CDP Les Origines, Grand Veneur - Vignobles Alain Jaume 2007

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines (50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah aged in small new oak barrels) is somewhat of an anomaly with such an amount of new oak, but it never seems to show given the wine-s concentration and richness. This may be the estate-s finest example of this cuvee, which generally represents 1,200-1,500 cases, all from their holdings in the northern sector of the appellation. A saturated purple color is accompanied by aromas of smoke, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and blueberries, amazing concentration, a full-bodied texture, and a stunningly long finish. The tannins are present, but silky, and the vintage-s freshness and vibrant fruit are evident. Powerful and loaded with substance, but at the same time endearingly elegant and ethereal, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15+.

Grenache Noir 50%, Syrah 20%, Mourvèdre 30%. Aged in barrique and cuve. Pretty, floral elements on the nose. Rather restrained and feminine. A little low key with tannins just very slightly austere. Drink 2012-2019. Date tasted 10th Dec 08.

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines may turn out to be one of this estate-s finest cuvees, although one should not overlook the 2006 Les Origines. A luxury cuvee sold at a reasonable price, the 2007 boasts a dense blue/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of blueberries, charcoal, creme de cassis, graphite, smoked meats, and herbs. Dense, full-bodied, and exceptionally pure, with a multilayered texture, moderate tannin, and a stunning finish, it will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 20-25.This estate, owned by the Jaume family, has been on fire over the last decade. The wines are made in a polished, civilized, modern style, but they do not lack Provencal or Chateauneuf du Pape typicity. In 2006, they added a third cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape, an old vine cuvee that was mostly all Grenache in 2006, but a different blend in 2007. The real bargain among the Chateauneuf du Papes is their traditional offering. Over the last 4-5 years, Grand Veneur has produced a bevy of terrific Cotes du Rhones, and the following two cuvees are indicative of what they are capable of achieving.