Our Growers:

The Old Chateau Pontifical was established between Orange and Avignon, on the left bank of the Rhone River. Pilgrims, Crusaders, knights, Huguenots, popes and kings, pillagers and invaders passed by. This is where the Domaine du Grand Tinel is located. The terroir benefits from a large diversity, particularly from large rolled pebbles (from the epoch when the Rhone river flowed fast along the Alps and broke off rock) which soak up the heat during the day and return the heat to the soil at night and allow the grapes to attain the maximum amount of maturity. This makes for power and good bouquet. . The soil is made up of a bank of molasse marine from the Miocene era covered with alpine diluvium. The climate is marked by the Mistral wind, which plays the important role of drying

and purifying while still allowing hot sun. The harvest is done completely by hand and triage is very carefully performed.

Domaine du Grand Tinel was established under the auspices of two families, the Establets and the Jeunes. "Le Grand Tinel" comes from the Latin "barrel" but also "cave" (which in Latin countries was what they called the dining room). The term here is meant to represent the cave where the wines are aged. In 1836, Alexis Establet expanded the holdings to include parcels at La Gardiole as well as the Moulin A Vent , a windmill which once belonged to the archbishop of Avignon. Lucien Jeune, mayor of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, owned vines as well and, in 1960 when Pierre-Elie Jeune married Christiane Establet, the two properties joined together. Today it is Christophe Jeune and his two sisters, Béatrice and Isabelle, who run the domain.

Domaine du Grand Tinel encompasses 55 hectares planted in old vines of Grenache, syrah, cinsault, mourvèdre, counoise, muscardin, clairette, and bourboulenc. Vinification is traditional, based on a fermentation in the temperature-controlled vat of 18 to 20 days which allows the wines to acquire structure and a tannic framework. The wine is then aged in vaulted caves of the domaine in oak barrels until they are fully mature. Bottling is done on site. The wines are perfect for keeping—they reach their zenith from 3 to 10 years after bottling, depending on the vintage.

The Grand Tinel Chateauneuf du Pape rouge comes from 40 year old vines and is an assemblage of Grenache noir (about 80%), Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise. The wine is aged from 12-24 months in oak barrels (part new oak and part in mature casks). Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (Jan/Feb 2008) gives the 2006 vintage 88-90 points: “Bright ruby. Spicy dark berry and cherry scents are brightened by zesty minerality. Bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors are fleshy and nicely rounded, with good spicy lift. Displays good energy and focus.” About the 2005 vintage he says: “Bright ruby. Fresh red berries and cherry on the nose, with suave floral and mineral qualities adding interest. Open-knit red fruit preserve flavors are medium in weight and edge-free, finishing with good breadth and cling. This is ready to drink.”

The Cotes du Rhone rouge comes from vines that average 35 years of age and is 90% Grenache noir, with Carignan and Syrah making up the other 10%. The wine is characterized by generous tannins and is silky with aromas of ripe fruits, black currant, strawberries; it is also smoky. It has a good balance and big animal notes and goes well with white or red meats as well as dishes in sauce and ripe cheeses.

The Cuvée Establet (named after the ancestor of the family with whom the estate originated in 1836) comes from more than 85-year-old vines and is almost entirely Grenache. The wine is aged for 12-24 months in oak barrels. “Deep ruby. Seductive bouquet of red and dark berry preserves, fresh flowers and minerals. Clean and brisk, with suave redcurrant and raspberry flavors, medium weight and silky tannins. Gains sweetness on the finish but maintains a sleek, focused personality. This is balanced to age but compelling already.” Stephen Tanzer in the Jan/Feb 2008 International Wine Cellar on the 2005 Cuvée Establet, to which he gives 91 points. He says in the same issue about the 2006 Cuvée Establet: “Inky ruby. Deeply concentrated aromas suggest kirsch, cassis, candied licorice and tapenade. Luscious and sweet, offering powerful dark fruit liqueur flavors, supple texture and a vibrant finish. Became juicier with air; I suspect that this will reward five-plus years in the cellar.” Tanzer gives this vintage 90-92 points.

Website: www.domainegrandtinel.com