Domaine Grand Veneur is the estate label of Alain Jaume et fils. They are best known for their reds, but the Long-Suffering Husband picked up this white for $16.99. He chose well because I afterward discovered that Robert Parker had this to say about the wine:
Côtes du Rhône « RÉSERVE GRAND VENEUR» BLANC 2012
“The outstanding Grand Veneur 2012 Côtes du Rhône Blanc Reserve (a blend of 50% Roussanne, 40% Viognier and 10% Clairette) may be the highest-quality dry white Rhone made at this price point. Abundant white peach, honeysuckle and spring flower aromas intermixed with a hint of apricot marmalade jump from the glass of this lovely, medium-bodied, crisp, fresh, pure yet intense and perfumed white wine. Drink it over the next year.” 90+ pts – BEST BUY
For some reason I do my research after buying rather than before. Maybe it’s because I prefer to decide what a wine tastes like on my own, without having my perception shaped by Robert Parker. Or maybe I’m just lazy…
In any case, my notes say that the aroma is of sourdough and honey (always a winner in my book) and that the wine is extremely rich in the mouth with fruit (Parker’s apricot marmalade is actually a great descriptor here!) that eases over into grapiness on the finish. The apparent sweetness was more in the nose than mouth. This wine was delicious with Appenzeller cheese. Perhaps we are drinking it a bit late, but I was more than satisfied with the bursting and long-lasting flavors.
For your delectation I include this photo of M. Jaume and ses fils superbes, Christophe and Sébastien.
Alain Jaume and his sons. Click for source (kysela.com)
Linnet Moss 
I think it’s more of a case of the LSH and yourself having inordinate good taste. Will keep my eyes open for it here.
That’s s funny! I think you can delete them if you go into your WP ‘dashboard’ and into ‘comments’ there? Don’t quote me on that! How was the play with your beloved number two? Did you drink lots of Guiness while you were there?
Oh, heavens, it was the most amazing experience. The play is a stunner. We had our share of Arthur’s finest including one pint at the “Gravity Bar” atop the Guinness Storehouse. And another in the historic McDaid’s pub where Brendan Behan the playwright used to hang out. But now, I have to go back to work and try to get caught up! (Thanks for the tip on the comments–it worked.)
I’m a BIG fan of Viognier–living in Virginia, it’s basically become our state grape.
And I love your method of nosing and tasting, maybe because it’s mine as well. I much prefer not to be influenced by anyone else’s review and then find it enormous fun to compare and contrast after I’ve made my initial notes.
This one sounds like a true winner, so I’ll make an exception and have two critics’ opinions to check back with, hoping I’ll forget both of your notes before I take my first sip. Cheers!
I did not know you grew Viognier there! Very interesting. Must try some. Ohio wines are pretty good too, but pricey. BYW we did not find any Yellow Spot. Yet. I did see something called Green Spot. Is it related?
It is related, but not as good (my very strong opinion) and not as coveted–and of course, much easier to find.
Keep searching (ask all the pubmasters because if they have it, they ain’t gonna advertise it), and enjoy Ireland!
http://vignobles-alain-jaume.com/france/
Alain Jaume and his sons (et ses ses fils, not “beaux” ^^ in that case. )”beaux-fils ” could mean: stepson or: son in law.
Thanks, so then how do I say, “his handsome sons”?
Lol
It becomes difficult. You can write “ses beaux fils ” but in French we would understand “his stepsons”. As you can’t say ” ses fils beaux” , maybe you could use another adjective ” ses fils superbes” or write
” ses magnifiques fils” – in slang: ” ses fils canon” – or “ses fils, les beaux gosses” (ok, that’s slang!) . Translation is not that easy….;)
I like “ses fils superbes”! I will use that 🙂