The Grand Veneur Les Champauvins has long been hailed as one of the greatest Cotes du Rhones on the planet. And the 2016 version, from one of the top Southern Rhone vintages of all time, is the best version the estate has ever produced.
Rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck and 92 points by the Wine Advocate, I was lucky to get allocated 14 cases of this high demand/low supply red. Needless to say, this one will go fast.
2016 Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Village ‘Les Champauvins’
94 points Jeb Dunnuck, 92 points Wine Advocate
This vintage is sold out. To order the new vintage, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
This is the ultimate “Insider’s Wine.” It’s basically Chateauneuf du Pape. Robert Parker himself said this “could mop the floor with many Chateauneufs.” The Les Champauvins vineyard sits just 3 meters from the famed vineyards and cellars of Chateau Beaucastel. Feel free to fact check me here folks, but none of what I’m telling you is a secret.
And it’s not just that this site is 3 meters away from arguably the greatest producer of Chateauneuf on the planet. The site is also blessed with the large galets or stones that Chateauneuf du Pape is known for. These rocky, well-drained soils stress the vines and yield highly flavorful grapes and you can taste that in the finished wine.
The blend here is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, all from old, organically farmed vineyards. Full-bodied and dense yet rich, ripe and elegant, this drinks like a $40-$50 Gigondas or Chateauneuf du Pape. I highly, highly recommend you go for 6 bottles if you can — you will not regret it.
And I’m not the only one who thinks this stuff is special. Mr. Dunnuck called it “one of the finest vintages of this cuvée to date,” going on to say it “offers a spectacular bouquet of garrigue, peppery herbs, pine, and sweet red and black fruits.” He wrapped up by saying “it easily competes with any number of more expensive Châteauneuf-du-Papes and Gigondas.” Not to be outdone, the Wine Advocate had similar remarks. “It’s a full-bodied, concentrated wine that could mop the floor with many Châteauneufs. Rich black cherry fruit is joined by complex herb and spice notes, a creamy mid-palate and a lingering finish. Worth buying by the case.”
This is that elusive, under $25 bottle of red wine that destroys a lot of much more expensive wines. For all my Rhone lovers out there, I love ya and this offering is a gift to you. I hope you all get some. I really do!
This vintage is sold out. To order the new vintage, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville