Carignan » Weygandt Wines

This weekend’s tasting features a red Burgundy that is beyond scarce. Join us on Friday evening June 3rd, between 5PM and 7:30PM, then again on Saturday, June 4th, from 12PM to 4PM for our tasting and enjoy discounted prices on David Clark’s 2007 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Porroux, and get a chance to taste it alongside some distinguished company: a diverse group of outstanding 90-Point wines from Austria, Germany and France. The Lineup:

Georg Mosbacher Riesling Spatlese Forster Elster 2007, List Price $~~34.99~~, Sale $29.99 – Pfalz, Germany – 100% Riesling – 10% abv – Organic - Plenty of tangy grapefruit, clove and white pepper notes match a bright structure, making this harmonious and tasty. It could use a little time to integrate more fully. Best from 2010 through 2020. 30 cases imported. – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Buchegger Gruner Veltliner Pfarrweingarten 2007, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - This is buttery-tasting, like a fruity hot toddy. The supple finish is very ripe, with touches of cream. Drink now through 2012. – Wine Spectator

Domaine L’Oustal Blanc Naick 7, List Price $~~34.99~~, Sale $29.99 – Minervois, France – 95% Grenache Gris, 5% Macabeu – 14% abv – Sustainable - The white Naick 7 of 2007 (this qualifying only as vin de table, no vintage date is permitted on the label) displays a richness of fruit, a body, and meaty, chewy, texture that I am sure would have led me to say “red wine,” if served from a jet-black glass. It’s as though a lot of veal bones and lobster shells had been cooked down to a demi-glace essence. Not that this wine is lacking for brightness, lift, or refreshment, though: there is a citrus streak enlivening its stock pot reduction of bones, marrow, and shells, almost as if this were Chablis. The finish won’t quit, and I imagine the wine will show stamina if cellared, too. Since this was just bottled when I tasted, and Fonquerle elected to filter for safety’s sake, it should prove yet more intensely expressive and more organized when you read this. - Rated 92+ Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine David Clark Morey-Saint-Denis Les Porroux 2007, List Price $~~59.99~~, Sale $49.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - ONE BARREL ONLY of this lovely, classic Morey for the WORLD! Harvested at 22 hectoliters per hectare, and the fruit sorted bunch by bunch. Roughly translated, that means that David Clark’s 0.25-acre Morey-Saint-Denis parcel, named “Les Porroux,” produced only 60 gallons of juice! Or one barrel full! Aged for 18 months in a one-year-old Damy barrel. Malolactic fermentation finished on September 2008, then bottled on March 28, 2009, direct from the barrel. All of the vineyards at Domaine David Clark are farmed organically: All vineyard work is done by hand with the exception of ploughing which is done by tractor or by horse. Low yields; ploughing and mowing to control weeds – never any herbicides; extreme rigour in all aspects of hand-tending the vines; hand de-leafing to promote grape ripeness and color; organic certified spray program to control diseases and pests; minimal use of heavy machinery in order to reduce soic compaction and thus respect the native flora dn fauna. “…builds nicely towards the more harmonious finish with smooth raspberry and cherry. Very fine.” - Neal Martin “…cool yet moderately earthy red berry fruit aromas that complement well the rich, full and detailed middle weight plus flavors that possess solid depth and punch on the energetic, tangy and sappy finish that is impeccably well balanced.” - Allen Meadows

Clos Marie L’Olivette Pic Saint Loup 2009, List Price $~~21.99~~, Sale $18.69 – Languedoc, France – 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and Cinsault (from vines 15 to 50 years of age) – 13.5% abv – Biodynamic - The vines are worked according to the principles of the biodynamy and the grape harvest is always by hand. The aging is carried out out of barrels. Tasting notes of winemaker Christophe Peyrus: ‘The bottling was carried out three weeks ago. 2009 made rich and concentrated wines. A vintage for aging, even on Olivette, which one will need to wait 3 or 4 years for the wine to reach it’s peak. Olivette is a wine very ‘charged’ right now, but it will gain purity and smoothness with time. It has a discrete nose right now, but an a more generous palate, and decanting will be needed absolutely because I always leave carbonic gas (as a way of protecting the wine). The tannins are thick with beautiful spices and sweetness in the finish.”

Clos de l’Origine Les Quilles Libres Cotes-du-Roussillon 2007, List Price $~~28.99~~, Sale $23.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – Organic - 14.5% abv – Barriot’s 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Les Quilles Libres is according to his own account overwhelmingly Grenache (including some white grapes), so how it qualified for its appellation is a mystery to me. Wood smoke, tobacco, brown spices, soy, peanuts, and ripe red fruits mingle in the nose. On a sappy, palpably extract-rich palate, lightly cooked red raspberry and strawberry are dusted with cardamom, cinnamon, and white pepper, and underlain with toasted praline and peanuts, and there is no hint of finishing heat or roughness from the wine’s nearly 15% alcohol, but rather a sense of exuberant brightness that brings you back for the next sip. I can imagine this evolving fascinatingly for at least 3-5 years, but only in a proper cellar. - Rated 91 Points, The Wine Advocate

Sale prices last through Saturday, June 4th. No further discounts may apply.

Temperatures are going to start to rise this weekend! So why not cool off with one of our delicious dry rosés. And while your at it, how about trying a few more wines…everything from delicious bargains, to profound reds to German sweet wine bliss.

Join us on Friday evening May 20th, between 5PM and 7:30PM, then again on Saturday, May 21st, from 12PM to 4PM for our tasting and enjoy discounted prices on our special selections. The Lineup:

Domaine du Vissoux/Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Rosé Les Griottes, List Price $~~15.99~~, Sale $13.59 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12% abv – Sustainable - Pale pink. Light floral and fruity aromas on the nose. Lip-smacking and round, notes of wild strawberry, blackberry, raspberry and loganberry ending with a touch of star anise. Open with any variety of salads, grilled meats, barbecue, seafood, savoury pastries and fish. Ideal with exotic cuisines including West Indian and Asian, desserts and fruit sorbets. Recommended for the hottest days of the year!

Domaine Charvin Vin de Pays Principauté d’Orange à Côté 2008, List Price $14.99, Sale $9.99 – Rhône, France – 58% Merlot, 42% Grenache – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Rustic red exhibiting red and black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of herbs and earth. There is good structure to this very enjoyable table wine. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie Champin Le Seigneur 2006, List Price $~~59.99~~, Sale $49.99 – Côtes Rotie, Rhône, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - Vibrant and racy, with good drive to the red licorice, red currant and damson plum notes, backed by hints of fruitcake, roasted vanilla and iron. The long, silky finish is finely tuned. Drink now through 2016. 3,750 cases made. – Rated 91 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau Cuvée Marc 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $19.54 – Rasteau, Rhône, France – 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Ripe and fleshy, with a mix of damson plum, blueberry and red cherry fruit laced with lightly firm tannins and a lingering, violet- and pastis-tinged finish. Drink now through 2011. 50 cases imported.

Weingut Georg Mosbacher Riesling Auslese Pfalz Forster Ungeheuer 2007 , List Price $~~39.99~~, Sale $33.99 – Pfalz, Germany – 100% Riesling – 10% abv - Organic - Very pure, exhibiting vivid passion fruit, ruby grapefruit and stone flavors. A lighter style of auslese that’s balanced and ideal for Asian dishes that have some heat. Drink now through 2030. 15 cases imported. – Rated 92 points, Wine Spectator

Please join us on Friday, April 15th from 5PM until 7:30PM, and again on Saturday, April 16th, from 12PM until 4PM to sample delicious wines from France’s Savoie, Rhone and Languedoc regions, Austria’s Kremstal and Carnuntum regions, and Italy’s Piedmont. The Lineup:

1. Domaine de L’Aigle à Deux Têtes Côtes du Jura En Griffez Vieilles Vignes 2007, List Price $23.99, Sale $19.99 – Jura, France – 100% Chardonnay – 11.5% abv – Organic – A very firm white, with impressive structure to the lemon curd and green apple flavors that also feature intense notes of sea salt and hints of iodine. This is a powerful and distinctive style. Needs time in the cellar to fully develop. Best from 2013 through 2020. 75 cases imported. – Rated 91 points, Wine Spectator

2. Weingut Buchegger Grüner Veltliner Pfarrweingarten 2007, List Price $29.99, Sale $24.99 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Grüner Veltliner – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Buttery and full of wild flowers and caramel-like notes–like a fruity hot toddy. The supple finish is ripe, with touches of cream.

3. Château Mourgues du Grès Costières de Nîmes Rosé Fleur d’Eglantine 2009, List Price $11.99, Sale $9.99 – Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France – 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Very pale pink. High-pitched aromas of red currant, blood orange and rhubarb, plus a strong kick of white pepper. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering zesty red berry flavors and incisive acidity. An emphatically dry, slightly austere wine. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

4. Markowitsch Pinot Noir Qualitätswein Trocken Carnuntum 2006, List Price $25.99, Sale $19.99 – Carnuntum, Austria – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Sustainable - Light- to medium-bodied, with delicate cherry and Santa Rosa plum flavors and plenty of bright spicy notes. The finish is crisp and juicy. Drink now. 150 cases imported – Wine Spectator

5. Domaine Gardies Côtes du Roussillon Mas Las Cabes 2008, List Price $16.99, Sale $13.99 – Roussillon, France – 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Organic - Red raspberry, cherry, mocha, vanilla, and toasted pecan rise from the glass of the 2008 Cotes du Roussillon Mas Las Cabes Rouge, a blend vinified in cement and older barriques. Marjoram and cedar as well as a subtle smokiness and a refreshing note of salinity join the red fruits on a rather firm palate which barely suggests the sweeter, nuttier notes in the nose. A bright, savory, red fruit- and herb-filled finish hints also at anchovy, calling forth the next sip and promising a versatile performance at table for at least the next couple of years.

6. Simone Scaletta Barolo Chirlet 2004, List Price $58.99, Sale $49.99 - Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Organic - Pretty. floral, elegant and quite complete. Well-balanced and fine. Ripe fruits with a dry finish. Drink from 2009. – Decanter

Please join us on Friday, April 1st from 5PM until 7:30PM, and again on Saturday, April 2nd, from 12PM until 4PM to taste an eclectic lineup of regional French wines spanning the Loire Valley, the Rhone and Burgundy. Representing both outstanding values and superb quality, this is a tasting you will not want to miss! The Lineup:

1. Chateau de la Bonneliere Touraine “Cepage Sauvignon – Les Devants” 2008, List Price $14.99, Sale $12.69 – Touraine, Loire, France – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Pale yellow. Assertive bouquet of lime zest, lemongrass and wet stone. Dry, nervy, tightly wound citrus and green apple flavors are underscored by dusty minerality and expand on the back half. Leaves a trail of mineral and citrus notes behind on the nicely persistent finish. This is a very good value and can compete with plenty of Sancerres. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

2. Domaine Pascal Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes 2009, List Price $23.99, Sale $19.99 – Macon, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13% abv – Sustainable - A throw back to classic and artisanal wine making, we are very excited to have recently found this treasure in southern Burgundy. Pascal Bonhomme has some of the best situated sites in Vire-Clesse and he makes every effort in his vines to convey that in the bottle. Similar to vignerons in the Cot D’Or, Pascal harvests completely by hand and vinifies meticulously using pneumatic pressing. The estate is 2.5 hecates in size with most of it’s production being sold cellar door and, now, to the U.S. 60 year old vines; vinification is 20% in oak barrels and 80% in stainless steel tanks, 100% malolactic fermentation.

3. Domaine Mourgues du Gres Terre d’Argence Blanc Vin de Pays du Gard 2008, List Price $17.99, Sale $14.99 – Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France – 50% Viognier, 30% Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc – 12% abv – Sustainable - Slightly fuller, with undeniable minerality as well as a more exotic character. . . . Approximately one-fourth of this cuvee is aged in French oak, and the rest in vat. More honeysuckle, white peach, and currant notes make an appearance in this medium-bodied, elegant, authoritatively fruity, stylish wine. Drink it over the next year. – The Wine Advocate

4. Domaine Serafin Pere & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2007, List Price $54.99, Sale $46.99 -Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A hint of wood spice frames moderately sauvage, earthy and layered currant and dark pinot fruit aromas that merge into rich, full and serious medium weight flavors underpinned by ripe tannins and a balanced, intense and persistent finish. A classic Gevrey with fine quality for a villages wine. – Burghound

5. Domaine des Soulanes “Cuvee Jean Pull” Vin de Pays de Cotes Catalanes 2007, List Price $18.99, Sale $15.99 – Roussillon, France – 60% Grenache, 40% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Organic - Intense kirsch, red plum and raspberry flavors give this southern French red real character and power. The finish is spicy, with plenty of finesse to the black licorice notes. Grenache and Carignane. Drink now through 2012. – Wine Spectator

6. Domaine Georges Vernay Cote-Rotie “Blonde du Seigneur” 2006, List Price $69.99, Sale $49.99 – Northern Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - Bright ruby-red. Finely etched red and dark berry, floral, herbal and mineral aromas, plus a slow-building anise quality. Tangy and focused, offering sweet raspberry and blueberry flavors and showing no obvious tannins. Finishes lush and creamy, but with a jolt of zesty minerals adding vivacity and cut. Extremely fresh and delicious right now. These vines are planted entirely in the Cote Blonde, at Lancement and Coteaux des Semons. Incidentally, Paul Amsellem describes 2006 as a “subtle, smooth and classic vintage for red wines,” adding that they will be best in their youth, like the ’04s. “The 2007s, though, are agers.” – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator; 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, April 2, 2011. No other discounts may apply.

Jean-Louis Tribouley stands amongst some of his ancient Grenache vines

Please join us on Saturday, March 12th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample a grab bag of staff picks. “Grab bag” could not give the wines selected any sort of justice. But no matter how we label the tasting the diverse selections are all unique and utterly delicious. We look forward to seeing you Saturday at Weygandt Wines. The Lineup:

Domaine Albert Mann Cremant d’Alsace Brut 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $18.99 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 60% Auxerrois, 40% Pinot Blanc – 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. – The Wine Advocate

Heymann-Lowenstein Riesling Winningen Rottgen 2006, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Winnigen, Mosel, Germany – 100% Riesling – 13% abv – Organic - Dry and spicy, with more saline and savory flavor elements than fruit. There are hints of peach, grapefruit and yellow plum, but more smoke and a firm, chalklike sensation. Fine length. Drink now through 2016. 20 cases imported. - Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Jobard-Chabloz Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2007, List Price $~~129.99~~, Sale $79.99 – Meursault, Burgundy, France – 13% abv – Sustainable – A relatively high-toned nose of green apple, rose petal and a hint of spice leads to very fresh, cool and reserved big-bodied flavors that brim with a fine minerality and excellent linearity and drive on the palate staining finish. This is not a massive example as it doesn’t have better than average concentration but the focus and energy are impressive. This should be quite good in time. – Rated 92 points, Burghound, 92 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Champs-Perdrix 2006, List Price $~~48.99~~, Sale $39.99 – Nuits-Saint-George, Burgundy, France – 13% abv – Sustainable - Philippe Chezeaux is related to Jérôme Chezeaux and his father-in-law is the cousin of Robert Chevillon. Philippe’s style is rather unique in that he is adamant about finding the balance between fruit, acidity, and terroir in his wines, especially in an appellation that is more commonly associated with wines that trade on power first. The 2006 Aux Champs-Perdrix, sourced from a tiny, highly perched, southeast facing vineyard on the Vosne-Romanee side of Nuits-Saint-George, displays very pronounced red Pinot Noir fruit – cherries, red currant, mineral. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity, and a lingering spiciness in the finish. – Todd Ross, Weygandt Wines

Jean-Michel Gerin Saint-Joseph 2008, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - A piercing iron note runs through the mix of red cherry, currant and pomegranate fruit flavors in this red, keeping it all lively and fresh. Drink now through 2011. 100 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Jean-Louis Tribouley Orchis Vin de Pays de Cotes Catalanes 2008, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault, 3% Grenache Gris, 2% Grenache Gris – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The following are the tasting notes for the 2007 Orchis by David Schildknecht in The Wine Advocate (there are no independent tasting notes as yet for the 2008). The main difference between the two vintages is that the 2008 shows an even more vibrant focus and perhaps “bluer” fruit. – Tasted assembled from tank Tribouley’s 2007 Orchis is the latest vintage of what was formerly called “Serrat den Franc.” Its explosive nose of black raspberry and blueberry confiture incorporates overtones of almond extract, prunelle eau de vie, wood smoke and cocoa powder. Liqueur-like and loaded with distilled berry inner-mouth esters, this nevertheless retains clarity and purity, avoiding even the slightest temptation toward superficial sweetness or confectionary stickiness. Deep roasted meat and wet stone flavors emerge in a long, smoke-tinged finish founded on a veritable ocean of concentrated blue and black fruit. Despite offering abundant immediate gratification, their well-covered tannins encourage the belief (absent any track record to which I can point) that the amazing Tribouley trio under present consideration possess enough structure and stamina for mid-term cellaring. Unfortunately, I have yet to track down a bottle of the 2006 Orchis; Tribouley indicated that he had sold them all.

Tribouley – an outsider who understudied with Gauby and then began his own estate in 2002 – farms roughly 30 acres (biodynamically) and sells no grapes. That statistic shocked me when I entered his cramped and tiny cellar. Where in the world does he find room there for wine from 30 acres? The solution to this seeming mystery is that he has all the room he requires given his pathetically low yields. In a quantitatively good vintage, he bottles 1,700 cases. But it is fruit from his 10 acres near Maury (variously on reddish Marne chalk, and quartzite-rich schist and sandstone) that are the focus for the two cuvees (both matured in older barrels, favoring demi-muids) that are sold in the U.S. Both his parcels in the Les Bacs just east of Maury and in the Coume du Roi (the basis for his Orchis) are around 75:25 Grenache-to-Carignan; northwestern in exposure; and, he says, almost perpetually windy. (I had to crouch down like a head-pruned vine just to walk against the gusts in Les Bacs on a December afternoon.) 2007 – Rated 93-94 points, The Wine Advocate

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, March 12th, 2011. No other discounts may apply.

Please join us on Saturday, March 5th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample offerings from the 2008 southern Rhone valley, including wines from Costieres de Nimes, Vinsobres, appellation Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rasteau and Gigondas. Sandwiched between the highly touted 2007 and 2009 vintages, these wines are nonetheless delicious and complete, and are relative bargains. The Lineup:

Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Le Poutet 2008, List Price $~~19.99~~, Sale $16.99 – Orange, Rhône, France – 85% Greanche, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan – 14% abv – Sustainable - A blend from 40-year-old vines, the 2008 Le Poutet is aged in concrete tanks and bottled unfiltered. It possesses elegant black cherry and strawberry fruit intermixed with notes of garrigue, new saddle leather, and pepper. Drink this elegant, well-balanced, delicious 2008 over the next year. – The Wine Advocate

Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Vinsobres 2008, List Price $~~23.99~~, Sale $19.99 – Vinsobres, Rhône, France – 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah – 15% abv – Organic - Dark and rich, with ample flesh, particularly for the vintage, as mulled currant, fig paste and blackberry fruit courses along black tea, graphite and bittersweet ganache notes. Delivers nice integrated grip on the applewood-tinged finish. Drink now through 2012. 100 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Grand Nicolet Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $~~19.99~~, Sale $16.99 – Rasteau, Rhône, France – 95% Grenache (70 year old vines), 5% Syrah (50 year old vines) – 15% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes may compete with its brilliant 2007 counterpart. Its dense inky/purple color is followed by a big, rich nose of chocolate, graphite, black currants, spring flowers, and scorched earth. With full body, sweet tannins, and stunning concentration for a 2008, it should drink well for up to a decade. Another superb estate in the Cotes du Rhone village of Rasteau, Domaine Grand Nicolet has the seemingly -can’t miss making great wines- Philippe Cambie as its consultant. Shrewd consumers seeking super high quality at fair prices should check out these offerings. Previously recommended in issue 181: 2007 Cotes du Rhone (90-92), 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Les Esqueyrons (92-94), 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Vieilles Vignes (91-93) – Rated 90-92 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau Cuvée Marc 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $18.99 – Rasteau, Rhône, France – 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Ripe and fleshy, with a mix of damson plum, blueberry and red cherry fruit laced with lightly firm tannins and a lingering, violet- and pastis-tinged finish. Drink now through 2011. 50 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Château Mourgues du Grès Costières de Nîmes Les Capitelles 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $18.99 (plus an additional 10% off a solid case of 12 btls) – Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France – 83% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 2% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The outstanding, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Capitelles du Mourgues offers up abundant aromas of blackberries, licorice, camphor, and forest floor as well as a lush, dense, chewy style. The richest of these reds, it is capable of lasting for 3-4 years. Costieres de Nimes, an appellation centered around the ancient Roman settlement of Nimes, just south of Chateauneuf du Pape, remains one of France’s top sources for value wines. Chateau Mourgues du Gres has been producing successful wines for as long as I’ve been tasting in this region, and their current portfolio includes two strong whites, two strong roses, and a bevy of delicious reds. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $~~25.99~~, Sale $21.99 – Gigondas, Rhône, France – 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre – 15% abv – Sustainable - Dark ruby. Deeply pitched dark berries and dried flowers on the nose, with a brighter red fruit quality emerging with air. Spicy raspberry and blackberry flavors coat the palate, with zesty acidity providing lift. This shows good heft for an ’08. Offers expansive, alluringly sweet dark fruit and floral notes on the finish, leaving a gentle spicy note behind. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

This branch of the Alary family has been growers for 11 generations. One of their sites is on the choicest parcel of Cairanne, known as the Font D’Estevenas. Here, the latest in this long line of vignerons, Denis Alary, fashions the lineup that has earned him the notation by Robert Parker as “one of the stars of the Cotes du Rhone Village of Cairanne”.

Starting with his Vin de Pays, called La Grange Daniel Rouge, Denis fashions a blend of Grenache, Syrah with a little Cinsault and about 15% 40 year old vines Cabernet Sauvignon. As Robert Parker says it has “the pepper, spice, herb characteristics found in a good Southern Rhone”. The Alary Cotes du Rhone is a blend of Grenache and Syrah in a more full-bodied style exhibiting “classic Southern Rhone character”. The Cairanne is approximately an 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah blend of a “excellent concentration” and classic character of that village appellation. The Cairanne Brunotte is a blend a Grenache and Mourvedre and as the name would suggest is built more for evolving over five to six years. The Font D’Estevanas site in Cairanne gives its name to two of Denis’ top wines. The red is a blend of 60% Syrah planted by Daniel Alary some 40 years ago from cuttings he brought from Hermitage, blended with Grenache and Counoise, some of the Grenache vines being over 100 years old. This is an exotic, richly flavored wine that reminds both of Cote Rotie and of fine Chateauneuf all at once. The Font D’Estevanas Blanc is a blend of 65% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne and 25% Viognier. While lush and very eromatic, is also beautifully balanced and elegant. Starting in 1998 the Alary family kept aside grapes from a parcel, the family purchased in 1860 from a man named Jean de Verde and had thus always been referred to as “La Jean de Verde”. These are 70 plus years old Grenache vines with yield of about a ton and a half per acre, producing an exquisite, sumptuous delicacy weighing in at over 14% natural ripeness. The domaine is also included in the Revue du Vin de France Le Classement as one of the top domaines in France.

Please join us on Saturday, January 29th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample these classic expressions of southern Cotes du Rhone regional wines . . .

Many observers feel that Domaine Alary is the top estate in the village of Cairanne. I agree that they are one of the most reliable. A partial look at their just released wines includes two Vin de Pays cuvees, both excellent values. Readers should keep in mind that 2008 in the southern Rhone is a good vintage that is on a very fast evolutionary track. – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Alary Vin de Pays de la Principauté d’Orange La Grange Daniel Roussanne 2009, List Price $14.99/btl, Sale $12.99 – Cairanne, Rhone, France – 100% Roussanne – 14% abv – Sustainable - An amazing bargain for a wine made from 100% hand-harvested Roussanne. Orange and waxy honeysuckle aromas jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, richly fruit white that smells and tastes like Roussanne. Most Roussannes at this level of quality sell for 2 to 3 times the price. Consume it over the next year.

Domaine Alary Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne La Font d’Estévenas Blanc 2008, List Price $21.99/btl, Sale $18.99 – Cairanne, Rhone, France – 90% Clairette, 10% Roussanne – 13% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Font d’Estevanas blanc (a blend of 90% Clairette and 10% Roussanne) comes across like a Chablis from the Southern Rhone. Crisp minerality intermixed with flower, white currant, nectarine, and grapefruit notes are present in this medium-bodied, elegant, delicious white. This tank-fermented and aged 2008 should be consumed during its first year of life to take advantage of its tremendous aromatic character. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Alary Vin de Pays de la Principauté d’Orange La Grange Daniel 2009, List Price $14.99/btl, Sale $12.99 – Cairanne, Rhone, France – 20% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 20% Counoise, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon – 14% abv – Sustainable - A combination of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all planted just outside the domain’s home of Cairanne. Spicy cherries intermixed with saddle leather, resiny pine forest notes, and pepper are present in this full-bodied, chunky, but surprisingly flavorful and well-made wine. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

Domaine Alary Côtes du Rhône La Gerbaude 2008, List Price $13.99/btl, Sale $11.99 – Cairanne, Rhone, France – 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - A terrific bargain from this vintage. This is the estate’s declassified wine from their home village of Cairanne–this blend of 85% Grenache and 15% old vine Carignan is outstanding. Notes of black cherries, garrigue, loamy soil, spice, and new saddle leather emerge from this richly fruity, medium-bodied, elegant, complex red. It is ideal for drinking over the next 2-3 years.

Domaine Alary Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne 2008, List price $19.99/btl, Sale $16.99 – Cairanne, Rhone, France – 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Ripe and friendly, featuring a forward core of cherry and dark spice notes. A whiff of black tea checks in on the juicy finish, with a nice mineral hint, too. Drink now.

Domaine Alary Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne La Font d’Estévenas 2008, List Price $24.99, Sale $21.99 – Cairanne, Rhone, France – 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah – 14% abv – Sustainable - Always one of Alary’s finest efforts, the outstanding 2008 Font d’Estevanas comes from old parcels of Grenache (50%) and Syrah (50%, all aged in neutral wood). The wine’s dense plum/garnet color is followed by an evolved bouquet of flowers, black raspberries, and roasted Provencal herbs, medium to full-bodied, fleshy flavors, and an irresistible, endearing finish. Enjoy this sexy 2008 over the next 2-3 years. – Rated 91 points, The Wine Advocate

With new vintages on the way, we need to make room. So we’re offering many of our highly-rated wines at unheard of prices–up to 1/3 off or more! Prices listed are net – no further discounts. No rain checks or holds; first come first served. Sale ends March 1, 2011.

Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault “Les Chevalieres” 2007, List Price $64.99, Sale Price $43.99 – Rated 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 91 Points, The Wine Advocate; 90 Points, Wine Spectator; 90 Points, Burghound
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru “Genevrieres” 2007, List Price $89.99, Sale Price $59.99 – Rated 93 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 92 Points, The Wine Advocate; 92 Points, Burghound; 90 Points, Wine Spectator
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault “En Luraule” 2007, List Price $68.99, Sale Price $42.99 – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru “Poruzot-Dessus” 2007, List Price $74.99, Sale Price $49.99 – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator; 91 Points, Burghound; 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault “Sous La Velle” 2007, List Price $64.99, Sale Price $41.99

Maison Jobard-Chabloz Puligny-Montrachet “Les Nosroyes” 2007, List Price $54.99, Sale Price $38.99 – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Auxey-Duresses 2007, List Price $38.99, Sale Price $25.99 – Rated 87 Points, Wine Spectator; 87 Points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Meursault “Le Limozin” 2007, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $32.99 – Rated 91 Points, The Wine Advocate; 91 Points, Burghound; 90 Points, Wine Spectator
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Meursault “Clos du Cromin” 2007, List Price $46.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator; Rated 90 Points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Meursault 1er Cru “Les Charmes” 2006, List Price $91.99, Sale Price $59.99 – Rated 89-92 points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru “Morgeot” 2007, List Price $69.99, Sale Price $46.99 – Rated 91 Points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Grand Cru Corton-Charlemagne 2007, List Price $129.99, Sale Price $79.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate; Rated 92 Points, Burghound

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg 2007, List Price $39.99, Sale Price $25.99 – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2005, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $32.99 – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Henri et Philippe Gallet Cote-Rotie 2006, List Price $59.99, Sale Price $39.99 – Rated 92 Points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Gauby Vieilles Vignes VdP des Cotes Catalanes Blanc 2005, List Price $44.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine La Bastide Blanche Bandol Blanc 2007, List Price $26.99, Sale Price $16.99

Domaine Gardies La Torre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2006, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $32.99 – Rated 93 Points, Wine Spectator; 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

Schiavenza Barolo Prapo 2001, List Price $54.99, Sale Price $37.99
Schiavenza Barolo Bricco Cerretta 2001, List Price $59.99, Sale Price $49.99
Schiavenza Barolo Riserva 1999, List Price $79.99, Sale Price $49.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate
Schiavenza Barolo Bricco Cerretta 2004, List Price $58.99, Sale Price $34.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate
Schiavenza Barolo DOC 2004, List Price $63.99, Sale Price $54.99
Schiavenza Barbera d’Alba 2004, List Price $24.99, Sale Price $15.99

In addition, we will pour a selection of wines that will be included in the Winter Clearance Sale. The Lineup:

Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Blanc Cepage Chardonnay, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $12.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Organic - High-toned, ester-rich citrus and distilled pit fruit aromas; piquant nuttiness; and a soft, oily texture characterize Chermette’s 2008 Beaujolais Blanc. An overly lactic note jars with the juiciness of citrus in the finish, but there is a satisfying underlying chalkiness as well as excellent sheer length.

Clos de L’Origine Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Les Quilles Libres Blanc 2007, List Price $23.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache Gris, 10% Grenache Blanc, 10% Macabeo – 13% abv – Organic - An overlay of barrel-engendered lanolin and coconut in the nose segues into toasted nuts and grain and musky, narcissus-like scents. Firm and refreshing on the palate, it displays toasted nut, coconut, lanolin, lemon zest and brine, finishing long on piquant nuttiness, and invigorating zest.

Domaine Gardies Cotes du Roussillon Les Glaciaires 2007, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $13.99 – Roussillon, France – 40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Roussanne, 20% Macabeo – 13.5% abv – Organic - This rich, exotic white shows ripe tropical fruit flavors of mango and pineapple, with notes of baked peach. The finish is spicy, with plenty of firm acidity and a juicy freshness. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Macabeo. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases imported.

Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chenas Quartz 2008, List Price $22.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - Based on a small parcel that the estate holds dear, hail reduced its crop to the point where no assembly will be needed – there is but one small tank (although a portion of its contents briefly sojourned in older barriques). Sour cherry; musky, pungent floral perfume; and salinity inform this bright, lithe wine, which should merit following from at least 4-5 years.

Domaine Piron-Lameloise Moulin A Vent Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $21.99, Sale Price $14.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - There’s a suppleness to this spiced red, mixing lightly chewy tannins and understated acidity with the dark blackberry, damson plum, dried cranberry, sandalwood and cedar notes. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases imported.

Clos de L’Origine Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Les Quilles Libres Rouge 2007, List Price $28.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache Noir, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Organic - Barriot’s 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Les Quilles Libres is according to his own account overwhelmingly Grenache (including some white grapes), so how it qualified for its appellation is a mystery to me. Wood smoke, tobacco, brown spices, soy, peanuts, and ripe red fruits mingle in the nose. On a sappy, palpably extract-rich palate, lightly cooked red raspberry and strawberry are dusted with cardamom, cinnamon, and white pepper, and underlain with toasted praline and peanuts, and there is no hint of finishing heat or roughness from the wine’s nearly 15% alcohol, but rather a sense of exuberant brightness that brings you back for the next sip. I can imagine this evolving fascinatingly for at least 3-5 years, but only in a proper cellar. – Rated 91 points, The Wine Advocate

Syrah - Pure and Powerful - Saturday, Oct. 6, 12-4 pm

Biodynamic, Carignan, Corbieres, Costieres de Nimes, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Crozes-Hermitage, Events, France, Grenache, Languedoc, Red Wine, Rhône, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting No Responses »

Oct 062010

Whether known as Syrah throughout most of the world, or as Shiraz in Australia and in South Africa, this dark-skinned grape has become one of the most popular varietals for wine.

A grape born and bred in the northern Rhone region of France (the offspring of two nearly extinct local grapes: Dureza from the Ardèche, and Mondeuse Blanche) Syrah is both bottled as a varietal wine, such as in the famous Cote Rotie and Hermitage, and blended in with other varietals as in such famous wines as Chateauneuf du Pape, and many other wines throughout France’s Mediterranean region.

Please join us this Saturday, October 9th, from 12PM to 4PM for a tasting of Syrah in which we will explore it’s pure form, with six wines from the northern Rhone, southern Rhone and the Languedoc. The Lineup:

Jean Michel Gerin Syrah Collines Rhodaniennes 2007, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $16.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - This displays incense, crushed cherry, violet and mineral notes to glide through the iron-tinged finish. Drink now. 1,415 cases made. – Rated 88 Points, Wine Spectator

Domaine La Bastide Syrah Les Genets Vieilles Vignes Vin de Pays d’Hauterive 2008, List Price $12.99, Sale Price $10.99 – Corbieres, Languedoc, France – 100% Syrah – 14% abv – Sustainable - From vines averaging 30 years old planted in soil composed of clay and fine gravel. The color is a dark, saturated red, with violet highlights. The nose is of intense red fruits, spices and smoke. Supple, and silky textured with very ripe tannins and a long finish.

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Le Rouvre 2008, List Price $35.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - The cuvée “Le Rouvre” is from a parcel of terroir in “Les Chassis” situated at the Pont de l’Isère. Here you’ll find our oldest vines (of more than 40 years) with a soil containing lots of big rounded rocks called “galets roulés”. There is no press juice used for Le Rouvre (the press juice is saved for Chave’s Crozes Hermitage Classique), only the vin de goutte, which is then aged in one-wine or two-wine-Hermitage 600 liter demi-muids. The finished wine displays pungent notes of cassis, and shows superlative balance between fruit and tannin.

Domaine de Ferrand La Ferrande Côtes du Rhône 2006, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $16.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 14% abv – Sustainable - As remarkable as 2007 is, there are 2006s that should not be forgotten. Domaine Ferrand (an excellent producer of Chateauneuf du Pape) has turned out a 100% Syrah cuvee, the 2006 Cotes du Rhone La Ferrande. Its opaque ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of pepper, blackberries, licorice, incense, and earth. Dense and rich with surprising complexity and character for a southern Syrah, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years. – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Capitelles 2008, List Price $22.99, Sale Price $19.49 - Costieres de Nimes, Languedoc, France – 85% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The outstanding, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Capitelles du Mourgues is a blend of 85% Syrah and the rest Carignan and Grenache. It offers up abundant aromas of blackberries, licorice, camphor, and forest floor as well as a lush, dense, chewy style. The richest of these reds, it is capable of lasting for 3-4 years. – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Le Cros Côtes du Rhône Villages 2007, List Price $25.99, Sale Price $21.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Cros 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. – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

According to that resource for all knowledge that does not need to be fact-checked, Wikipedia, the origin of the word barbecue, at least according to folk etymology, “is derived from the French language. The story goes that French visitors to the Caribbean saw a pig being cooked whole and described the method as barbe à queue, meaning from beard to tail. The French word for barbecue is also barbecue, . . .” but whatever the origin of the word, the French, like us, certainly do enjoy a good barbecue, and when they do, they often reach for a gutsy bottle of red from one of the Mediterranean regions to wash down their grilled beast. With Labor Day fast approaching we thought it would be a good time to show off some well-priced reds from France that will pair nicely with a variety of food off the grill. Come join us this Saturday, August 14th, from 12PM until 4PM to sample these tasty values and pick some up at discounted prices. The Lineup:

Saint-Damien Cotes du Rhone “La Bouveau” 2008, List Price $14.99, Sale Price $12.69 – Rhone, France – Syrah, Cinsault – 14% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Cotes du Rhone Le Bouveau (a blend of Syrah and Cinsault) offers a vibrant assortment of black fruit, herb, and earthy aromas and flavors in a medium-bodied, silky package.

Domaine de Fontenille Cotes du Luberon 2007, List Price $14.99, Sale Price $12.69 – Provence, France – 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah – 14% abv – Sustainable - “This has been a consistent winner from importer Peter Weygandt since he first brought the Domaine du Fontenille to the attention of American wine consumers in the early nineties. A blend of 70% Grenache (50- to 60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah, yields are kept modest, and the wine is aged in concrete tanks for over a year prior to being bottled without filtration. A super-aromatic example of the vintage, the 2007 exhibits loads of pepper, earth, black cherry, and dusty, loamy soil notes. The wine’s fruit, earthiness, and spiciness are all classic characteristics of Provence. Seriously endowed and medium to full-bodied with excellent purity and depth, this Cotes du Luberon should drink well for 2-3 years. ” Rated 88 Points, The Wine Advocate

Les Aphillanthes Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2007, List Price $13.99, Sale Price $11.89 – Rhone, France – 40% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache – 14% abv – Biodynamic - “A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Grenache, the 2007 Vin de Pays possesses straightforward, crunchy, chunky, juicy notes of kirsch, black currants, licorice, and loamy soil undertones. This fresh, lively, bistro-styled red sells for a song.” Rated 87 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Font Sarade Ventoux 2009, List Price $13.99, Sale Price $11.89 – Vaucluse, Rhone, France – 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - From the heart of the Vaucluse, inviting aromas of red fruit intertwined with Provencal herbs and subtle spice, with a supple texture. Excellent value here, cleanly made with no rusticity.

Domaine Alary La Grange Daniel 2007, List Price $14.99, Sale Price $12.69 – Rhone, France – Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise – 14% abv – Sustainable - It is a classic Mediterranean-styled red revealing loads of lavender, roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, and sweet blackberry and black currant fruit. The greatness of the vintage, even at this low pedigree and bargain-basement price point, comes through brilliantly with the purity, freshness, and deep kirsch, blackberry, and cherry flavors. This is a seamless, medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, character-filled vin de pays.” Rated 89 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Gardies Mas Las Cabes Cotes du Roussillon 2008, List Price $16.99, Sale Price $13.99 – Roussillon, France – 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Organic - Fermented in cement tanks and older barriques. Loads of focused, juicy red raspberry and cherry fruit aromas, along with hints of chocolate and cedar, and the region’s distinctive spice character greet the palate. An excellent all-around table wine.

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Syrah - Pure and Powerful - Saturday, Oct. 6, 12-4 pm

The French Word for Barbecue is, um, Barbecue - Saturday Tasting and Sale - August 14, 2010

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