Roussanne » 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.

Yann Chave's Northern Rhone Syrahs - Tasting and Sale - Sat, Feb 5, 12-4 pm

Crozes-Hermitage, Events, France, Grower, Hermitage, Marsanne, Organic, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Roussanne, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, Winemaker No Responses »

Feb 032011

Please join us at Weygandt Wines on Saturday, February 5th as we present the wines of rising star Yann Chave, from 12PM-4PM.

You may not have heard of this domaine before, but it won’t be a secret much longer. Chave is making superb wines. – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Yann, in his late 30s, has taken over from his father, Bernard Chave, and in 2001 the name of the Domaine became Yann Chave. It consists of 14.77 hectares (35.4 acres) of Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, 1.20 hectares (2.8 acres) of Hermitage, and 0.76 hectares (1.8 acres) of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc.

The Crozes-Hermitage “Classique” is a selection of vines all situated in the sector “Chassis,” ranging from 18 to 40 years old. Elevage is 20% in two-year demi-muids and 80% in tank with micro-oxygenation. The “Le Rouvre” is a single parcel in Chassis, his best parcel of Crozes, lying on “caillouteux” (large rounded stones) and the vines average 50 years-old. It is pure “vin de goutte” and is aged entirely in one- and two-year old demi-muids. The Hermitage is from two parcels, one in Baumes (next to Le Méal) and the other in “Péléat,” with vines averaging 25 years of age. The wine is aged in 100% new demi-muids.

Pumping over is done twice a day, but Yann does very little punching down (pigeage) – only two times altogether during the three weeks of vinification. He works hard in the vineyards – low yields, harvesting later at optimum phenolic maturity, natural viticulture, indigenous yeasts and no filtering – if you like loads of Syrah fruit and lots of texture on the palate, these are wines for you.

Through February 5th, 2010, all Yann Chave wines will be discounted 25% off their regular retail price for single bottles. No other discounts may apply. Please join us on Saturday, February 5th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample these classic expressions of Northern Rhone Syrahs and more! The Lineup:

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2008, List Price $27.99, Sale $20.99 – Rhone, France – 70% Marsanne, 30% Roussane – 13% abv – Sustainable - Vineyard composition is of argilo-limestone. All vine treatments are organic, and only indigenous yeast is employed in the long, slow fermentation, the temperature of which is controlled for that purpose, and to preserve the maximum varietal character and richness. Elevage is 100% in tank, also in order to preserve the clarity of the varietal character. An elegant white wine from fully-mature fruit, characterized by complex and powerful notes of stone-fruits; the mouth-feel is structured, fatty and full. Chave recommends this wine as an excellent aperitif, or to be served with fresh water fish in a sauce.

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Classique 2007, List Price $27.99, Sale $20.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - Bright and open, with tasty black cherry, currant and aged tobacco notes. Fresh finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Le Rouvre 2008, List Price $35.99, Sale $26.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - This lightly firm red offers a core of crushed plum and blueberry fruit laced with cocoa powder and tobacco notes. The long finish is carried by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Nicely ripe for the vintage. Drink now through 2011. 100 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Wine Spectator

Yann Chave Hermitage 2005, List Price $109.99, Sale $82.49 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Packed with black currant, fig and black cherry fruit, this is also very refined, with incense, graphite, mineral and spice notes helping to extend the long, silky finish. Has power and grace and should age beautifully. Best from 2008 through 2022. 540 cases made. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, The Wine Advocate

Yann Chave Hermitage 2006, Regular Price $79.99, Sale Price $59.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Really inviting, with crushed currant and blackberry fruit mingling with cassis bush, iron and mineral notes. Has a supple, lingering, violet-tinged finish. Silky. Drink now through 2020. 50 cases imported. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, The Wine Advocate

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

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.

With our pallets of wines that arrived at the shop this week, we received quite a few new vintages from some of our old friends (like Denis Alary pictured above). . .

We’re featuring six of these wines this week at the shop, with special pricing. And join us this Saturday, July 17th, at Weygandt Wines from 1PM until 4PM as we host a tasting where you can try them all before you buy! The Lineup:

Domaine Alary La Grange Daniel Blanc 2009, Regular Price $14.99, Sale Price $11.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Roussanne – 14% abv – Sustainable - Honeysuckle, rose petal, and apricot notes emerge from this tank-fermented and aged white. It exhibits surprising body and flavor intensity along with beautiful richness and length. I wouldn’t age it beyond a year, but it is ideal for current drinking with intensely flavored shellfish and poultry dishes.

Domaine Albert Mann Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes 2009, Regular Price $19.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Alsace, France – 100% Auxerrois – 13% abv – Biodynamic - Pale color. Fresh, pure nose offers peach and flowers. Juicy, fresh and moderately dense, in a rather sweet style for Auxerrois at nine grams of residual sugar. Turns a bit dry and peppery on the end.

Gerard & Pierre Morin Sancerre Chene Marchand 2008, Regular Price $28.99, Sale Price, $22.99 – Loire, France – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 13% abv – Sustainable - A gorgeous nose and subtly oily, lush, yet ultra-bright palate are dominated by hedge flowers, fresh orange, lime, and grapefruit. Chalk, iodine, and salt seem to cling indelibly even as this sensationally concentrated and supremely elegant Sancerre invigorates and refreshes. Here is that perfect paradox one encounters with Sauvignon: its most sublime manifestations are farthest from typicity, and those seeking gooseberry, passion fruit, or cassis will be disappointed by what they find here.

Domaine Servin Chablis Vieilles Vignes Selection Massale, Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - (50% tank and 50% older barrels) Bright yellow. Less fruity than the Pargues on the nose, showing a menthol element. Dense, ripe and minerally, with excellent lemony cut and serious acidity. Finishes with noteworthy persistence, and the structure to age. These 2008s have 4.7 to 4.8 grams per liter of acidity, according to Francois Servin. Rate 89 points, The International Wine Cellar

Chateau de La Bonneliere Chinon Rive Gauche 2009, Regular Price $14.99, Sale Price $11.99 – Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Brimming with tart but ripe cherry and blackberry tinged with baking spices and toasted nuts. Succulent and sappy on the palate, it finishes with bright black fruits and pungent spice and pepper. This would make an excellent, highly affordable introduction to Loire Cabernet Franc as well as a versatile tablemate over the next 12-18 months.

Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rouge Terre de Maimbray 2008, Regular Price $28.99, Sale Price $22.99 – Loire, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 12.5% abv – Organic - This juicy offering boasts bitter-edged, black pepper-, salt- and cinnamon-tinged mulberry and cassis on an elegant palate and strikingly long finish. The effect of older barrels seems to detract marginally from the purity of fruit, and I would in any case plan to enjoy this over the next 12-18 months.

What to taste, what to taste? Here at the shop, we often hear the question, “How do you decide which wines to use for your tastings?” And like many questions , there are many right answers (unless you’re a mathematician). Some of the wines we choose are new to the shop, so we want to try them out ourselves. Some have been requested by our regulars (yes, we do listen). Some have been collecting dust because we have been neglectful. And others just seem right at the time. Whatever the reason, we try and open new wines every week, and this week is no exception. The Lineup:

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg 2007, $39.99/btl – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 13% abv – Fermented in tank and matured in larger barrels, Tement’s 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg is cooling and minty in personality yet with a glossy texture and lovely cling. Another year in bottle may bring more complexity, but this very proportional and refreshing Sauvignon should be worth following for 2-3 years. – WA 87 points

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Vin de Pays du Gard Blanc Terre d’Argence 2007, $15.99/btl – Rhone, France – 50% Viognier, 50% Roussanne – A blend of equal parts Viognier and Roussanne, a small percentage fermented in new wood, the very good 2007 Terre d’Argence blanc is surprisingly restrained compared to the Galets Dores. It offers abundant amounts of white currant, honeysuckle, and apricot notes in a medium-bodied, dry, refreshing style. – WA 87 points

Chateau Pont de Brion Graves Rouge 2005, $20.99/btl – Bordeaux, France – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot – 12% abv – Classic Left Bank Bordeaux from a classic vintage. Dark fruit and cedar with a long, balanced finish.

Clos Marie Coteaux du Languedoc L’Olivette Pic Saint Loup 2008, $26.99/btl – Languedoc, France – Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault – 13.5% abv – Displaying aromas not only of ripe black fruits but of spiced apple cider such as one would more expect in a white wine, and a soothingly-textured and fruit-forward palate, this also hints at the sort of saline, iodine, and stony mineral dimensions that help make Clos Marie’s wines so fascinating as a group.

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.

Older Entries

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

Yann Chave's Northern Rhone Syrahs - Tasting and Sale - Sat, Feb 5, 12-4 pm

Domaine Alary Tasting and Sale - Sat, Jan 29, 12-4 pm

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

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New Arrivals! Saturday Wine Tasting and Sale - July 17, 1-4 pm

What We're Tasting This Week (March 1-5)

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

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