Chateauneuf du Pape 2016 Les Origines, Domaine Grand Veneur

The Domaine Grand Veneur produces outstanding Chateaunuef du Pape from estate vineyards organically grown. This wine from their Les Origines vineyard at the extreme north of Châteauneuf du Pape next to Beaucastel. This area is considered to be one of the best to produce rich and powerful wines. Harvest is sorted by hand, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled followed by a maceration period of 18 to 20 days. Grenache is aged in vats and Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged in oak casks.

The 2016 vintage was a monumental success and Jeb Dunnuck scored this wine 95 points saying "The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines is 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, all brought up in 50% new oak. It offers a deep ruby/plum color to go with terrific notes of blackberries, currants, smoked earth, and spiced meats. This cuvée shows some oak, but it's beautifully interwoven with its fruit, and it has a rich, full mid-palate and a great finish. This awesome wine will benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years."

The Wine Advocate also scored this 95 points saying "About as sexy as they come, 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape les Origines features dark, chocolaty notes layered over plums and black cherries. Deep, rich and intense yet sleek and plush, it's a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah aged in vats (for the Grenache) and barrels (for the other varieties). It should drink well for over a decade. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."