Domaine Grand Veneur "Les Origines" Chateauneuf du Pape 2018

Wine Advocate : 94+ Points

(10/30/2020) The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape les Origines offers up scents of lavender and thyme on the nose, accenting red berries and cherries. This full-bodied effort reveals an intriguing tautness on the palate, with tart, redcurrant and pie-cherry notes juxtaposed against hints of dark chocolate. It seems to have tightened up a bit since I tasted it last year. The tannins are more prominent here than in many 2018s, suggesting that a couple of years in the cellar wouldn't hurt, as there's ample concentration and plenty of fruit-driven length on the finish. Drink Date: 2022 - 2035.

Jeb Dunnuck : 93 Points

(10/6/2020) Based on a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah that sees a fair click of new oak, the 2018 Chateauneuf Du Pape Les Origines displays a slightly more modern style in its black raspberry and jammy blackberry fruits as well as notes of black licorice, toasted spices, vanilla bean, and peppery garrigue. Showing the vintage’s more medium-bodied style on the palate, it has good mid-palate depth, terrific overall balance, and a classy finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s not going to be the longest-lived version of this cuvée, but it will benefit from a year or two of bottle age and keep nicely for over a decade. Maturity: 2020 - 2030.