Grenache Blanc » Weygandt Wines

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.

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.

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

Thanksgiving is now just around the corner! One occasion that really speaks to the festive feeling of the season is the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of November each year. We are very pleased to offer the Beaujolais Primeur 2010 by Pierre Chermette of Domaine du Vissoux. The 2010 is simply delicious, bursting with juicy red fruit (ripe strawberries and cherries), and has surprising depth. Chermette is one the, if not the, Beaujolais region’s top grower-winemakers. His wines display superlative ripeness, purity, and bespeak their terroir with great clarity.

Please join us this Saturday, November 20th, from 12PM to 4PM for a tasting of staff picks and new arrivals (below), and the outstanding Pierre Chermette Beaujolais Primeur 2010! The Lineup:

Domaine de l’Aigle a Deux Tetes, En Griffez Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay (Cotes du Jura) 2007, List Price $23.99, Sale Price $19.99 – The name of this wine is a mouthful (it translates to Eagle with Two Heads), and the wine itself is too! From old, high-density plantings of Chardonnay, this wine is reminiscent of great Chablis.

Domaine Gauby Vieilles Vignes Blanc (Vin de pays des Cotes Catalanes) 2005, List Price $44.99, Sale Price $37.99 – “A blend of Macabeo, Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Gris and Carignan Blanc. Pale lemon yellow colour. Toasted almonds, creamy oatmeal, warm peaches, golden delicious apple and white pepper on the nose. Great backbone of crisp acidity and a nice silky texture. Tons of minerals. Medium to full body and a very long finish. Drink now to 2015.” Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2007, List Price $44.99, Sale Price $37.99 – “Crisp, fresh, and medium-bodied with notes of flowers and white currants.” Rated 88 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Henri Gallet Cote-Rotie 2006, List Price $59.99, Sale Price $49.99 – “Shows a pungent macerated olive aroma, before giving way to a core of coffee, sweet tapenade, roasted plum, smoked bacon and mesquite. The long, dark finish is filled with fig and iron. An old-school style. Best from 2009 through 2018. 60 cases imported.” Rated 92 Points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin Cote-Rotie Champin le Seigneur 2006, List Price $59.99, Sale Price $49.99 – “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.” Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator

And don’t forget our special pricing: 15% off our entire selection of Alsatian and German wines lasts through Saturday, November 24th, 2010, In-Store Only. (Closed Thanksgiving Day)

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.

Trip to the local butcher that only sells prime cuts? Check. Scrutinizing the perfect catch with the best fishmonger in town? Check. Farmer’s Market for fresh local produce? Check. Countless hours of prep, marinating, more prep and finally cooking and/or grilling? Check. We spend countless hours on making sure every last detail of our backyard bbqs is taken care of, but when it comes to what to serve with these carefully crafted culinary creations, we often fall short. So let us help you take on the sometimes daunting task of picking out the right wines for your next outdoor event. Whether you’re looking for something to sip on the porch, or what to serve with your freshly caught rockfish or even something to wash down a perfectly grilled hot dog, we’ve got you covered.

And on Saturday, June 12, from 1-4 pm, please join our importer, Peter Weygandt, in the shop to taste some of the perfect hot weather wines. All of these wines will be discounted 15% off their regular retail price for a single bottle and 20% off a mixed or matched case. In addition to the sale on the bottles that we are pouring tastes of, we are extending the special pricing to any of the wines of the producers that we are featuring. The entire portfolios of Bonnet-Huteau, Marof, Birgit Eichinger, Clos de l’Origine and Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy will be on sale. So stop by and taste some great summer sippers with Peter Weygandt! The Lineup:

Bonnet-Huteau Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie La Levaudiere 2009, Regular Price $12.99, Sale Price $11.04 – Loire, France – 100% Muscadet – 12% abv – Biodynamic - Light, bright straw. Dusty minerals, quince and lemon zest on the nose, with a hint of white flowers adding complexity. Dry, sharply focused citrus and mineral flavors show a weightier aspect in the mid-palate and pick up a hint of musky herbs with air. Finishes clean and brisk. – Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

Marof Renski Rizling, Regular Price $18.99, Sale Price $16.14 – Mackovci, Slovenia – 100% Riesling – 12% abv – Sustainable - Marof’s 2007 Renski Riesling is simply one of the ten or dozen finest Riesling wines I can recall tasting from outside of the greater Rhine basin or Austria. A gorgeous aromatic display of smoke-tinged apricot, Meyer lemon, apple blossom, and rowan leads to a silken-textured, infectiously juicy palate that makes a virtue of its relative looseness by conveying an airy elegance. Apricot kernel, lime zest, and an amazingly savory underlying sense of meat broth add complexity, and the interchange of flavors with which this wine finishes is positively vibratory. I suspect it will be best relished over the next 12-18 months, but there’s really no way of knowing absent any track record. – Rated 91 points, David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Birgit Eichinger Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Kamptal Wechselberg 2008, Regular Price $22.99, Sale Price $19.54 – Kamptal, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – 12.5% abv – Organic - Powerful, with concentrated grapefruit, Asian pear and gooseberry flavors that are supported by plenty of crisp acidity. Very vibrant and rich on the buttercream- and spice-filled finish. Drink now through 2015. 50 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Clos de l’Origine Les Quilles Libres Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Blanc 2007, Regular Price $23.99, Sale Price $20.39 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Blanc – 13% abv – Organic - The l’Origine 2007 Les Quilles Libres white is from Grenache Gris in both schist and chalk-clay terroirs of Maury (plus whatever bit of Grenache blanc may have been unavoidably harvested along with it), and was fermented for two months and aged in used barriques. 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, invigorating zest, but without the clarity or depth of the l’Original cuvee, and with an aura of oxidative evolution that some tasters may find slightly off-putting. This will demand careful pairing and I would advise exploring the options within the coming year. Inexperienced as I am with this estate I could easily end up being fooled by this wine’s potential. But given its low sulfur, it definitely requires vigilant, cool care. – Rated 88 points, David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray Rose 2009, Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $21.24 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Medium red color. Mineral-driven aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and rose, with notes of orange peel and herbs adding complexity. Dry, focused and pure, with tangy red fruit flavors and good mineral bite. Impressive for its elegance and understatement; the finish is brisk and focused but just a touch dry. – Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

What We're Tasting This Week and Next (Jan. 7-8 and 11-15)

Carignan, France, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir, Macabeu, Mourvedre, Red Wine, Roussanne, Roussillon, Syrah, Tasting, White Wine No Responses »

Jan 072010

The Roussillon region has been described (by Hugh Johnson) as perhaps potentially the most impressive part of the Languedoc. The wines of young Jean Gardies confirm Mr. Johnson’s confidence. A few years ago he took over the family domaine and has gradually increased the amount of the production which he is releasing in bottle. There are “super cuvees” of Syrah pure (Les Falaises), Mourvedre (La Torre) and Grenache Vieilles Vignes (we can’t get these yet, because of private customer demand), which were considered the top wines produced in the Roussillon in vintage 2000 by the Revue du Vin de France. Yet even his cuvee Les Milleres, with no barrique aging, shows Gardies’ great gift for making structured, concentrated, yet elegant wines.

Today and Friday, along with Monday-Friday next week, we’ll pour 2 whites, 3 reds and one dessert to give you a good idea of the style and range of this tremendously talented winemaker/producer. (This Saturday, we’ll interupt this tasting for a brief trip to the Piedmont.) The Lineup:

Domaine Gardies Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Mas Las Cabes 2008, $14.99/btl – Roussillon, France – 70% Muscat, 15% Macabeo, 15% Grenache Blanc – 13.5% abv – This has a fruity aroma, with bright flavors of peach, honeysuckle, beeswax and mineral notes. The lush finish is broad and spicy. Muscat, Grenache and Maccabeo. Drink now. 200 cases imported. – WS 87 points – WS 87 points

Domaine Gardies Cotes du Roussillon Les Glaciaires 2007, $19.99/btl – Roussillon, France – 40% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc, 20% Macabeo – 13% abv – 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. – WS 88 points

From Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Macabeu vinified in year-old barrels, the Gardies 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Les Glaciaires smells of lime zest, peach, pungent, musky flowers, white pepper, resin, lanolin, and spicy oak. A saline and distinctly peppery, Roussanne-dominated palate leads to a bright finish, with a tactile impression of peach fuzz and pineapple tartness, and just a bit of heat and overt oakiness. Jean Gardies – whom I did not have a chance to visit with last December – farms his family’s holdings in the chalk-clay soils of Vingrau and the black schist Espira de l’Agly sector along the Agly just outside Perpignan. – WA 87 points

Domaine Gardies Cotes du Roussillon Mas Las Cabes Rouge 2008, $16.99/btl – Roussillon, France – 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv

Domaine Gardies Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Milleres 2007, $19.99/btl – Roussillon, France – 40% Grenache Noir, 35% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 5% Mourvedre – 13.5% abv – Full-bodied, with powerful dark fruit flavors, including kirsch, plum and dark cherry, followed by intense notes of cocoa powder and Asian spice on the muscular finish. Best from 2010 through 2013. 200 cases imported. – WS 90 points

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan with a smidgeon of Mourvedre, Gardies’ 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Milleres smells of lightly cooked red raspberry, grenadine, walnut husk, juniper, and subtly integrated vanilla and spice from the half of this cuvee that spends time in used barrels. With a vividly sappy concentration of tart red fruit, resin, and tar, with accents of cardamom and black pepper, this coats the palate and lingers with invigorating tartness and pungency, if also a trace of heat. I would not let its abundant, fine-grained tannin stand in the way of enjoying this wine over the next several years, particularly with red meats. A recent pair of additions to the Gardies line-up is labeled for the Mas Las Cabes property in the Espira de l’Agly. Jean Gardies – whom I did not have a chance to visit with last December – farms his family’s holdings in the chalk-clay soils of Vingrau and the black schist Espira de l’Agly sector along the Agly just outside Perpignan. – WA 89 points

Domaine Gardies Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Vieilles Vignes 2006, $29.99/btl – Roussillon, France – 70% Grenache Noire, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 14% abv – This intense, powerful red from the south of France is filled with concentrated flavors of kirsch, dark chocolate and plum pudding. The rich finish of Christmas cake and mocha features plenty of grip. Drink now through 2014. 100 cases imported. – WS 91 points

Gardies’ 2006 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Vieilles Vignes Tautavel – a barrel-matured cuvee of Grenache with smaller amounts of Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre – offers a captivating and penetrating aroma of grilled meats, pungent cinnamon and nutmeg, cedar, ester-rich notes of kirsch, black pepper, and vanilla. Palpably dense, firm in texture, and suffused with fine-gained tannins, this nicely balances spice and resin with high-toned distilled cherry and purple plum, an underlying depth of bitter dark chocolate and chalk becoming more prominent in its long finish. I would anticipate it being worth cellaring for at least 5-6 years. Jean Gardies – whom I did not have a chance to visit with last December – farms his family’s holdings in the chalk-clay soils of Vingrau and the black schist Espira de l’Agly sector along the Agly just outside Perpignan. – WA 90 points

Domaine Gardies Muscat de Rivesaltes 2006 500ml, $24.99/btl – Roussillon, France – 100% Muscat – 15.5% abv – A zesty honeyed dessert wine from Rivesaltes.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Saturday to help us welcome Cecile Tremblay to the store. It was a good opportunity to taste some really special wines from Burgundy. Keep checking in as we hope to have regular visits by our winemakers which means more great wines to try. For free.

As for this week, we have another special event scheduled for Saturday (details to come), so this week’s lineup applies to Monday thru Friday, and as always, 4-7 pm:

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Costieres de Nimes Les Galtes Dores 2008, $14.99/btl – Rhone, France – 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 30% Vermentino, 7% Marsanne,3% Clairette – 13% abv – The elegant white wine offering, the 2008 Les Galets Dores (nearly equal parts Grenache, Roussanne, Rolle, and tiny amounts of Marsanne and Clairette), offers notes of honeyed grapefruit and buttery citrus along with fresh acidity, medium body, plenty of flavor, and a dry, crisp finish. It should be drunk over the next year. – WA 88 points

Weingut Heymann-Lowenstein Riesling Schieferterrassen 2006, $19.99/btl – Mosel, Germany – 100% Riesling – There’s appealing flavors of peach, spice and slate, yet this seems a little slack, lacking the core of acidity to give all the components verve and snap. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases imported. – WS 88 points

Memo Sangiovese 2008, $10.99/btl – Tuscany, Italy – 100% Sangiovese – 13% abv – Strong ruby red color in the glass, with an intense and persistent nose. This fruity Tuscan wine has notes of cherries, prunes and vanilla. Medium bodied, slightly tannic, balanced and ready to drink. Cheap and cheerful!

Domaine La Bastide Syrah Les Genets Vieilles Vignes 2007, $12.99/btl – Languedoc, France – 100% Syrah – Medium-bodied, with dense red fruit flavors and tobacco leaf notes. There’s pepper and graphite on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 2,000 cases imported. – WS 86 points

Domaine de Ferrand Cotes du Rhone La Ferrande 2006, $21.99/btl – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 14% abv – 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 Ferrand. 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. – WA 90 points

Domaine la Berangeraie Les Caminoles Cahors Malbec 2007, $14.99/btl – Sudouest, France – 100% Malbec – 13% abv – In 1971 Andre Berenger came to Cahors from Provence with his wife Sylvie, who is originally from Champagne, and planted their vineyard near Grezels, on the red clay/iron stone soil known as Grezes. Their two children, Maurin and Juline not only joined them in the family business but so too have their respective spouses. Thus the three couples all work together and do everything in this twelve hectare domaine themselves – the pruning, the treatments of the all-organic vines and the harvesting all by hand (a disappearing practice in Cahors where harvesting is now done almost exclusively by machine). This is a lighter bodied Malbec from where the grape was originally grown. Malbec lovers should try this as a nice alternative to their standard powerhouses from Argentina.

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

Staff Picks! Tasting and Sale - Fri, April 1, 5-7:30 pm and Sat, April 2, 12-4 pm

Winter Clearance Sale and Tasting - Sat, Jan 12, 2011 - 12-4 pm

Talking Turkey - Thanksgiving Prelude, Beaujolais Nouveau and Staff Picks, and In-Store 15% off all Alsatian and German Wines Sale!

Importer Tasting with Peter Weygandt - Saturday Tasting and Sale

Stellar Summer Sippers Tasting and Sale with Importer Peter Weygandt - Sat, June 12, 1-4 pm

What We're Tasting This Week and Next (Jan. 7-8 and 11-15)

What We’re Tasting This Week (Dec. 14-18)

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