" We don't sell the wine without touching the vine "
Chateau Talbot Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe 2018
Our Price: $150.00 $125.00
3 bottles with free shipping for: $375.00
6 bottles with free shipping for: $720.00
12 bottles with free shipping for: $1,380.00
3 bottles with free shipping for: $375.00
6 bottles with free shipping for: $720.00
12 bottles with free shipping for: $1,380.00
| BUY MORE! SAVE MORE! | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Bordeaux |
| Winery: | Talbot |
| Grape Type: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Organic: | Yes |
| Vintage: | 2018 |
| Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
Product Description
Chateau Talbot Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe is made from 69 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 26 % Merlot, 5 % Petit Verdot.
The wine presents a delicate and captivating nose of black fruits, fresh tobacco, peppermint and floral nuances. Ripe and juicy fruit flavors of black currants on the palate with well integrated velvety tannins and a beautiful refreshing acidity to the long finish.
For the 2018 vintage, a special packaging with a unique silkscreen printing bottle was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Cordier Family's acquisition of Chateau Talbot
Pair with red meat, roast pork, game meat, poultry, hard cheeses, poached pear.
Review:
"Rich aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate, tobacco and licorice. Oyster shell, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, well integrated tannins. Polished, silky layers with a long finish. Gorgeous ripe and bright fruit in the center palate. Best in a long time. Try from 2025."
- James Suckling (January 2021), 96 pts
Review:
Shows range, with cassis, blueberry and plum fruit and a nice snap of licorice throughout. Fleshy, but with latent drive on the finish. A concentrated, solid wine.
-James Molesworth (Wine Spectator) 96 Points
This estate is on a roll and the 2018 Chateau Talbot might just be the best yet. A deep purple/blue color is followed by a mammoth-sized bouquet of creme de cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco, and lead pencil. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, it nevertheless stays pure, balanced, and elegant, with a beautiful finish. Its tannins are ripe and integrated, it has balancing acidity, and this is unquestionably another beautiful vintage for this estate.
-Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.
-James Suckling 95 Points
A bicentennial vintage marking the acquisition of the cru by the Cordier family, 2018 comes in a unique screen-printed bottle. The wine does it justice, well-structured, with a palate that is both straight yet coated on the finish. It lacks neither charm nor depth, with a finish that remains vibrant.
-La Revue du Vin de France 95 Points
Winery: Talbot
Legend relates that the name of this imposing estate originates with Connétable Talbot, a famous English warrior, defeated at the battle of Castillon 1453. Talbot is one of the Medoc’s oldest estates, its glory never tainted. Through the years it has been fortunate enough to remain in good hands. Current owners Nancy Bignon Cordier and her family represents the fourth generation of Cordiers to manage this Saint-Julien fourth classified growth.
Château Talbot comprises 110 hectares of a single vineyard in the heart of the Saint-Julien commune, an outstanding appellation as it counts no fewer than 11 classified growths. Ideally situated on the banks of the Gironde estuary on hilltops of alluvial gravel carried by the Dordogne River from the Massif Central and from the Pyrenees by the Garonne, Château Talbot’s terroir is exceptional.
Customers who bought this product also purchased
Pago de Carraovejas Ribera Del Duero is made from 92%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5% and Merlot 3%.
The Pago de Carraovejas Ribera del Duero vintage marks a turning point in the history of the winery. From now on, the Crianza and Reserva are unified in this wine that focuses on the terroir and character rather than the time of aging. Its renewed label reflects the three key elements of this red: origin, soul and emotion.
Pago de Carraovejas Ribera Del Duero is made with grapes grown in the Botijas River valley, and planted between 1988 and 2011. Our work over the last 30 years has been geared to handcrafted viniculture, that puts as much care as possible into the microclimate conditions and the details. We have placed particular attention on the maintenance of the soil by plant cover that already grows spontaneously. It allows us to develop the ecosystem of the valley, which we respect scrupulously, using organic fertilizer and sulfur as the sole basis of our viticulture.
Depending on which plot they come from and the time they enter the winery, the grapes may be deposited in cold chambers to prevent oxidation and preserve the aroma. We carry out a two-part selection: first on the vine, where we choose the bunches, and then on a belt in the winery, where we remove the grapes that do meet the necessary conditions. The grapes enter the winery and are transported with the assistance of gravity. The deposits are filled slowly and gently. Depending on the characteristics that we detected when tasting the grapes, we ferment them either in stainless steel deposits or French oak barrels. For years we have worked with our own yeast that has been isolated from the vines by our team. This work is also partly responsible for the Carraovejas character.
The wine was aged in barrels for around twelve months.
Review:
The eponymous 2021 Pago de Carraovejas comes from a cooler year when they consider the grapes had exceptional quality. The bottled wine is composed of Tinto Fino with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot with 15% alcohol but good freshness and integration of the oak after spending 12 months in 226- and 600-liter barrels. It's medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins, a juicy mouthfeel and a tasty finish. This is a more elegant Carraovejas. It was bottled in the spring of 2023.
-Wine Advocate 93+ Points
The eponymous 2021 Pago de Carraovejas comes from a cooler year when they consider the grapes had exceptional quality. The bottled wine is composed of Tinto Fino with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot with 15% alcohol but good freshness and integration of the oak after spending 12 months in 226- and 600-liter barrels. It's medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins, a juicy mouthfeel and a tasty finish. This is a more elegant Carraovejas. It was bottled in the spring of 2023.
-Luis Gutiérrez (Robert Parker) 93 Points
Deep color of violet and black tones. On the nose, it shows aromas of black tea, violets, blueberries and dark berries. It presents freshness, fine grain tannins and minerality on the palate.
Dark crimson in color, with deep garnet hues. A concentrated array of aromas of mulberry, blackberry and dark plum indicate the richness to come, while savory and complex notes of charcuterie, cedar, sage and five spice tease the senses. Plush and velvety on the palate, the wine has intense fruit concentration with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise flavors, yet an enchantingly elegant and refined structure. Layers of silky tannins reveal the impressive depth of the wine before giving way to an incredibly long finish.
Review:
This has a very complex nose, offering so many facets of spices and fragrance with florals and orange peel, as well as crushed stones, ripe black cherries, blackberries and dark cherries, earth, chocolate and more. The intensity and power here is very tightly held and it has a build of such precise tannins, which carry very intense and assertively ripe blackberries, dark cherries, ripe plums and blueberries. So much on offer here. This has a very bold, intense feel. Exceptional vintage. One of their finest. Try from 2028.
-James Suckling 100 Points
Aalto P.S. Pagos Seleccionados Tinto is made from 100 percent Tempranillo.
Climatic conditions
The farming year began with a mild autumn and little precipitation. A very dry winter started with -9ºC reaching at the end higher temperatures than normal for that time of the year. Spring and summer characterized by little rain, only some rain showers in July and late August avoided the hydric stress of the vines. The vegetative cycle of the vine developed with big variations of temperatures, alternating warm and atypical low temperatures of 4ºC for mid-June. The ripening of the grapes happened under very good conditions and the harvest started on 24th September 2019.
Grape origin
100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) primarily from very old vines – 60 to 90 years old – from selected plots in La Horra and La Aguilera. The harvest was done by hand, in small boxes of 15 kilos that are thoroughly inspected, bunch by bunch, on the selection table.
Tasting notes
Purple red color. On the nose we perceive good dark fruit intensity and elegant spicy hints. On the palate it is fresh and dense with enveloping tannins. AALTO PS is a long, intense and full of nuances wine that will benefit from a time in the bottle.
Average oak ageing
Aged for 21 months in new French oak barrels.
Review:
Lots of depth here, with ripe blackberries and some nicely baked black cherries, roasted herbs, incense, dark spices, mussels and a balsamic tinge. An admirably fine dollop of tannins on the palate, which are immaculate and juicy, as they thoroughly dunk into the black fruit, melting into a persistent finish that lasts for over a minute. Very impressive. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 96 Points
Chateau Talbot Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe is made from 69 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 26 % Merlot, 5 % Petit Verdot.
The wine presents a delicate and captivating nose of black fruits, fresh tobacco, peppermint and floral nuances. Ripe and juicy fruit flavors of black currants on the palate with well integrated velvety tannins and a beautiful refreshing acidity to the long finish.
For the 2018 vintage, a special packaging with a unique silkscreen printing bottle was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Cordier Family's acquisition of Chateau Talbot
Pair with red meat, roast pork, game meat, poultry, hard cheeses, poached pear.
Review:
"Well-built and rather refined for the vintage, with a deep well of red and black currant paste and plum reduction flavors supported by a deeply inlaid iron note, all of which run the length of the wine. Offers subtle savory, tobacco and singed cedar notes that add range, with a savory echo that leaves a mouthwatering feel in the end. Built to cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040. - James Molesworth"
- Wine Spectator (March 2022), 95 pts
Review:
After a top-flight 2018, the 2019 is no exception: it stands out as a major success, with volume, flesh, and a very fine energy on the finish. A promising whole that will be fascinating to watch evolve.
-La Revue du Vin de France 96 Points
The youthful and energetic 2019 Talbot, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, retains grace despite its ripeness. Still bold for a St-Julien, it shows the restraint and elegance of Talbot. Brimming with black fruit, and a suave, silky texture, the savoury side has just started to peek out. With its impeccable balance, I’m sure it will develop gorgeously.
-Decanter World Wine Awards 95 Points
The 2019 Talbot has a very cohesive bouquet, "streamlined" being the operative word, before opening gradually to reveal a Pauillac-inspired aromatics, pencil shaving scents permeating the black fruit. Yet it is still unmistakably Talbot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, creamy in texture with more depth in the middle than previous vintages (a shortcoming that, estate director Jean-Michel Laporte told me in the past he wants to address.) The great aspect of this Talbot is that it doesn't take its foot off the pedal on the finish, exerting impressive grip with that pencil lead lingering in the mouth. Superb. Expect this to land at the top of my banded score.
-Neal Martin (Vinous) 95 Points
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savory blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature. Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, stretching its muscles to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line-up, with clear ageing potential, liquorice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, clove-edged notes, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing. Jean-Michel Laporte, director.
-Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux 95 Points
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Heimbourg is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Bright yellow color. The nose expresses an immediate sense of strong mineral and limestone influence. After aeration or decanting, it will show eventually bright citrus, bergamot, spices and an expected slight austerity. It is very expressive today, but it is easy to see that this wine still has much more to show in the future. The mouth is tight, dry, showing a bright acidity and elegant finish.
Review:
What a fascinating peachy, flinty and smoky nose this great dry Riesling has. Power, energy and vitality on the generous palate, but also a profoundly chalky and flinty minerality. Long juicy finish that pulls you back for more. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Try these Similar In Stock Wines
Chateau Talbot Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe is made from 69 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 26 % Merlot, 5 % Petit Verdot.
The wine presents a delicate and captivating nose of black fruits, fresh tobacco, peppermint and floral nuances. Ripe and juicy fruit flavors of black currants on the palate with well integrated velvety tannins and a beautiful refreshing acidity to the long finish.
For the 2018 vintage, a special packaging with a unique silkscreen printing bottle was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Cordier Family's acquisition of Chateau Talbot
Pair with red meat, roast pork, game meat, poultry, hard cheeses, poached pear.
Review:
"Well-built and rather refined for the vintage, with a deep well of red and black currant paste and plum reduction flavors supported by a deeply inlaid iron note, all of which run the length of the wine. Offers subtle savory, tobacco and singed cedar notes that add range, with a savory echo that leaves a mouthwatering feel in the end. Built to cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040. - James Molesworth"
- Wine Spectator (March 2022), 95 pts
Review:
After a top-flight 2018, the 2019 is no exception: it stands out as a major success, with volume, flesh, and a very fine energy on the finish. A promising whole that will be fascinating to watch evolve.
-La Revue du Vin de France 96 Points
The youthful and energetic 2019 Talbot, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, retains grace despite its ripeness. Still bold for a St-Julien, it shows the restraint and elegance of Talbot. Brimming with black fruit, and a suave, silky texture, the savoury side has just started to peek out. With its impeccable balance, I’m sure it will develop gorgeously.
-Decanter World Wine Awards 95 Points
The 2019 Talbot has a very cohesive bouquet, "streamlined" being the operative word, before opening gradually to reveal a Pauillac-inspired aromatics, pencil shaving scents permeating the black fruit. Yet it is still unmistakably Talbot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, creamy in texture with more depth in the middle than previous vintages (a shortcoming that, estate director Jean-Michel Laporte told me in the past he wants to address.) The great aspect of this Talbot is that it doesn't take its foot off the pedal on the finish, exerting impressive grip with that pencil lead lingering in the mouth. Superb. Expect this to land at the top of my banded score.
-Neal Martin (Vinous) 95 Points
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savory blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature. Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, stretching its muscles to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line-up, with clear ageing potential, liquorice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, clove-edged notes, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing. Jean-Michel Laporte, director.
-Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux 95 Points
These are Magnum bottles!
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is made from 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah
Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%)
It boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of crushed rocks, jammy black fruits, charcoal and graphite. Blackberry aroma with an air of dates pressed in alongside – this is sweet-noted. It is easy to appreciate, a sleek and stylish start. The palate holds excellent fruit that runs well and has kick. Its tannins move round freely and a minted finale comes forward. Its dark fruit is tasty, darkens on the finish, where tar and char from its oak enter. It is all very much together, a bundle of harmony, and will gain local attributes as it ages.
An outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape which display the best of its terroir.
The vines are 50 to 100+ year old. They are planted on red clay soils covered with pebble stones.
Harvest is destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%).
The vineyards are located in the north of Châteauneuf du Pape. GRAND VENEUR «Vieilles Vignes» cuvee is produced from the older vines. Thanks to time and an organic growing, roots go very deep in the soil. Yields are naturally low and grapes highly concentrated.
The vines are 50 to 100+ year old. They are planted on red clay soils covered with pebble stones.
Winemaking and aging
Harvest is destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%).
Pair with venisson, duck, braised lamb or strong cheese.
Review:
"Up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer wine than the Les Origines cuvée and has a beautiful core of smoked black fruits, candied violets, peppery garrigue, and scorched earth-like aromas and flavors. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it’s flawlessly balanced and has terrific tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. It certainly shows the more front end-loaded, fleshy, mildly concentrated style of the 2018 vintage, yet the balance is top-notch, and it’s just a thrill to drink today. It should evolve nicely for 10-15 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2020),96 pts
Review:
Up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer wine than the Les Origines cuvée and has a beautiful core of smoked black fruits, candied violets, peppery garrigue, and scorched earth-like aromas and flavors. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it’s flawlessly balanced and has terrific tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. It certainly shows the more front end-loaded, fleshy, mildly concentrated style of the 2018 vintage, yet the balance is top-notch, and it’s just a thrill to drink today. It should evolve nicely for 10-15 years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is more red-fruited than either the 2019 or 2017, less dense and, therefore, easier to drink. It's still full-bodied, rich and velvety, with ample length and perhaps just a touch of warmth on the finish.
-Joe Czerwinski (Robert Parker) 95 Points
Opaque ruby. Expansive, oak-spiced cherry and blackberry scents are complemented by suggestions of candied violet, licorice and mocha. Lush and weighty on the palate, offering ripe red and dark berry flavors and hints of fruitcake and cola. Shows serious power and spicy lift on a long, gently tannic finish that echoes the cherry and licorice notes.
-Josh Raynolds (Vinous) 94 Points
Chateau Pitray Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux Le Grand Vin is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
Notes of candied fruit, dried figs, currants marked by their delicacy despite the sensation of great maturity. On the palate, we find this aromatic range with present but very velvety tannins.
Ageing: partially in new oak barrels, partially 1 and 2 years old barrels and stainless steel tanks.Vinification: thermo-regulated concrete tank.
2 other grape selection including one handed, before filling the tanks.
Harvest: last generation harvesting machine with on-board grape selection.
Review:
Notes of dark berries, nut shell and graphite. Medium body. Tannins are...
-James Suckling 92 Points
Produced from 90% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine is medium-bodied, soft, supple and creamy, with sweetness to the fruits and a touch of licorice on the backend. Drink from 2023-2032. This is the new high-end wine from Château de Pitray from Nina Mitjavile. Drink from 2025-2038.
-Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 92 Points
The Grand Vin 2022 Château Pitray Classique is all Merlot and spent 18 months in one-third new French oak. Black cherries, cigars, smoked tobacco, and crushed stone define the aromatics, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, the fruit and opulence of the vintage, and a great finish.
-Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points
Inky dark purple core and hue. Modern and intense nose offering toast new oak, coffee beans, pepper and ripe dark fruit. Ample palate, sweet and ripe fruit balanced by good level of freshness, grainy tannin and a long fleshy finish with some chalky notes. Well done and ambitious, a bit marked by oak today but should soften from further ageing.
-Andreas Larsson - Tasted 91 Points
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Le Miocene is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre .
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.
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 molasses 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.
Review:
A classic nose of deep red and black cherries is embraced by captivating violet perfume and saffron-cardamom spice. The palate is concentrated, supported by youthful tannins and a generous wave of acidity that refreshes the palate and provides lift to its intense dark-fruit finish. This expression will be exciting to revisit even after a few years of cellaring.
-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Miocene is the best vintage of this bottling I can remember tasting. Red raspberries and black cherries come together harmoniously on the nose, accented by hints of garrigue, clove and allspice, while the full-bodied palate is richly concentrated, creamy-ripe in feel, with supple tannins and a long, lush finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.
-Joe Czerwinski (Robert Parker) 94 Points
Moving to the reds, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene has lots of red and black fruits as well as a touch of iron in its sappy garrigue and peppery, Provençal aromas and flavors. This balanced, medium-bodied, straight-up classic Châteauneuf du Pape will be loved by the Southern Rhône wine drinkers out there. It will keep for 10-12 years. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, destemmed and brought up mostly in concrete tanks (no new oak). Readers will be hard pressed to find a better run estate than Domaine Grand Veneur, which has been run by the Jaume family for decades. While the top cuvées, particularly the Les Origines and Vieilles Vignes, can see a touch of new oak, this never detracts, and these wines are always loaded with Southern Rhône soul and character.
-Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points
Aromas of the blackest wild berries with delicate notes of hot dry...
-James Suckling 92 Points
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Le Miocene is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre .
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.
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 molasses 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.
Review:
A real success, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Miocène exhales a dense, complex bouquet of cassis, dark berries, flowers, garrigue and lilac. Medium to full-bodied, layered and tense, it's enrobing and charming with a fleshy core of fruit, great freshness and a long, precise finish. This is a blend of 70% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, all destemmed and matured for 14 months in a combination of used barrels (30%) and concrete tanks. It offers a broad drinking window and should see its 20th anniversary in fine form.
-Yohan Castaing (Robert Parker) 94 Points
The 2022 Châteauneuf du Pape Le Miocene checks in as 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre, all destemmed, that was raised mostly in tank, with the Syrah and Mourvèdre in oak. It has a beautiful nose of ripe red and black fruits that give way to more licorice, black olive, peppery garrigue, and spices. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's balanced and has ripe, building tannins and a great finish. It's going to evolve gracefully for 10-12+ years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
A huge wine, fruity and powerful, but fresh too. Mouthcoating fresh berry fruit, fine tannins, well-balanced acidity and good length. Technically very impressive. A little herbal note brings some complexity. A good value option, for those that enjoy powerful, tannic Châteauneufs for early drinking (though will age well too). 30% aged in old oak, the rest in concrete tank.
-Decanter World Wine Awards 93 Points
A seductive, well-crafted and precise organic red. It has notes of sweet...
-James Suckling 92 Points
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Le Miocene is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre .
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.
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 molasses 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.
Review:
The traditional release, based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, and aged 14 months in 30% neutral barrels with the rest in concrete, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocène offers gorgeous black cherries, darker berries, ground pepper, leather, and a hint of graphite. It's medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and offers fine tannins. With roughly 3,750 cases produced, this impeccably made wine will drink well for 10-15 years if well stored. Drink 2025-2040. There are few better run estates in the world than the Jaume family's Domaine Grand Veneur. Located in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and run today by brothers Christophe and Sébastien Jaume, the estate produces a quasi-modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with some of their cuvées seeing some new oak. Nevertheless, these never lose their Southern Rhône soul. The range includes three red Châteauneuf-du-Papes: Le Miocène (the traditional release, 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, aged 14 months in 30% neutral barrels with the rest in concrete), Les Origines (always the most modern styled effort, 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah, aged 16 months in 50% new barrels), and the Vieilles Vignes (45% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah from old vines, aged 16 months in 55% new barrels). The whites are also are brilliant, with their La Fontaine Blanc being pure gold in white Rhônes and riveting stuff in just about every vintage. It’s a richer, textured, concentrated style of white geared for the dinner table. Across the board, these are impeccably well-made wines that always check in near the top of a vintage. Readers should note that the estate also produces a larger number of négociant wines bottled under the "Alain Jaume" label.
-Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
- back
Reynvaan Foothills Reserve Estate Syrah 2021 is made from 100% Syrah.
Reynvaan Family Vineyards was founded in 2004 by Mike and Gale Reynvaan in Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, with son Matt Reynvaan as winemaker, and has become one of the most sought-after names in the state for its Rhône-inspired, estate-grown reds. The Foothills Reserve is a barrel selection from the family’s high-elevation Foothills in the Sun Vineyard, planted in 2008 on loess soils over deep basalt in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
Walla Walla Valley Syrah is prized for two very different terroirs: the basalt-cobblestone Rocks District, known for savory, meaty, olive-and-mineral character, and the wind-swept loess hillsides that lend structure, freshness and lift. The Foothills site sits among the latter, giving a Syrah of both power and energy.
Review:
A total masterclass, the 2021 ‘Foothills Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine that comes from the Reynvaan’s high elevation estate Foothills In The Sun Vineyard. The site is set on Loess soils with deep basalt deposits and I have been writing about the potential of this site for more than a decade. Today, wines from this high-elevation location are every bit as good as those from their Rocks District vineyard. Hoisin sauce, beef drippings, menthol, and shades of wild blackberry all combine on the nose. The palate is utterly seamless with serious tension, weight and mouth-watering acidity. It offers La Landonne levels of flavor complexity, yielding blood orange zest notes alongside red cherry candy, cigar ash, wet stone and pipe tobacco that all brilliantly meld together on the palate. Showing seriously good flavor and aromatic range, enjoy this simply stunning Syrah now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2023-2037.
Owen Bargreen, 99 points
Review:
The 2021 Syrah Foothills Reserve (100% Syrah) is more powerful, with a darker core of black and blue fruits, ground pepper, smoked meat, and floral, rose petal-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and nicely structured, it has velvety tannins, a broad, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. Give it just a year or two and enjoy bottles over the following 15 years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points
When the aroma of a pork chop rubbed with a mild spice and orange zest intersects with dark cherries and blackberries, we have a party. The party doesn't end on the palate, with Damson plum, blackberry and espresso flavors mixing it up with a meaty saline note suggesting blood pudding spiced with Calabrian chiles. Easily one of the best Syrahs I tasted this past year.
-Wine Enthusiast 97 Points
The 2021 Foothills Reserve is cool-toned and classic, with a bouquet of ripe blackberries and sage complicated by hints of smoke and air-dried meat. This is silky smooth and elegant without a hard edge in sight, as a savory blend of black fruits and spices swirls beneath an air of inner florals. Brilliant acidity maintains an amazing balance as a sour citrus note comes to the fore, tapering off long, staining, yet unexpectedly fresh. The 2021 Foothills Reserve is a varietal Syrah, with about 21% whole-cluster fermentation.
-Eric Guido (Vinous) 96 Points
This has wild and attractive aromas of green olives, bacon fat and...
-James Suckling 95 Points
©2026 Timeless Wines. All rights reserved
