One Barrel Only - For the World! Weekend Tasting and Sale

Austria, Biodynamic, Burgundy, Carignan, Cinsault, Events, France, Germany, Grenache, Grenache Gris, Grower, Grüner Veltliner, Kremstal, Languedoc, Macabeu, Minervois, Morey-St.-Denis, Mourvedre, Organic, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Producer, Red Wine, Riesling, Roussillon, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting No Responses »
Jun 022011

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.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 3:21 pm

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Book - Author Visit, Book Signing & Wine Tasting - Sat, April 23, 12 - 4 pm

Bourboulenc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clairette, Events, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Roussanne, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
Apr 202011

Please join us at Weygandt Wines on Saturday, April 23rd, from 12PM until 4PM as we welcome author, Dr. Harry Karis, in his only DC appearance to present his new work, The Chateauneuf-du-Pape Wine Book. Called by some the “Epic Book on Chateaneuf-du-Pape,” Karis says, “I am convinced that you will have a much better understanding of Châteauneuf-du-Pape after reading this 500-page book – as well as a strong urge to open a bottle of this great wine soon! It is my sincere hope that this book will be both useful and pleasurable, not only to professionals and connoisseurs, but also to enthusiastic wine lovers everywhere. My primary motivation in writing this book was to pay homage to winegrowers who produce some of the most hedonistic wines on Earth.” And to prove Harry’s point we’ll have two very special wines open on Saturday to taste!

Domaine Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale 2005, List Price $69.99, Sale $59.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre – 14% abv – Sustainable - The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale, is powerful and full-bodied, with moderately high tannins, enticing, lush, intense texture, and hints of black cherry, roasted herbs, meat, and resiny, loamy soil notes. This is a very pure, structured, high tannin wine with good acidity that should be given 3-4 years of bottle-age and drunk over the following two decades. There are two superb Usseglio estates in Chateauneuf du Pape, and this one, although somewhat in the shadow of the recent efforts of the Domaine Pierre Usseglio, should never to be discounted as the wines from Raymond Usseglio are top-notch and classic in style. Both 2006 and 2005 are strong vintages for this estate. – Rated 92 points, The Wine Advocate

Concentrated but silky, with a core of raspberry and blackberry fruit woven with dark toast, licorice and plum sauce notes. The long finish shows nice depth. Has more grip than the Girard, but it’s not as fresh. Drink now through 2020. 80 cases imported. – Rated 92 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2007, List Price $44.99, Sale $37.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 40% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne, 20% Clairette, 20% Bourboulenc – 14% abv – Sustainable - A bright, stony style, offering lime, green apple, floral and acacia notes backed by a lively, mineral-tinged finish. A crisp, fresh, medium-bodied Rhône white. 130 cases made.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 8:28 pm

All Across Europe - Tasting and Sale - Fri, April 15, 5-7:30 pm and Sat, April 16, 12-4 pm

Austria, Barolo, Carignan, Carnuntum, Chardonnay, Costières de Nîmes, Events, France, Grenache, Grower, Grüner Veltliner, Italy, Jura, Kremstal, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Organic, Piedmont, Pinot Noir, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Roussillon, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, White Wine No Responses »
Apr 132011

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

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 4:38 pm

Cahors - The Original Malbec! And Monster Mourvedre from Bandol Saturday Tasting and Sale

Bandol, Bourboulenc, Cahors, Clairette, Events, France, Grenache, Malbec, Mourvedre, Organic, Producer, Provence, Red Wine, Sale, Sauvignon Blanc, Sudouest, Tasting, Ugni Blanc, White Wine No Responses »
Mar 162011

Weygandt Wines has now doubled the amount of wine you can taste! Or at least we’ve doubled the number of times you can come into the shop for our weekly tastings. Starting this Friday, March 18, show up between 5 pm and 7:30 pm and you can taste our offerings that are normally reserved for our Saturday tastings. This week’s tasting is Malbec from Cahors and a few wines from Bandol in Provence.

Malbec is commonly known as a blending grape in Bordeaux, where it was used to add color and tannin to those wines. And since the 1990s, Argentine Malbec has taken the U.S. wine market by storm. Yet, the original home of Malbec is France’s southwest region, specifically Cahors (where it is also known as “Cot”), that the grape reaches its full potential creating distinctive, full-bodied wines that are able to mature. They are known as the “black wine of France.” Strongly made but delicious.

Mourvedre is a native to Spain. There it’s called Monastrell. Mourvedre is used as an important blending grape throughout Mediterranean France and Spain, as well as in the GS”M” wines of Australia. Strong, richly tannic, and with buttressing acidity, Mourvedre is distinct and delicious in its own right. And in Bandol, in France’s Provence region, it is the primary grape variety.

La Bastide Blanche Bandol Blanc 2008, List Price $26.99, Sale $21.99 – Bandol, Provence, France – 45% Clairette, 35% Ugni Blanc, 15% Bourboulenc, 5% Sauvignon Blanc – 13% abv – Organic - A fruity style, with focused flavors of peach, Golden Delicious apple and pear. Medium-bodied, with a zesty, spice-filled finish that features touches of cream. Drink now. 25 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Domaine La Berangeraie Cahors Malbec Les Caminoles 2007, List Price $14.99, Sale $12.69 – Cahors, Sudouest, France – 100% Malbec – 13% abv – Organic - Juicy, with rustically spicy flavors. Medium-bodied, with plum and berry notes. The finish features pepper and tobacco leaf notes.

Domaine  La Berangeraie Cahors Les Quatre Chambrees 2008, List Price $22.99, Sale $18.99 – Cahors, Sudouest, France – 100% Malbec – 13.5% abv – Organic - A dense red, with plenty of tannins behind the ripe plum and currant flavors. The finish shows mineral and olive notes. Drink now. 50 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

La Bastide Blanche Bandol Cuvee Estagnol 2006, List Price $29.99, Sale $24.99 – Bandol, Provence, France – 94% Mourvedre, 6% Grenache – 14% abv – Organic - Plush and rich, with dense flavors of dark cherry, fig, licorice and dark chocolate. The powerful finish lingers with notes of mocha, smoke and roast beef. Needs time. Best from 2010 through 2014. 150 cases imported. – Rated 92 Points, Wine Spectator

La Bastide Blanche Bandol Cuvee Fontaneou 2007, List Price $29.99, Sale $24.99 – Bandol, Provence, France – 91% Mourvedre, 9% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Organic - Powerful, with a meaty essence to the dark fruit flavors. Very firm in the midpalate, delivering notes of cocoa and spice on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2015. – Wine Spectator

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, March 19th, 2011. No other discounts may apply.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 6:59 pm

2008 Southern Rhone Overacheivers - Tasting and Sale - Sat, March 5, 12-4 pm

Carignan, Costières de Nîmes, Events, France, Gigondas, Grenache, Grower, Mourvedre, Organic, Producer, Rasteau, Red Wine, Rhône, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, Vinsobres No Responses »
Mar 022011

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

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 4:53 pm

90+ Point Burgundy vs Rhone Smackdown! - Sat, Feb 19, 12-4 pm

Anjou, Burgundy, Chardonnay, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Côte de Nuits, Events, France, Gevrey-Chambertin, Grenache, Grower, Loire, Meursault, Morey-St.-Denis, Mourvedre, Organic, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, Vaccarese, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
Feb 162011


Please join us on Saturday, February 19th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample these outstanding expressions of iconic regional French wines. The Lineup:

Richard Leroy Anjou Les Noëls de Montbenault 2007, List Price $29.99, Sale $19.99 – Anjou, Loire, France – 100% Chenin Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic – Vivid yellow-gold. Honeydew melon, peach and nectarine on the nose, with exotic notes of gingerbread and musky herbs coming up with air. Initially pliant, gently sweet melon and pit fruit flavors turn firmer in the mid-palate and offer excellent palate coverage and strong spice character. Finishes with impressive length and lingering spiciness. Lots going on here but this still seems young. – Rated 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault En Luraule 2007, List Price $68.99, Sale $42.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13% abv – Sustainable – Lime and crushed stone aromas along with a bit of biscuity reduction. Then juicy and sweet, with enticing flavors of lime and spices. This broad, sweet village wine offers excellent energy and finishes with very good grip. There are five different plantings that go into this cuvee: Jobard bought these vines when they were “very young,” just before the 1994 harvest. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Morey St.-Denis 1er Cru Les Millandes 2007, List Price $104.99, Sale Price $88.99 – Côte-de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A floral red berry and earth inflected nose serves as a relatively elegant introduction to the pure, detailed and lightly mineral suffused medium full flavors that possess good power, focus and intensity on the long and palate staining finish. This is lovely and understated. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, Wine Spectator; 89-92 points, Burghound

Domaine Dugat-Py Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2006, List Price $99.99, Sale $74.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - The Dugat-Py 2006 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes offers considerable depth of ripe black fruits and toasted meat on a palate so fine-grained it is able to sooth and seduce all the way to a succulently long finish. En route, cocoa powder, sage, iodine, and black pepper add interest and invigoration. It could be enjoyed young but will doubtless hold well for 6-8 years, given the track record at this estate. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, Wine Spectator; 88-90 points, Burghound

Domaine Jean Royer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition 2007, List Price $43.99, Sale $36.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France – 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre – 15% abv – Sustainable - The most drinkable and precocious of the 2007s is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, made from essentially the same blend as the Hommage a Mon Pere, but from slightly younger vines (only 40 years old!). Kirsch and floral notes dominate this ruby/purple-tinged effort. Almost Burgundian in its freshness and vivacity, this full-bodied, rich, elegant, gorgeously textured, approachable wine should evolve for 10-15 years. This small estate (just over 12 acres) is run by the Royer family, who can trace its origins in Chateauneuf du Pape back to the 1800′s. However, they have only been estate bottling their wines since the mid-eighties. As the following notes indicate, these are very high quality, artisanal wines made with assistance from consultant Philippe Cambie. All of the vineyards are located in the southern sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape known as Bois de la Ville and Les Grandes Serres, the latter being one of the sources for the superb wines from Isabel Ferrando’s St.-Prefert Chateauneuf du Papes. – Rated 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Clos St-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2005, List Price $69.99, Sale $42.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France – 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre, 3% Cinsault, 2% Vaccarese, 1% Muscardin – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes has a dark saturated ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, beef blood, roasted meat, pepper, lavender, spring flowers, and assorted red and black fruits such as kirsch and blackberry. The wine is very Provencal, extremely deep, full-bodied, and ideal for drinking over the next 12-15 years. The tannins are there, but they are nearly obliterated by the wine’s concentration and richness. – Rated 93 points, The Wine Advocate; 93 points, Wine Spectator; 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, February 19th, 2011. No other discounts may apply.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 9:02 pm

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

Importer Tasting with Peter Weygandt - Saturday Tasting and Sale

Austria, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Carignan, Events, France, Germany, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Italy, Languedoc, Mourvedre, Pfalz, Red Wine, Riesling, Roussanne, Saint-Chinian, Sale, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Styria, Syrah, Tasting, Tuscany, White Wine No Responses »
Jul 282010

Please join us this Saturday, July 31st, at Weygandt Wines, from 1PM until 4PM, for a tasting and discussion with Peter Weygandt. In addition, all of the wines poured will be on sale between 15-30% off! The Lineup:

Georg Mosbacher Forster Elster Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2007,  Regular Price $26.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Pfalz, Germany – 100% Riesling – 12% abv – Organic - “Rich, round and spicy, offering grapefruit, nutmeg and white pepper aromas and flavors, with a savory aftertaste. Nicely balanced and long. Drink now through 2015. 50 cases imported.” – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator.

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Steirische Klassik 2007, Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $18.99 – Sytria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Southern Styria is a traditional production area which enjoys excellent growing conditions, especially for white grapes. For this reason, 95% of the vineyard area is devoted to white varieties and 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. Tement’s ‘classic’ Sauvignon Blanc shows ripe tropical fruit flavors with sweet herbs in the finish.

Chateau Castigno Saint-Chinian Blanc 2007, Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Languedoc, France – 90% Grenache Blanc, 10% Roussanne – 14% abv – Organic - With an average of 25 years for the vines, these grapes are grown on clay and limestone soils. Vinification is in 100% new oak barrels. The color is golden-yellow. The nose is of exotic fruits and an and impression of candied citrus. The palate is strong, round, well-balanced by firm acidity.

Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Rosé “Les Griottes” 2009, Regular Price $16.99, Sale Price $13.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Organic - A light-bodied, cherry-scented rosé made from 100% Gamay. Domaine du Vissoux may just be the most perfect expression in my whole portfolio of what I seek, for the very ability to be natural and great, at once.

Giovanna Ciacci Rosso di Montalcino 2005, Regular Price $26.99, Sale price $22.99 – Tuscany, Italy – 100% Sangiovese – 14% abv – Organic - The Ciacci family has been growers in the area of Sant’Antimo for centuries. The estate dates back 800 years and once totaled 700 hectares (nearly 1700 acres) in size. It has been divided over the generations (there are several producers named Ciacci, now). Giovanna markets most of her production under another label, through another importer and the style there is fairly modern. But Giovanna is at heart a traditionalist and produces, under the name Giovanna Ciacci, a limited quantity of traditionally crafted wines. A perfect fit for us. The Rosso is younger vines, less ideally situated parcels of Brunello di Montalcino. The 2005 is beautifully balanced and long, and a value.

Chateau Castigno “Secret des Dieux” Saint-Chinian 2007, Regular Price $25.99, Sale price $19.99 – Languedoc, France – 50% Syrah, 30% Carignan, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre – 13.5% abv – Organic - Secret des Dieux is grown on clay and limestone soils (mainly limestone for the Grenache). The average age of the vines here is 25 years (but for the Carignan the vines are 100 years old). Deeply saturated dark red color. The nose gives refined impressions of red fruit and garigue. The palate is rich and generous with well-integrated tannins.

Sale prices last through July 31st. No other offers may be applied.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 7:50 pm

Budget-Friendly Summer Quenchers

Alba, Bajo Aragon, Barbera, Beaujolais, Carignan, Events, France, Gamay, Garganega, Grenache, Italy, Mourvedre, Organic, Piedmont, Pinot Grigio, Red Wine, Rhône, Rose, Sale, Soave, Spain, Sustainable, Tasting, Veneto, White Wine No Responses »
Jul 212010

While we keep our store a constant, cool 67 degrees, we don’t spend every waking hour at the shop, so in venturing out, we do know what everyone else knows: it’s HOT! Really hot. And it has been for too long. That being said, we can offer something to help combat this seemingly unending heat wave. Something that can help take your minds off the unbearable swelter. Something that tastes great and is easy on your purse or wallet.

Please join us on Saturday, July 24, from 1-4pm for an in-store tasting and sale on 6 terrific wines at equally outstanding prices. The Lineup:

Verace Pinot Grigio 2009,  Regular Price $11.99, Sale Price $9.99 – Veneto, Italy – 100% Pinot Grigio – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - Crisp green apple is at the core of this delicious, refreshing white with good definition, focus and clarity. This tasty Pinot Grigio offers good length and balance.

Strele Soave 2007, Regular Price $19.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Veneto, Italy – 100% Garganega – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - There’s a touch of gold in the color, with ripe, citrus and honey notes. Medium-bodied, with good clean fruit, turning to fresh lemon and almond on the finish.

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Roses 2009, Regular Price $15.99, Sale Price $12.99 – Rhone, France – 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Silver-pink. More floral than the Rose Fleur, displaying scents of yellow rose, Lily of the Valley and raspberry, with building spiciness. Despite its punchy depth of red fruit flavor, this comes off almost weightless. The spiciness carries assertively through the long, focused finish. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Pierre Chermette, Regular Price $16.99, Sale Price $13.59 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12% abv – Sustainable - The basic bottling (incorporating purchased fruit), 2008 Beaujolais Pierre Chermette could be mistaken for a Pinot Noir given its bright cherry fruit and almond extract high tones; chalky, salty, smoky mineral inflections; and a subtly silken texture that beautifully complements the fresh, slightly piquant edge to its fruit. It is an exuberant wine to drink within a year or two – as always – but one that will change the opinions of Beaujolais among those who taste it for the first time. – David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Monte La Sarda Garnacha Viñas Viejos, Regular Price $10.99, Sale price $9.99 – Bajo Aragon, Spain – 100% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - This supple, medium-bodied red offers sweet blackberry and dark chocolate flavors, with modest tannins and lively acidity.

Simone Scaletta Barbera d’Alba Sarsera DOC, Regular Price $26.99, Sale price $19.99 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Organic -A rather intense nose which is flowery and fruity at the same time, with nice light overtones of spices and vanilla and a certain freshness. Round and delicate, it gives harmony to the typical complexity of Barbera. The flavour is full, persistent, nicely dry and velvety as well as strong bodied. Further time in bottle will define its peculiar taste and complexity for approx. 10 years. Simone Scaletta’s vines are all situated in Monforte d’Alba, home of some the greatest domaine names in Barolo. He tends all of his vines himself–he only has 4 hectares total, including 1 hectare of Barbera, single vineyard Sarsera. Aging of this Barbera was all done in older foudres and barriques. A full, complex Barbera, well worth its regular price. Decanting recommended.

Sale prices last through July 24th. No other offers may be applied.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 6:39 pm
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