2018 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
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.
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.