Look at those scores!!! Big and beautiful! TWO 96 points. A 95 from Vinous. Jeb Dunnuck called it “one of the finest examples of this cuvée I’ve tasted” and Wine Enthusiast praised it as an “intensely berried bottling.”

Love to hear it.

But we really aren’t surprised. Because the genius behind this micro-production luxury cuvée is the late and great Philippe Cambie. This is one of the last wines he finished, and like many that came before it delivers BIG TIME.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate acknowledges that as “run by the Jeaune Family, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie, the wines of Grand Tinel always lead with fruit and possess beautiful and classic Southern Rhône characters.” That, and then some! Leave it to us to take the $95 retail price and dial it down under $50.

Cambie’s track record includes Clos Saint Jean in the South of France to Jamet in the North to his California collaboration with Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non. From 1998, up until his untimely passing last year, he truly was one of the top consultants in the world, period.

A moving eulogy by Wine Enthusiast can be found here.

Under the cork you’ll find black, purple, and blue liquid that oozes out of the bottle like jet fuel. The nose could easily be worn as a perfume, with heady aromas of macerated clove-studded cherries, bright kirsch notes, a touch of molasses and balsamic, and earthy minerals. One sip and you know you made a good choice with spicy rich black and red fruits, red licorice, sweet raspberry, and freshly cracked Tellicherry and even Sichuan peppercorns. The long, long finish leaves you yearning for the next sip, as the sweet tannins resonate seemingly in an endless loop, where few Grenaches have ever gone before. Enjoy it on its own with cigars, or over a lavish platter of well-aged cheeses, and luxurious charcuterie.

Only 6 barrels were imported of the 15 made – the few cases we got may not last the day.

96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“All Grenache, the smaller production 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Alexis Establet reveals a surprisingly dense purple color as well as a stunning bouquet of black raspberries, new leather, candied orange peel, and ground pepper. This carries to a full-bodied, pure, beautifully balanced, seamless 2019 that has loads of character and charm. It might be one of the finest examples of this cuvée I’ve tasted. It benefits from air (I followed this bottle for two days) and is going to have two decades of overall longevity. Drink 2021-2041.”

96 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Aromas of blackberry compote and cherry-vanilla bonbons introduce this deeply concentrated Grenache. In contrast to the producer’s unoaked Heres, this intensely berried bottling showcases old-vine Grenache matured 18 months in new and old oak casks, lending roundness and heft to the palate along with subtle accents of ash and singed anise. Framed by fine-grained but penetrating tannins, this powerful wine should drink well for decades to come.”

95 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Deep, brilliant ruby-red. Expansive aromas of candied red berries, fruitcake and incense take on exotic spice and garrigue qualities with air. Juicy and concentrated on the palate, offering sappy raspberry, cherry cola, vanilla and allspice flavors and hints of lavender and mocha. Velvety tannins add shape to an extremely long, seamless finish that leaves a resonating floral note behind. Drink 2025-2035.”