringing both suppleness and richness
Syrah intensifies the aroma, tannins and deep purple color
Mouvedre adds complexity with ripe black fruit aromas, refined tannins and greater aging potential
Red wines are aged in underground temperature controlled cellars at 59º F for 14 months. Grenache is aged in thick concrete vats to preserve the subtle aromas yet powerful flavors of the fruit. Syrah and Mouvedre are aged in French oak barrels to soften the tannins and enhance the black fruit aromas and spice finish. Stored in good condition, these red wines will benefit from longer aging, While many will show well after three years in bottle, some of the single vineyards and old vine wines may show well for 30-40 years. Natural sediments that may appear when decanting these wines is a sign of their richness and vitality
The Whites
The white grape varietals are like three muses working in harmony to create classic white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines
Clairette brings freshness and elegance, together with aromas of dried fruit and delicate floral notes
Roussanne offers headier aromas of honey, quince, and gives the wines their full-bodied character and a spicy richness on the palate
Viognier, known for its aromatic qualities, imparts subtle notes of pear and white peach and adds a delightful freshness to this delicious white wine.
Christophe, Helene, Alain & Sebastien Jaume
"The Jaume family continues to releases a massive lineup of high quality wines from throughout the Southern Rhône. In 2013 they purchased the Chateau Mazane estate in Vacqueyras, and while a large portion of their Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue came from this estate, they now also release a 100% estate Vacqueyras Chateau Mazane that’s all from the new property. It’s a cellar selection over the Grande Garrigue and sees a slightly different élevage, but I find the quality between the two cuvees similar. The only other new change is the addition of the Le Miocène label to their traditional red and white Châteauneuf du Pape releases. Le Miocène translates to “beginning of an era”, but there is no change to the actual wine. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong here and the portfolio is packed with both quality and value. - Jeb Dunnuck"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 221, October 2015)
"This estate, under the leadership of Sebastien and Christophe Jaume, continues to be one of the reference point producers for relatively modern styled Châteauneuf du Papes. In addition to their top tier efforts, the portfolio is loaded with smoking values at just about every price point. I've listed domaine wines under Domaine Grand Veneur, and the negociant wines under Alain Jaume, which I believe might also include some vineyards owned by the Jaume family as well. Regardless, the quality here is superb across the range. In addition, they've excelled in both 2012 and 2013. - Jeb Dunnuck"
Covering 30 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape (over 100 acres in Cotes du Rhone, Lirac, Vacqueyras and Gigondas), Domaine Grand Veneur is run by the incredibly talented Sebastien and Christophe Jaume. The style here, if looked at as a whole, is more traditional than not, with plenty of tank and stainless steel, yet their Chateauneuf du Papes are distinctly modern and spent plenty of time in small barrels. However, they never lose their Southern Rhone typicity, have gorgeous purity and also possess balanced, age-worthy profiles. These are some of the most exciting wines coming out of the region and they should not be missed! Note: the estate bottlings are released under the Domaine Grand Veneur label, and the negociant wines are released under the Alain Jaume et Fils label. The 2012 whites from the Jaume brothers are incredibly strong.
Wine Advocate (Issue #209, October 2013)
Great bargains continue to emerge from Domaine Grand Veneur as well as from their negociant arm of the business, labeled Alain Jaume
Wine Advocate (Issue #195, June 2011)
"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)
An intense dark-ruby color. The nose develop aromas of ripe black fruit (such as blackberry), cherry and spice box. The palate reveals the presence of tannins, in high quantity and elegant. The finish is long and luxurious. This is the Châteauneuf du Pape expression, displaying all the characteristics of the terroir.
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Item Number | Unit | Units/Case | Type | UPC - bottle | SCC - case | SRP/Unit |
F0GG137---GRL | 375ml | 12 | Glass | 7 84585 00299 3 | 1 07 84585 00299 0 | $29.95 |
F0EE137170GRL | 750ml | 12 | Glass | 7 84585 00015 9 | 1 07 84585 00015 6 | $52.95 |
F0CC137---GRL | 1.5L | 6 | Glass | 7 84585 00317 4 | 1 07 84585 00317 1 | $99.95 |
Soil type: Plots are located northern part of Châteauneuf du Pape and the vines are grown under organic process.The soil is marked by the violence wrought by the Rhone river. It consists of a layer of marine morass of the Miocene period covered by alpine alluvium. The presence of a great number of rounded stones known as "galets" in the earth is evidence of the time when the Rhone, then a torrent, tore fragments of rock from the Alps and deposited them on the plain. The GRAND VENEUR cuvee will express year after year a great power and aromatic complexity.
Winemaking & ageing: Harvest is sorted by hand, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in vats and oak casks.
"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
"Accents of toast, spice and nut lend nuance to intensely ripe black cherry and preserved strawberry in this opulent wine. It's boldly fruity yet savory, shaded by umami tones of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and earth. This full-bodied, complex wine is ready now but could improve through 2026 and hold further. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA"
- Wine Enthusiast (March 2019), 93 pts
"Floral, garrigue notes mark the nose of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Miocene. This full-bodied wine has ripe black cherry fruit, creamy tannins, tremendous power and length but loss of detail or precision. Licorice and almost amaro-like notes linger on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue 238, August 31st 2018), 93 pts
"The traditional cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocène, which is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre in 2016. This medium to full-bodied, seamless beauty gives up classic notes of black raspberries, garrigue, new saddle leather, and spice. It's balanced, textured, has ample concentration, and is a terrific classic cuvée. This wine is always made in a more upfront, charming style, yet will cruise in the cellar on its balance as well."
"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), 92 pts
"Almost as terrific as the Les Origines, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Miocene is a traditional blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, matured in older wood. Dark-skinned fruit, like blueberries and black cherries, form the full-bodied core of the wine, accented by hints of garrigue and dried spices. The texture is rich and creamy, turning softly dusty on the long finish. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue 233, October 2017), 94 pts
"The base cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocène, and it's a terrific wine in the vintage as well. Black raspberries, ground pepper, spice and ample garrigue characteristics emerge from this medium to full-bodied, elegant beauty. It too has plenty of fine tannins, an endearing, elegant style, and a great finish. As normal, the blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete tanks."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2017), 91 pts
"Dark ruby. Aromas of raspberry, licorice, lavender and white pepper convey a subtle mineral overtone. Sweet and silky in texture, offering juicy red fruit and floral pastille flavors that become spicier with air. A smooth, seamless and fruit-driven Châteauneuf, displaying very good finishing focus and length.- Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reds: The Flamboyant 2014s and the Structured 2013s, April 2016), 90-92 points
"The 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Le Miocène (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre) is surprisingly ripe and textured, and it’s a 2014 I’d happily buy by the case. Toasted spices, leather, savory red and black fruits, as well as Provençal garrigue all emerge from this medium-bodied, polished, charming effort that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years. - Jeb Dunnuck"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 227, October 28th 2016), 90 pts
"Ripe and velvety in feel, with dark plum sauce, blackberry preserves and warm fig flavors coursing through. Features a loamy edge underneath. Smoldering tobacco, dried lavender and baker's chocolate notes add grip on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2028. 6,000 cases made."
- Wine Spectator (October 2016), 92 pts
"
The 'Le Miocène’ is a fantastic showing, this young wine delivers aromas of plum and black raspberries woven together with minerals, pepper, garrique, spices along with a graphite edge. It possesses a lovely, velvety texture and shows a bit more depth and backend ripeness than the ‘Les Origines’. There looks to be an excellent future for the Le Miocène, but patience will be essential. (Best 2018-2025) - J.D."
- International Wine Report (September 2015), 91 pts
"Grown in the cooler northern end of Châteauneuf-du-Pqpe, this wine manages to feel blue-fruited and cool at the same time. The fine rasp of the tannic structure gives it shape and gravitas, a steadfast feel that suggests this will age well over the next five years."
- Wine & Spirits Magazine (February 2017) 90 pts + Year's Best Rhone
"Vivid ruby. Energetic aromas of fresh red fruits, candied flowers and smoky minerals and a hint of peppery spices in the background. Juicy, lively and nicely concentrated, offering spicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight and become sweeter with aeration. The long, supple finish features fine-grained, firming tannins.- Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reds: The Flamboyant 2014s and the Structured 2013s, April 2016), 90 points
"Grand Veneur's 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape is a fantastic effort in the vintage, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that follows this estate, as they rarely miss a beat. Made form 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that was brought up 60% in barrels and 40% in concrete tank, it has pretty, perfumed raspberry, toasted spice, licorice and sappy underbrush aromatics. This is followed by a medium-bodied Châteauneuf that has impressive ripeness in the vintage, solid mid-palate concentration and excellent length on the finish. It should be approachable on release and have upwards of a decade of longevity. - Jeb Dunnuck"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 215, October 2014), 88-90 pts
"Starting off the Chateauneufs and a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that spent 14 months in 30% small barrels, the Grand Veneur 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape offers fabulous notes of spring flowers, garrigue, spice-box and sweet blackberry styled fruit characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with a textured, elegant feel, it has superb purity of fruit, good acidity and a nicely focused finish. Drink it over the coming decade. Drink now-2024. -JD"
Wine Advocate (Issue #209, October 2013), 90-92 pts
Go To Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
"I was able to taste all of the 2012s multiple times, scoring them the same in all cases. The classic Châteauneuf du Pape has beautiful purity and elegance in its sweet black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and toasted-spice aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced and ripe, with good acidity and tannin, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade. - Jeb Dunnuck"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 215, October 2014), 91 pts
"This retains a sense of 2012's hot summer in the grapey richness of its fruit, almost thick until the wine begins to relax in the glass. Then it gets interesting: spice, earth and a meatiness that brings lamb fat to mind turn it into a savory pleasure. Velvety in texture, it's ready now for lamb chops."
- Wine & Spirits Magazine (February 2017) 90 pts + Year's Best Rhone
"
The Grand Veneur is clean and fresh, with bright raspberry and cherry, wet stones, floral pepper and touch of licorice. Medium bodied supported by vibrant nice acidity remaining balanced, focused and nicely structured through the finish. Allow this a bit more time in bottle as it is still showing a youthful edge. (Best 2015-2020)"
- International Wine Report (December 2014), 90 pts
Gold Medal at the Concours General Agricole de Paris 2013
Go To Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
"Looking at the 2011s, all of which are certainly solid in the vintage, the forward, up-front and nicely textured Grand Veneur 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape delivers loads of black raspberry, toast, licorice and spice-box to go with a medium-bodied, supple and polished feel on the palate. There’s not a whole lot of back-end depth here, and it should be consumed early in its life, but it’s perfectly balanced, has loads of character and is hard to resist. While delicious now, it should hit prime time in another 2-3 years and evolve gracefully through 2021. Drink 2015-2021. -JD"
Wine Advocate (Issue #209, October 2013), 90 pts
Go To Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
"Warm, soft and inviting, with plum sauce, fruitcake and toasty cinnamon notes, followed by a currant paste accent on the slightly jammy finish. Drink now through 2020. 6,000 cases made. - JM"
Wine Spectator (November 30th 2013), 89 pts
Go To Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
"The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre from 70-year-old vines aged in barrel. It offers plenty of black cherry, licorice, spice box and garrigue characteristics in a full-bodied, surprisingly deep (for a 2011) style. It should drink well for at least a decade."
Wine Advocate (Issue #203, October 2012), 87-89 pts
Go To Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
"The Jaume family's regular bottling of 2011 Châteauneuf is a firm, sturdy effort. Dusty tannins frame notes of cherry, ash and espresso and come to a slightly chewy finish. Give it another year or two and then drink it up by 2020."
- Wine Enthusiast (February 1st 2015), 90 pts