2003 Domaine Grand Veneur Les Origines Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines is dazzling stuff and one of the vintage’s top efforts. Deep purple to the rim with a gorgeous nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with blueberries, smoke, licorice, roasted meats, and herbs, the wine has fabulous concentration, a multi-layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish with sweet tannin and plenty of opulence. For the last 7-8 years, this has been one of the best-run estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Alain Jaume and his two capable sons, Sébastien and Christophe, continue to propel Domaine Grand Veneur into the upper echelon of quality. They also offer an impressively well-made negociant line of wines (under the name Alain Jaume). The hallmarks of the Grand Veneur wines include their extraordinary purity of flavor and impeccable balance. Moreover, they have kept prices remarkably fair. (RP) Review Date: February 2006