Over-Achieving Cotes-du-Rhone Reds from Domaine Les Aphillanthes - Saturday, Jan 8, 2011 - 12-4 pm

Biodynamic, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Events, France, Grenache, Grower, Merlot, Mourvedre, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Sale, Syrah, Tasting, Vaucluse No Responses »
Jan 052011

Please join us this Saturday, January 8th, from 12PM until 4PM for a tasting of highly-rated and exceptional Cotes-du-Rhones featuring the wines of Domaine Les Aphillanthes.

This estate, located in the village of Travaillan, and run by perfectionist Daniel Boulle, has quickly emerged as one of the most serious Cotes du Rhone producers. – Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Finding this secluded chais (and the glorious wines inside) is one of the great discoveries of my career as an importer. As Robert Parker stated in Issue 131 of The Wine Advocate, the wines of Daniel Boulle “may be the richest Cotes du Rhone I have tasted”. Certainly for me they are. Daniel had, prior to the 1999 vintage, sold virtually his entire production to the cooperative, but urged on by friends and family, he experimented with vinification and bottling for the first time that vintage. The results were very promising, to say the least. What makes Daniel Boulle so special, in my opinion, is his absolute perfection in growing. His yields are minute and the fruit is perfect.

One cuvee of Cotes du Rhone Villages called Cuvee des Galets, 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, from yields of only 20-22 hl/ha (less than half of what he is allowed to produce), possesses a physiological ripeness, concentration and texture unlike any other Cotes du Rhone I have experienced. And that is the least ambitious of his cuvees. He makes another, called Cuvee 3 Cepage of equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre where all the grapes are harvested at the same time, in October, the time for harvesting Mourvedre. This made the Grenache and Syrah super ripe, and the blend is nearly 15% natural. In discussing it with Daniel Boulle it is clear that this cuvee is very dear to him, being the most difficult to achieve. A third cuvee called Le Cros is 100% Syrah from yields of 17-18 hl/ha. Aged in barrique and demi-muids, much in the fashion of a great Northern Rhone, but with the ripeness and character of the Southern Rhone. The evolution of this wine should be fabulous. His fourth cuvee, in minuscule quantities, is of Mouvedre pur, yields of 15-16 hl/ha and ripeness of over 14.5% (virtually unheard of for Mourvedre in France). – Peter Weygandt

The Lineup:

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2009, List Price $12.99/btl, Sale Price $10.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 30% Grenache, 25% Merlot, 25% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre – 14% abv – Biodynamic - Composed of nearly equal parts Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, the 2009 Vin de Pays is dominated by its berry fruit, but it also offers notions of earth, spice box, and tobacco leaf. Drink it over the next year.

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes-du-Rhone 2009, List Price $17.99, Sale Price $14.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The impressively endowed 2009 Cotes du Rhones fashioned by proprietor Daniel Boulle from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard will be hitting the market this fall. The generic 2009 Cotes du Rhone (80% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre and Carignan) achieved nearly 15% natural alcohol. Its dark ruby hue is followed by abundant aromas of berry fruit, earth, cherries, and herbs. Very Provencal/Mediterranean in style, this gutsy, slightly rustic wine is perfect for bistros and wine bars. Consume it over the next 1-2 years. – Rated 89 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Le Cros 2007, List Price $25.99/btl, Sale Price $21.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Le Cros (100% Syrah) reveals complex notes of creme de cassis, road tar, gamey meat, licorice, and flowers. In the mouth, the wine is pure fruit, with loads of glycerin, sweet tannin, and adequate acidity. While not a classic example of Provence, it is a very successful, mono-cepage offering. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. As I have written in the past, this biodynamically farmed estate is a treasure-trove of excellent as well as value-priced wines. Proprietor Daniel Boulle offers a multitude of cuvees, and his 2007s seem to hit all the sweet spots on the palate. – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate.

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Vieilles Vignes 2007, List Price $28.99/btl, Sale Price $23.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 100% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - Bold and very ripe, with delicious, almost gushing layers of blackberry, fig compote and boysenberry, all held together by a strong minerally spine and a long, racy graphite finish. Rock-solid and very impressive for the appellation. Drink now through 2011. 500 cases made. - Rated 92 Points, Wine Spectator; 92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Sale prices are net, no further discount may apply.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 9:33 pm

Domaine Charvin Vintage Vertical Tasting and Rhone Valley Wine Sale - Sat, Dec 4, 2010 - 12-4 pm

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Events, France, Grenache, Grower, Mourvedre, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, Vaccarese, Winemaker 2 Responses »
Dec 012010

Please join Peter Weygandt and the staff of Weygandt Wines this Saturday, December 4th, from 12PM until 4PM for a tasting of one of the Rhône Valley’s all time great producers, Domaine Charvin.

Gerard Charvin and his son, Laurent, represent the quintessence of the small domaine/father and son team. They have only 8 ha. of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and half of that they sell off to negociants, keeping only the best lots for the Châteauneuf of Domaine Charvin. What goes into their Châteauneuf is about 82% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Vaccarèse from their vines averaging about 50 years of age (the oldest being 70 years). Together they combine the experience and patience of Gerard with the wine making brilliance of Laurent, now regarded as one of the top wine-makers in the appellation by Guy Julien, famous owner of the restaurant Beaugraviere in Mondragon and assembler of its unequalled Rhône list.

Words that come to mind in describing the style of Charvin’s wine would include at the top, silky, velvety, and smooth. There are no harsh or dry tannins and they are always impeccably balanced. Descriptors that Robert Parker uses also include seductive, sexy, smoky, blackberry, cherry, hedonistic, flamboyant and blockbuster. These are indeed some of the best examples of the appellation and represent a very unique and extraordinary style that is immediately recognizable, and thus literally an artistic expression.

One of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s young turks is Laurent Charvin, who represents the sixth generation of the family to run this estate (which was founded in 1851). Prior to 1990, the entire production was sold to negociants, but the estate-bottled production has gradually risen as consumers have recognized the quality in the bottle (which to me has always come close to what was produced at Chateau Rayas under the late Jacques Reynaud). It is a small estate, with a production of approximately 2,500 cases from their 20 acres of vines, all located in the northern tier of the appellation, next to the grand estate of Maucoil. – The Wine Advocate #185, Oct. 2009

The Lineup:

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2001, List Price $110.99, Tasting Price $74.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Dark and dense, this very powerful Chateauneuf oozes dark chocolate, black currant, tar, mineral, grilled beef and roasted chestnut flavors that just won’t quit. Yet despite its exotic range of flavors, it has a pure, silky core of fruit that remains steadfast through the extremely long finish. An awesome young wine. Best from 2006 through 2024. 2,350 cases made. – Rated 96 points, Wine Spectator; 95 points, The Wine Advocate; 94 points, International Wine Cellar

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2003, List Price $103.99, Tasting Price $69.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Terrific example of the vintage – this is loaded with the pepper, garrigue, grilled herb and briary tannins, all backed by powerful layers of dark currant, plum and blackberry fruit. Lingering hint of dried orange peel adds further dimension. Best from 2007 through 2030. 2,730 cases made. – Wine Spectator 96 Points, 94 points, International Wine Cellar; 93 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2004, List Price $65.99, Tasting Price $48.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Bright red. Complex nose displays ripe red berries, cherry skin, tobacco, potpourri and smoky minerals. Fleshy but focused, with pure, juicy red berry and cherry preserve flavors, supple texture and completely hidden tannins. Sweet and silky enough to drink now, but this wine’s balance and freshness will allow for a slow and positive development. I scored this at 94 points on release and will stick with that. – Rated 93 Points, International Wine Cellar; 92 points, Wine Spectator; 90 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2005, List Price $85.99, Tasting Price $46.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Forward and lush for the vintage, with dark currant and fig paste flavors backed by licorice, coffee, garrigue and braised beef notes. The long, smoky finish has a lingering touch of mesquite. The profile is black fruit, but the structure is remarkably elegant for the vintage, with lovely poise. Drink now through 2023. – Rated 94 points, Wine Spectator; 94 points, International Wine Cellar; 93 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2008, List Price $42.99, Tasting Price $35.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is a sexy, medium to full-bodied effort with far more depth, richness and seductive powers than most Chateauneuf du Papes in this vintage. A classic blend of 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Syrah and Vaccarese has resulted in a deep plum/ruby-hued 2008 displaying loads of kirsch, pepper and licorice notes. The fruit is sweet, the tannins silky and the wine very seductive and evolved. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 4:38 pm

Manfred Tement's Styrian Whites - In-Store Tasting and Sale - Sat, Sept 25, 1-4 pm

Austria, Events, Grower, Muscat, Organic, Pinot Blanc, Producer, Sale, Sauvignon Blanc, Styria, Tasting, White Wine No Responses »
Sep 222010


Southern Styria is a traditional production area which enjoys excellent growing conditions, especially for white grapes. For this reason, 95% of the vineyard area at their Estate is devoted to white varieties and only 5% to red wine grapes (Blauer Zweigelt). The Tement Estate lies on a narrow plateau, into which the slope of the Zieregg cru gently flattens. The Tements aim to make two basic styles of wine at the Estate, of which the majority belongs to the category known as “Steirische Klassik” (“Styrian Classics”).

Tement’s expansion has not stopped at the Slovenian border, and in 2006 he acquired the neighboring holdings of the Carmelites – where his father long worked as winemaker – and since replanted their 90 year old patchwork of vine varieties to insure more Zieregg Sauvignon for the future. Tement has begun using glass stoppers on his wines in lieu of corks. Given the extent of his offerings and given that I travel to Styria only every other year, I cannot pretend to have tasted Tement’s entire 2005 and 2006 collections, but only the subset (perhaps half) that he chose to show me in the time we had available. Tement is modifying his approach with Sauvignon – especially in the top sites – having decided that lower yields and the consequent ability to harvest somewhat earlier are more advantageous (not to mention less risky) than the long hang time he has traditionally practiced with this variety. – David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Please join us on Saturday, September 25, from 1 pm to 4 pm, for an in-store tasting and sale of our line of Manfred Tement’s outstanding Styrian white wines. The Lineup:

Manfred Tement Gelber Muskateller Steirische Klassik 2006, List Price $22.99, Sale Price $19.54 – Styria, Austria – 100% Muscat – 11.5% abv – Organic - Pale green-yellow. Aromas of fragrant elder blossom, grapefruit and ripe Golden Delicious apple. Crisp and dry, with a strong mineral character giving the finish an appetizing quality. Makes an ideal aperitif.

Manfred Tement Weissburgunder Steirische Klassik 2007, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $16.99 – Styria, Austria – 100% Pinot Blanc – 12% abv – Organic - Pale green-yellow. Fresh pear, walnut and lemon verbena on the nose. Medium-bodied, with elegant, harmonious acid giving this charming and food-friendly pinot blanc an attractively light touch. Yellow apple and cool wet rock flavors in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Drink now to 2012. – Rated 89 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Steirische Klassik 2008, List Price $24.99, Sale Price $18.74 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic – Pale green-yellow. Intense grapefruit zest, bell pepper and fresh-cut grass on the nose. Light to medium in body and nicely balanced, with refreshing gooseberry flavor lifted by juicy acidity. Wet rock, lemon and elderflower linger on the moderately long finish. Drink now through 2014. – Rated 89 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg 2007, List Price $39.99, Sale Price $33.99 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 13% abv – Organic – Pale yellow-green. Inviting aromas of gooseberry, cassis, grapefruit zest and fresh herbs. Concentrated blackcurrant and gooseberry flavors are given definition and a distinctly elegant quality by crisp, refreshing acidity, which extends the wine’s finish. Very nicely balanced and appetizing sauvignon blanc, for drinking through 2012. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2005, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $42.49 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 14% abv – Organic – Medium green-yellow. The broad spectrum of aromas and flavors includes cassis, lichee, green mango, red bell pepper and vanilla. Concentrated and creamy, with near-perfect balancing acidity. Very long finish features grapefruit, gooseberry and paprika. Offers excellent potential for further development in the bottle. Drink 2007 to 2015. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2006, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $42.49 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 14% abv – Organic – Medium green-yellow. Compellingly complex aromas of gooseberry, orange, cassis and lichee joined by intense, smoky flint and leafy nuances. At once powerful and light on its feet thanks to a filigree acid structure. The abundant, mineral-tinged fruit flavors of orange and grapefruit linger impressively on the vibrant, rich finish. A sauvignon with excellent potential for further development in bottle. Drink now to 2016. – Rated 93 points, International Wine Cellar

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 5:27 pm

Yannick Amirault's Reference Point Loire Valley Reds: Bourgueil and St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil Saturday Tasting and Sale

Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Events, France, Grower, Loire, Organic, Producer, Red Wine, Sale, St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Tasting, Winemaker No Responses »
Sep 152010

The villages of Bourgueil and neighboring St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil lay just west of Tours almost in the center of the Loire Valley. Here the grape for the red wines is Cabernet Franc grown on limestone vineyards some two kilometers north of the Loire River. At their best, the wines produced in these appellations give, if not the literal structure of Bordeaux, much of the charm, but their own individual character. And 100 years ago, were considered much the equal of Bordeaux. But times and fashions change. However, the quality of Yannick Amirault’s wines speaks for itself. Great quality, very flavorful and attractive wines.

In the last ten years, the wines of this Yannick Amirault’s Pavillon du Grand Clos, have appeared as the most complex and the most consistent of the appellations Bourgueil and St. Nicholas de Bourgueil. The wines of the domaine are characterized by body, cleaness, charm and in a great vintage, by aristocracy…. Amirault’s wines have a maturity of tannins that is rare. When the vintage accentuates this search for maturity, certain cuvées swing towards opulence, but still serve as a reference for the finesse des matieres. – Le Classement, Revue du Vin de France

Join us on Saturday, September 18th from 12PM – 4PM for what promises to be an excellent tasting. Like all of our Saturday, In-Store Tastings, this event is free and all are welcome (must be 21 years of age to sample wines). The Lineup:

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “La Coudraye” 2008, Regular Price $20.99,  Sale Price $17.84 – Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13% abv – Organic - Solid, with dark currant and briar notes backed by flint and iron hints and a lingering maduro tobacco note on the gutsy finish. Drink now through 2011. – Rated 89 Points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil “La Mine” 2008, Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $22.99 – St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Fresh and racy, with alluring black tea and olive notes weaving through the core of black cherry and plum fruit. The polished finish lets a tobacco edge linger nicely. Drink now through 2011. – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “Le Grand Clos” 2007, Regular Price $27.99,  Sale Price $23.79 – Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Still fresh, despite the mature hints of tea and cedar around the edges. A lively core of mulled red and black cherry fruit is backed by tobacco and olive hints, with a lovely, perfume- and mineral-filled finish. Drink now. – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Deep, bright red. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, cassis, licorice and smoky minerals. At once dense and juicy, with a medicinal reserve and building minerality giving a serious mien to the sweet dark fruit flavors. Graceful and precise but has solid structure for the vintage. Finishes with silky tannins and very good spicy length. – Rated 90 Points, International Wine Cellar

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “La Petite Cave” 2007, Regular Price $35.99,  Sale Price $30.59 – Bourgueil, Loire, Franc – 100% Cabernet France – 12.5% abv – Organic - This racy red is a chalky spine driving the black cherry and black currant fruit, all backed by liberal tobacco and bittersweet cocoa notes. Grippy but fresh on the lengthy finish. Rock-solid. Drink now through 2012. – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil “Les Malgagnes” 2008, Regular Price $31.99,  Sale Price $27.19 – St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13% abv – Organic - Lively, with open-knit blackberry, blueberry and cherry fruit, laced with sweet tapenade and spice notes. A bouncy edge on the finish lets the gorgeous, pure fruit play out without losing focus, while a tobacco edge chimes in for added depth. Drink now through 2012. – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 5:26 pm

Chablis Winemaker Tasting with Francois Servin, Saturday Tasting & Sale

Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, Events, France, Grower, Producer, Sale, Sustainable, Tasting, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
Aug 052010

It was late June that Weygandt Wines hosted a dinner at Dino to showcase Domaine Servin’s excellent 2008 vintage Chablis. Just by chance, Francois is coming to America and we’ve arranged to have him in our wine shop on Saturday, August 7th, to pour a selection of his wines and to answer your questions.

“François Servin, along with his Australian brother-in-law Mark Cameron, direct the operations of this 30 ha domaine. Cameron’s succinct take on 2008 was that while 2008 has ‘turned out very well, had in not been for the cool and dry weather coupled with a good north wind in September, we might have been looking at a very different outcome. We began picking on the 29th of September and brought in very clean fruit with relatively thick skins, which was also courtesy of the wind. Potential alcohols averaged around 12.5% but we did have a few wines come in close to 13%. The alcoholics [alcoholic fermentations] were relatively long and I attribute this to the fact that the harvest weather was quite cool so naturally the grapes, and therefore the must, were also quite cool. We stirred the lees for longer than usual to try and add flesh to the wines because the acidity, even post-malo, is on the high side. The interesting thing is that from a tasting perspective, even with the high acidity the concentration is such that you don’t really notice the structure. I think the ’08s will be great in time as it’s an old style vintage but the acid is ripe.’ As I have reported in the past, Cameron has been an advocate for decreasing the amount of wood used and he has been successful in this regard as it is considerably less than in the past and this trend continued in 2008 as both the Preuses and the Blanchots were raised in 100% stainless. By contrast, the Les Clos and Bougros are 100% raised in oak though not necessarily new wood.” – Burghound

Please join us this Saturday, August 7th, at Weygandt Wines, from 1PM until 4PM to meet winemaker Francois Servin, taste stunning Chablis, and take some home with you at special pricing! The Lineup:

Domaine Servin Petit Chablis 2008, Regular Price $22.99, Sale Price $19.54 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “This is on the ripe side for the appellation as there are hints of exotic fruit on the otherwise very fresh nose that leads to lemon-suffused flavors that possess good energy on the clean and bright finish. This offers very solid quality for its level and is worth a look.” - Rated 87 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis Premiere Cuvee Les Pargues 2008, Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $21.24 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “. . . offering up notes of white orchard fruit and oyster shell notes that carry over to the delicious, intense and sappy middle weight flavors that culminate in a citrusy and lingering finish.” – Rated 87-89 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis Vieilles Vignes Selection Massale 2008, Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $22.09 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “A discreet if not invisible touch of wood sets off fresh, intense and layered aromas of green fruit, sea breeze and wet stone that introduce concentrated and quite serious medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a balanced, linear, precise and intensely mineral-driven finish. This is very much fashioned in the old school style of Chablis made in the 1980s. Recommended.” – Rated 88-91 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2008, Regular Price $33.99, Sale Price $28.89 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “Classic Chablis aromas of iodine, green fruit and sea weed precede the powerful and well-muscled if not elegant flavors brimming with dry extract that do a fine job of buffering the firm acid spine that underpins the driving and bone dry finish.” – Rated 90-92 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2008, Regular Price $33.99, Sale Price $28.89 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “A deft touch of wood allows the citrus and floral aromas liberally laced with seashore nuances to gracefully introduce powerful yet elegant and beautifully focused flavors brimming with extract and a very fine minerality that stain the palate on the balanced, pure and vibrant finish. Lovely.” – Rated 91-93 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis Grand Cru Bougerots 2008, Regular Price $65.99, Sale Price $56.09 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “Like the Butteaux, this offers terrific character and complexity if limited elegance and finesse on the orchard fruit, lemon and orange zest plus tidal pool hints that continue on the big, rich and impressively powerful large-scaled flavors that possess a seductively textured mouth feel on the equally long but actually deeper finish. Though not as pretty, this is presently every bit as interesting as the Blanchots.” – Rated 91-94 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot 2008, Regular Price $66.99, Sale Price $56.94 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “A similar nose of white flower and citrus nuances is enhanced by white peach and spiced pear notes that are in perfect keeping with the extremely rich and full-bodied flavors blessed with buckets of extract that renders the firm core of ripe acidity almost invisible yet the long finish remains focused and vibrant.” – Rated 91-94 Points, Burghound

Domaine Servin Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2008, Regular Price $71.99, Sale Price $61.19 – Chablis, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - “It’s not a complete surprise that this is the most elegant and refined wine in the range in 2008 as the ultra pure, airy and lacy white flower, citrus, salt water and stony aromas complement to perfection the extremely fresh and silky textured flavors blessed with ample amounts of acid-buffering dry extract that culminate in a poised, harmonious and utterly classy finale. An impressive effort by any standard.” – Rated 92-95 Points, Burghound

*Wine that will be offered for tasting on Saturday

Special sale prices last through Saturday, August 7th. No other offers may be applied.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 6:45 pm

In Good Company . . . Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Tasting and Sale - Sat, May 22 1-4 pm

Beaujolais, Burgundy, Chardonnay, Events, France, Gamay, Grower, Organic, Producer, Red Wine, Sale, Tasting, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
May 192010

“What helped a lot was wine,” he said. “As food grew scarcer, we drank more and more of it. Occasionally on Saturday evenings, we would buy ten or twelve bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage, Mercury, Moulin-a-Vent, Julienas, Chambertin, Bonnes Mares or Musigny and have an evening of drinking and singing.” – Varian Fry, quoted in Wine & War, p. 115

It has been some time since Beaujolais was mentioned in the same company as Burgundy grands crus such as Bonnes Mares, Chambertin and Musigny . . . But over little more than the last decade, there has been rise to a number of profound producers in Beaujolais. Among the very best, is Pierre-Marie Chermette of Domaine du Vissoux.
“I search out wines as naturally made as possible; but only if this contributes to the wine being better. Domaine du Vissoux may just be the most perfect expression in my whole portfolio of what I seek, for this very ability to be natural and great, at once.” – Peter Weygandt

“Pierre Chermette has successfully expanded from his base in southern Beaujolais without quality in any way suffering; on the contrary his mastery of the northern Beaujolais crus is now also a fait accompli. . . . Prices have crept upward, but given the quality – not to mention the labors needed to achieve it – one can hardly complain. Yields were very low in 2008, a condition, Chermette opines, for achieving genuine and complete ripeness.” – David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 1PM – 4PM, Weygandt Wines welcomes you to a free tasting of the Domaine du Vissoux range of wines. And as a plus . . . we’re offering special pricing on Vissoux wines through that Saturday! Come, taste and enjoy, and stock up for summer and beyond! The Vissoux Lineup:

Beaujolais Blanc Cépage Chardonnay 2008, Regularly $21.99, On Sale $18.69/bottle – Beaujolais, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Organic

Beaujolias Cuvée Traditionnelle Vieilles Vignes 2008, Regularly $17.99, On Sale $15.29/bottle – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12% abv – Organic - “Chermette’s 2008 Beaujolais Vieilles Vignes Cuvee Traditionelle – vinified, like his other estate wines, without chaptalization or yeasting and with a minimum of added sulfur – is as usual light in body (at 11.5% alcohol) but full of flavor and underlying extract, this year displaying a darker fruit shading than usual. Underlying nut oils, chalk dust, and strong pit fruit notes give the finish a more serious and slightly less exuberant tone than in some years, but make no mistake about this being a wine of class, complexity, and generosity. Enjoy this over the next 2-3 years.” – Rated 89 Points, The Wine Advocate

Brouilly Pierreux 2007, Regularly $25.99, On Sale $22.09/bottle – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Organic - “There are fascinating mineral nuances and a striking degree of lift in the finish. In its third year now, Chermette’s 2008 Brouilly Pierreux brims with cassis and blueberry, underlain by nutty richness and hints of wet stone. Medium-bodied, it nevertheless evinces a good sense of lift and refreshment, tart fruit skin and almost horseradish like pungency lending striking invigoration to the finish. Enjoy this over the next 2-3 years.” – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

Fleurie Poncié 2008, Regularly $26.99, On Sale $22.94/bottle – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Organic - “The Vissoux 2008 Fleurie Poncie offers palate-staining black fruits and serious grip, with iodine and peat, rose hip and cherry pit; and as usual for this site, salt and stone lending intriguing complexity. The sheer lip-smacking juiciness on display here can draw your attention from its complexity. Cellar it for at least 4-5 years.” – Rated 91 Points, The Wine Advocate

Fleurie Les Garants 2008, Regularly $27.99, On Sale $23.79/bottle – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Organic - “From similarly middle-aged vines on decomposed granite, Chermette’s 2008 Fleurie Les Garants – from some of the highest elevations in its appellation, and like the Couderts’ Clos de la Roilette, classified as Moulin-a-Vent until 1927 – evinces a smoky, alkaline overlay to its panoply of ripe yet tart fruits. Reflecting its late harvest, there is a spicy intensity and abundance of inner-mouth esters yet as always from this site, an energy and brightness – in this instance of cherry and rhubarb – but this year an especially serious sense of grip, and a less treble, high-toned personality than the Poncie. Here too, 4-5 years’ bottle potential seems a conservative estimate.” – Rated 91 Points, The Wine Advocate

Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches 2008, Regularly $28.99, On Sale $24.64/bottle  – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Organic - “The Vissoux 2007 Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches was assembled in tank when I tasted it. Aromas of cedar and cinnamon accent its blackberry fruit, which comes onto the palate with a tart leading edge, making for a saliva-inducing brightness even as the wine displays profound depth of fruit, meat and mineral matter, palpable extract, and sheer grip. Fine-grained tannins reinforce the impression of a wine that will relish a half dozen years in the cellar.” – Rated 91-92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Above Wines On Sale Through Saturday, May 22, 2010.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 6:47 pm

Saturday In-Store Tasting and Sale: Domaine Albert Mann with Maurice Barthelme

Alsace, Auxerrois, Biodynamic, Events, France, Gewurtztraminer, Grower, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Producer, Red Wine, Riesling, Sale, Tasting, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
Apr 292010

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 1PM – 4PM, Weygandt Wines welcomes Maurice Barthelme of legendary Alsatian Domaine Albert Mann, as we host an in-store wine tasting and sale at Weygandt Wines. What makes Alsace truly remarkable is the broad spectrum of flavors and styles that its many grape varieties offer; from Auxerrois, to Pinot Blanc, to Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. And it is a region that offers wines that may be paired with virtually any type of cuisine.

The Barthelme brothers, two giants in physical stature, benefit from the ideal micro-climate of Colmar, producing wines that are rich, onctuous, endowed with significant residual sugar but well integrated in concentration as is typical of Hengst and Furstentum. – Le Classement, 1999 Revue du Vin de France

The Barthelme brothers, winemaker Jacky and viticulturist Maurice, have now attained the recognition they deserve. Rated by The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker placed them in the top tier of Alsace producers and they have a One Star Rating in The Classement by Revue du Vin de France. From the Pinot Auxerrois, through all their expressive Grand Crus, to their rich, Selection Grains Noble, they portray their unique style consistently; beautiful delineation of flavors and precise textures, never heavy, clumsy or out of balance.

Please visit our Domaine Albert Mann producer page at the link above to view all Mann wines, prices and reviews. The Lineup:

Domaine Albert Mann Cremant d’Alsace Non Vintage,$23.99 $19.99/btl – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Based on the same varietal blend as their Pinot Blanc, the Barthelme’s non-vintage Cremant d’Alsace (the lot under review is L34) offers citrus zest and floral aromas, delicate mousse, and a salty, chalky, wet stone-inflected and subtly bitter finish. Enjoy this admirably clear, pure traditional sparkling wine over the next 6-9 months. Compared with it, most Alsace Cremant is sadly lacking in concentration or personality. – 88 point, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Blanc 2008,$17.99 $15.29/btl – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Soft, fuzzy yellow fruit flavors with strong minerality. Suprisingly rich for a Pinot Blanc, it has a creaminess that belies this often lean varietal. (This has something to do with the blend of almost half Auxerrois.) Great as an aperitif or with hors d’oeuvres, but equally at home paired with fish and chicken or similarly light fare.

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Gris Grand Cru Hengst 2007, $34.99 $29.74/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Pinot Gris – 13.5% abv – Biodynamic - Yellow golden colour with clear glints of beautiful intensity. The frank, pleasant nose, of beautiful intensity, shows a fruity dominance, fruit with white flesh and quince, very complex. The airing unveils pear and a slightly earthy character but shows a nice aromatic concentration. First contact is ample, mellow, and heady; there’s a beautiful freshness. It develops to a fine vivacity where flavors reveal quince fruit and smoke. The finish shows beautiful length and a frank vivacity. This wine goes very well with grilled veal chop and chanterelle mushroom.

Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Furstentum 2007, $44.99 $38.24/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Riesling – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - A black licorice note wraps around ripe flavors of apple, yellow peach and pineapple in this rich white, which is just off-dry and juicy, with a honeyed, lightly smoky finish. Drink now through 2019. 160 cases made. – 91 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Steingrubler 2007, $34.99 $29.74/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Gewurztraminer – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic – Yellow straw golden colour, of beautiful intensity with clear glints. The nose is frank and racyand it unveils dominant fruity aromas–citrus fruit, grapefruit, floral perfume, rose, laurel, litchi, spices. The airing intensifies the floral character, rose, revealing a fine smoky touch, flint, mineral. The nose shows a beautiful maturity of the grape in an exuberant and sensual style, very pleasant. The first contact is both rich and soft and the wine develops to a frank vivacity and the aromatic scale reveals the candied, exotic, floral note, litchi, as well as secondary perfumes. It finishes with a beautiful length and a fine, refreshing vivacity. The structure is rich, fleshy, tasty; the subjacent vivacity refreshes well the richness of the wine, beautiful aromatic purity. Reserve it for tasty, rich dishes, as a crab gratin with ginger and citrus fruit, soft cheeses with rind or simply drink it for itself with good friends.

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Noir Clos de la Faille 2006, $46.99 $39.94/btl – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Cherry red colour with purplish glints with a beautiful intensity; the disk is brilliant, limpid, transparent. Pleasant nose unveiling fine flavours of ripe fruit, red fruit, red currant, blackcurrant, cherry as well as a slight woody touch. The airing intensifies the fruity character, blackberries, fruit of the forest as well as a slight animal and spicy character, including cinnamon. The nose is remarkably deep and precise. It’s ample and fleshy and the alcohol is well balanced though a tense vivacity develops. The range of flavours is delicate with a dominance of red fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant,  blueberry, fruit of the forest and a delicately woody note. Tannins are soft, ripe and delicately astringent. The finish shows a beautiful medium length, extraction is perfect and the aromatic range pure. It’s a natural match with a lamb loin.

Sale Ends at Closing on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 3:04 pm

Thierry Brouin of Domaine des Lambrays - The Lineup

Burgundy, Chardonnay, Events, France, Grower, Morey-St.-Denis, Organic, Pinot Noir, Producer, Red Wine, Tasting, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
Apr 032010

Not much to say here other than we’re opening Grand Cru Burgundy for our tasting today with Thierry Brouin of Domaine des Lambrays. From 1-4 pm, Thierry will be in the shop to pour/talk about his world-class organic wines. The Lineup:

Domaine des Lambrays Premier Cru Clos du Cailleret 2006, $108.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13.5% abv – Organic – The floral and citrus-infused nose is fresher and with slightly better integration of the wood treatment that introduces pretty and intense medium weight flavors that possess good if not great delineation and an underlying mineral streak on the moderately long finish that also evidences a bit of wood. This is certainly a perfectly good effort; moreover it’s extremely forward and could easily be drunk now with pleasure. – BH 89 points

Domaine des Lambrays Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Folatieres 2007, $108.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13.5% abv – Organic – A modest wood treatment sets off cool white flower and citrus zest aromas that merge into round, soft and nicely voluminous flavors that possess an attractive hint of minerality on the delicious and acceptably precise finish. Best drunk young. – BH 89 points

Domaine des Lambrays Morey-St.-Denis 2007, $59.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13.5% abv – Organic – A somber yet expressive nose of red berry with herbal, underbrush and earth undertones leads to rich, full and relatively supple middle weight flavors that possess good depth and a gentle hint of finishing minerality. While this could be drunk now with pleasure, I would suggest holding if for a few years first. – BH 88 points

Domaine des Lambrays Morey-St.-Denis Premier Cru Les Loups 2007, $89.99/btl – Organic – A complex nose of flowers, spice and wild berries complements the silky texture in this deep, complex red. It’s pure and focused, with grace and a lingering aftertaste of licorice and mineral. Best from 2012 through 2022. 25 cases imported. – WS 92 points

Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 2007, $139.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13.5% abv – Organic – Spice, floral and wild berry aromas lead to raspberry, cherry and mineral flavors in this stylish red. This is firmly structured, with the requisite sweet fruit to match its tannins. Excellent length. Best from 2012 through 2024. 100 cases imported. – WS 93 points

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 3:34 pm

Thierry Brouin of Domaine des Lambrays - Sat., April 3, 1-4 pm

Burgundy, Events, France, Grower, Morey-St.-Denis, Pinot Noir, Producer, Red Wine, Tasting, Winemaker No Responses »
Apr 012010

Everyone is invited to visit Weygandt Wines on Saturday, April 3, from 1PM-4PM for an extraordinary wine tasting with Peter Weygandt and Thierry Brouin, longtime regisseur of the famous Domaine des Lambrays in Burgundy’s Morey-Saint-Denis. M. Brouin will lead us through samples of the Domaine’s rare Puligny-Montrachets, Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Loup and Grand Cru Clos des Lambrays. In the words of Michel Bettane, one of France’s most influential wine critics, “…the Clos des Lambrays is an extraordinary terroir, capable of giving wines that, in generosity of savour and length rival the greatest…”

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is a fan of Burgundy, or who is interested in learning about this legendary wine-growing region. For further information about Domaine des Lambrays and theirs wines, please visit their producer page on our website HERE. Stay tuned for the Lineup and more info…

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 6:16 pm

Mas Martinet with Sara Pérez - Sat., March 27 - 1-4 pm

Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Events, Grenache, Grower, Priorat, Producer, Red Wine, Spain, Syrah, Tasting No Responses »
Mar 272010

On Saturday, March 27th, Weygandt Wines is proud to welcome Sara Pérez of Mas Martinet in Spain’s Tarragona region, as she visits our retail shop for a special in-store tasting event of some of Spain’s greatest wines.

“In ancient times, Tarragona  was a major Roman colony, and the capital city from which the province takes its name is filled with significant Roman ruins, including a seaside amphitheater. The Romans, and prior to their tenure the Greeks, made wine here, but the “modern” winemaking history of the region dates to the 12th century and the Carthusian monastery, or priory (priorat in Catalan), from which the Priorat area takes its name. The Scala Dei (Ladder to God) winery was founded in 1973 on the grounds of the once-magnificent monastery. For nearly two decades, its rustic but palatable wines were the only ones from the region known to the outside world.

“What has happened in the province of Tarragona over a short span of years is nothing short of mind-boggling. Rather than mere change, there has been upheaval every bit as dramatic as the ancient geological events that created the region’s strikingly beautiful landscape.

“The surge in quality can be credited largely to five once-fledgling producers whose names are now well known, with some approaching cult status – René Barbier (Clos Mogador), Carles Pastrana (Clos de L’Obac), Josep Lluís Pérez (Mas Martinet), Daphne Glorian (Clos Erasmus) and Alvaro Palacios (L’Ermita). They descended upon Priorat in 1989 to make wine together. Their exceptional achievements caused a ripple effect that spurred the momentum.” - Gerry Dawes, The Wine News, Tarragona’s Powerful New-Age Reds

The wines of Priorat are today Spain’s finest reds, and the equal of the best that the French Mediterranean and all of Italy produces. It is a wild region, of steep, terraced vineyards that date to Roman times. The typical terroir is composed mainly of ragged and broken slate (schist, or llicorella in the Catalan dialect), lending a distinct character and finesse to the region’s best wines.

Wine making at Mas Martinet is at once simple and brilliant as described by Drew Matich from Pulling the Cork, August 2009: “. . . the bottom line is this: Sara’s wines faithfully reflect the grapes of the vineyard in any given year. There are no winemaker games played to optimize or equalize the wine across different vintages. The grapes are blended, fermented, and aged as they come out of the vineyard. And from our tastings, the results were amazing.”

Depending on our available quantities, we’ll open up at least 4 of the following, if not more. The Lineup:

Mas Martinet Menut 2006, $19.99/btl – Priorat, Spain – 50% Garnatxa, 30% Merlot, 20% Syrah – 14% abv – An incredible value, Menut is a blend of Martinet’s younger vines, and parcels not used for their five single-vineyard cuvees, along with a good chunk of Merlot. Aged 15 months in 3,4,5-year French barriques. Then tank.

Mas Martinet Bru 2007, $32.99/btl – Priorat, Spain – 40% Garnatxa, 25% Syrah, remaining 35% Carignan, Cabernet and (tiny amount) Merlot – 14.5% abv – Martinet Bru is From a single parcel at the southwest corner of the caudron. Unique climate here. Aged 17 months; half in 300 liter second and third year French oak, and half in large wooden tank (3 years old).

Mas Martinet Degustacio No. 1 2004, $46.99/btl – Priorat, Spain – Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache – 15.5% abv

Mas Martinet Els Escurcons 2006, $71.99/btl – Priorat, Spain – 80% Garnatxa, 20% Syrah – 14.5 % abv – This has an expressive nose of roasted mineral, damp earth, mushroom, blueberry, and black cherry. Forward, sweetly-fruited, and succulent, it can be enjoyed over the next 8-10 years. – 92 points, The Wine Advocate

Mas Martinet Clos Martinet 2006, $71.99/btl – Priorat, Spain – 68% Garnatxa, 20% Caranyana, 12% Syrah – 14.5% abv – The flagship 2006 Clos Martinet (a single-vineyard). Aged 20 months in 300 liter French barrels – 25% new and 75% from two- to 6-year-old barrels] is a saturated purple color with an alluring bouquet of liquid mineral, lavender, cigar box, truffle, black cherry, and black raspberry. Fruit-forward, elegant, and smooth textured, this harmonious effort can be enjoyed over the next decade although it will continue to blossom for several more years. – 94 Points, The Wine Advocate

Mas Martinet Cami Pesseroles 2006, $92.99/btl – Priorat, Spain – 60% Caranyana, 40% Garnatxa – 14.5% abv – The purple-colored 2006 Cami Pesseroles has earth, mineral, spice box, and black cherry aromas that give way to a suave, structured wine with savory fruit, plenty of spice notes, and a lengthy finish. It will benefit from several more years in the bottle and will deliver optimum drinking from 2012 to 2026.” – 93 Points, The Wine Spectator; 92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 3:01 pm
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