The wine delivers an intensive nose, with loads of black fruits. Starting full and concentrated, with silky tannins, the mouth reveals blackcurrant and a cherry fruit typicity. It finishes with typical notes of pepper and earth.
Enjoy with roasted lamb or braised or BBQed pork. Also goes well with mild cheese, such as brie or camenbert.
"A solid, focused and well-built Cairanne with aromas of spiced cherries, dried thyme and baking spices. Some crushed peppercorns, too. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Very textural with good tension to the fruit on the palate, providing a vivid finish. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (May 3rd 2024), 92 pts
"In spite of the very full black-fruit aromas, this bold southern Rhone red remains well balanced with discreet, velvety tannins and nice freshness that lifts the finish in exactly the right way. Drink now."
- James Suckling (February 2022), 90 pts
"The 2018 Cairanne Les Travées is smoking little red from this terrific estate that has loads of ripe fruit (raspberries, blackberries), garrigue, and peppery herb notes as well as a mouthfilling, charming, undeniably delicious style on the palate. You get a lot of bang for the buck with this one and it’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 4-6 years.."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2020), 90 pts
"A blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, the 2016 Cairanne Les Travees (a tank sample) was slightly reductive when I tasted it, making it difficult to evaluate. It does show some attractive peppery notes, medium to full body and some firm tannins on the spicy finish. Look for it to soften relatively quickly after bottling and drink it over the following 5 years or so. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue 233, October 2017), 87-89 pts
"From a small appellation located to the north of Vacqueyras, the 2015 Cairanne Les Travées is a big, mouthful of a red and offers copious amounts of blackberries, kirsch, crushed rocks and dried flowers. Full-bodied, layered and downright sexy, with no hard edges and beautiful purity, this Provencal at its best! - Jeb Dunnuck"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 227, October 2016), 90-92 pts
"The 2015 Cairanne Les Travees checks in as a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre that saw a traditional vinification and elevage in tank. Notes of blackberries, dried herbs, licorice and garrigue nuances all emerge from this medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, classically styled Cairanne that’s going to continue drinking nicely for 4-5 years. 88 ptspts."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2017), 88 pts
"Brilliant ruby. Aromas of fresh red berries, spicecake and candied flowers are joined by a smoky mineral element that builds in the glass. Nervy raspberry and lavender pastille flavors become deeper with air while maintaining vivacity. Silky and appealingly sweet, finishing with good focus and smooth tannins that fade into the fresh red fruit. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (June 2016), 89 pts
"Deep ruby. Spice-accented raspberry, cherry and candied flowers on the deeply perfumed nose and in the mouth. Pliant and gently sweet, conveying an emerging smoky nuance. Smoothly plays richness off energy and finishes with spicy persistence and just a hint of dusty tannins. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (June 2016), 89 pts
"A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, the 2013 Cairanne Les Travées exhibits ample black and blue fruits, licorice and hints of spice, medium to full-bodied richness, and a supple, layered and forward texture. It should be a solid value and drink nicely for 4-5 years. - Jeb Dunnuck"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 215, October 2014), 87-89 pts
"One of my favorite estates in Châteauneuf du Pape (an area now being brilliantly covered by my colleague Jeb Dunnuck), Domaine Grand Veneur is internationally recognized for their fabulous Châteauneuf du Papes, but they also produce some terrific values. The estate wines are sold under the Grand Veneur label, but they have also started a négociant business under the name Alain Jaume. Those wines have been very promising as well.
Far more serious is the Alain Jaume 2012 Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne Les Travées. Composed of two-thirds Grenache, one-third Syrah, and about 5% Mourvèdre added to the blend, this loaded 2012 reveals good structure, lots of chocolaty black cherries and blackcurrants intertwined with loamy forest floor and underbrush notes. Medium-bodied, spicy, peppery, long and fleshy, it should be drunk over the next 4-5 years. - Robert Parker"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (November 2014), 88 pts
In the 14th century, during their stay in Avignon, the popes built a papal castle in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Impressed by the area’s exceptional terroir surrounding the castle, Pope Jean XXII planted the ...
Read More