It boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of crushed rocks, jammy black fruits, charcoal and graphite. Blackberry aroma with an air of dates pressed in alongside – this is sweet-noted. It is easy to appreciate, a sleek and stylish start. The palate holds excellent fruit that runs well and has kick. Its tannins move round freely and a minted finale comes forward. Its dark fruit is tasty, darkens on the finish, where tar and char from its oak enter. It is all very much together, a bundle of harmony, and will gain local attributes as it ages.
An outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape which display the best of its terroir.

"Shows a lot of stuffing for the vintage, with blackberry and blueberry pâte de fruit notes lined with sweet spice, melted licorice and fruitcake flavors. Dark and fleshy, with lively acidity and a strong graphite streak through the finish that lets the fruit pump along. Best from 2015 through 2027.—J.M."Wine Spectator's Insider (October 2nd 2013), 92 pts

"Even more impressive and certainly one of the top 3-4 wines in the vintage, the Grand Veneur 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes offers up spectacular density and depth, with big structure, chewy tannin and brilliant purity of fruit. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, it offers loads of blackberry, licorice, roasted meats, bouquet garni and pepper to go with a full-bodied, layered and perfectly proportioned profile. It too will have 15-20 years of longevity. Drink 2015-2032. "Wine Advocate (Jeb Dunnuck, issue#209, October 2013), 94-97 pts

"The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is the most concentrated and potentially long-lived of this 2011 trio. It came in at an amazing 16.5% natural alcohol, and is one of the wines of the vintage. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah aged in small barrels, it blows away just about every other Chateauneuf in this vintage. It boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of crushed rocks, jammy black fruits, charcoal and graphite. This intense, full-bodied 2011's concentration and power are atypical for this vintage. It should age nicely for 15 or more years."Wine Advocate (Robert Parker, issue#203, October 2012), 92-94 pts