Another winner, although not as stunning as the 2010 or 2009 were, is their 100% Viognier cuvee, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone “Blanc de Viognier.” They do as good a job with Viognier in the south as one can expect, and while this wine is slightly less exotic than its two predecessors were in their respective vintages, it has slightly more wet rock and a steely character. Still, the floral notes are there, along with that tell-tale Viognier give-away, hints of white peach and apricots. It is fresh, medium-bodied, slightly lighter than the 2010 or 2009, as well as less exotic, but very, very good. Drink it over the next year.
One of the best-run and highest quality estates of the Southern Rhone is Domaine Grand Veneur, now run by the younger generation of the Jaume family, Sebastien and Christophe. The brothers have done a fabulous job taking over for their quality-oriented father, Alain. These are their less expensive wines, but I will follow up later this year with my reviews of their 2010 Chateauneuf du Papes as well as the 2011s, which I have not yet tasted. They have certainly gotten a good start on their 2011 less expensive Cotes du Rhone selections. The Jaumes are some of the finest practitioners of white winemaking in the Southern Rhone and showcase that with their least expensive offerings, which are creative blends that over-deliver.
Importer:Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; Tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258; www.kysela.com
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