Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone 'Les Champauvins'

The Grand Veneur Les Champauvins has long been hailed as one of the greatest Cotes du Rhones on the planet. 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.