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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 3:04 pm

Francly Speaking - Saturday, April 24, 1-4 pm

Biodynamic, Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Chinon, Events, France, Loire, Organic, Red Wine, Saumur Champgny, Tasting No Responses »
Apr 212010

When one speaks of Cabernet Franc it is usually in terms of the blending grape used in Bordeaux wines. But in France’s central Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is a stand-alone varietal that, in the right hands, produces wines of richness, breed and character. Please join us on Saturday, April 24 from 1-4 pm to taste some of the great red wines from this area of France that is better known for its iconic whites. Here’s the Lineup:

Beatrice & Pascal Lambert Chinon “Les Perruches” 2006, $18.39/btl, Regularly $22.99/btl – Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13.5% abv – Organic - Rock-solid, with a briary undertow carrying the macerated plum and cherry fruit, all followed by sweet tapenade and aged tobacco notes on the long finish. Even better than the 2005. Drink now through 2011. 200 cases imported. – 90 points, Wine Spectator.

La Source du Ruault Saumur Champigny “Vieilles Vignes” 2006, $19.99/btl, Regularly $24.99/btl – Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Jean-Noel Millon took over his family’s vineyards in 1998. His 2006 Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes boasts pure, ripe, tart blackberry fruit with sage oil and ginger pungency and saline, chalky mineral expressions. Smoky, toasted nut notes, carob, and brown spices emerge in a penetrating finish that will truly leave you licking (the residues from) your lips. This admirably concentrated, inevitably versatile Cabernet Franc will be worth following for at least 2-3 years.

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “Les Quartiers” 2006, $23.99/btl, Regularly $29.99/btl – Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13% abv – Organic - A dark, grippy red from France’s Loire Valley, with charcoal, mesquite, roasted fig, dark olive and mineral notes coursing through while a backdrop of plum sauce and toast waits in reserve. The structured, mouthfilling finish drips with fruit and olive notes. Best from 2009 through 2017. 821 cases made. – 92 points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil “Les Malgagnes” 2006, $25.69/btl, Regularly $31.99/btl – Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13.5% abv – Organic - This offers the appellation’s telltale iron, briar and dark olive notes, with a rock-solid core of black currant fruit. It’s all given a lift by a layer of well-integrated cocoa and mocha-tinged toast.

Fill up your cellar or wine racks with any of these special Loire Valley reds at 20% off the regular retail price!

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 7:09 pm

3WC (Weygandt Wines Wine Club)

Classic, Deluxe, Gourmet, Miscellaneous, Wine Club No Responses »
Apr 152010

You may have noticed that there is a lonely tab on the homepage of our website that is marked “Wine Club.” Following that link will lead you to info on a 4-pack sampler of some very wintery wines. We’re pleased to tell you that we have finally put together a proper Wine Club, with new wines every month and 3 different levels at 3 different prices.

The Weygandt Wines’ Wine Club is a great way to sample our distinctive wines on a regular basis for a substantial discount, in a manner that takes the guesswork out of buying wine. Along with the two wines delivered monthly to your doorstep (you may opt to pick them up and save on shipping), you will receive a detailed information packet containing tasting notes, reviews and food pairing suggestions. Savings for the individual bottles range anywhere from 15%-35% off the normal retail price.

Each month we will select two new wines for each club level, according to the preselected theme. For example, May’s theme is Women Winemakers. For this, we will feature the wines of two of our top producers, who just happen to be women. And for the Deluxe Wine Club, we’ll include a selection from one of our star Burgundy producers, Cecile Tremblay. A great opportunity to taste world class Burgundy for a great price.

  • Classic Wine Club: Two bottles each month for $29.99, plus shipping and tax (no sales tax outside of DC).
  • Gourmet Wine Club: Two bottles each month for $49.99, plus shipping and tax (no sales tax outside of DC).
  • Deluxe Wine Club: Two bottles each month for $99.99, plus shipping and tax (no sales tax outside of DC).

Subscriptions can be purchased online (eventually), or you can contact our wine club staff at 202-362-9463.

The current schedule is as follows:
May: Women Winemakers Pack
June: Backyard BBQ Pack – Give Dad what he really wants!
July: Best Deal Bastille Pack
August: Beach Basket Pack
September: Labor Day Pack
October: Harvest Pack
November: Thanksgiving Pack
December: The High Holidays Pack
January: Winter Warmers Pack
February: Amour Pack
March: Easter/Passover Pack
April: Tax Pack

Stay tuned for more info!

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 9:33 pm

90+ Point Rhone Redux 2007 - Sat, April 10 - 1-4 pm

Miscellaneous No Responses »
Apr 072010

“What, no winemaker coming into town? You’re not pouring Grand Cru Burgundy? No Barolo tasting? Oh, you’re pouring tastes from one of the great wine regions in the world, from the greatest vintage of the past two decades? I guess that will have to do…”

Our apologies for our fabricated monologue–we know that you the customer could never be so jaded as to expect that which was suggested, regardless of what we’ve offered in the past. However, we at the shop do expect a certain level of pure awesomeness, so that’s why, with nothing scheduled this coming weekend, we decided to make sure that we put together an event worthy of our excellent customers.

With that out of the way, we would like to invite you to the shop between 1 pm and 4 pm on Saturday, April 10, to (re-)explore the legendary 2007 vintage from the Southern Rhone.  Big, ripe, and lusty, these wines also have enough tannins to survive a bit of time–even the lower end cuvees. All five of our selections were rated 90 points or better and Robert Parker had this to say about the 2007 Rhone vintage:

“Throughout the southern Rhone, 2007 is the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years working in that region…Moreover, the vintage is remarkably consistent from top to bottom.”

So join us and judge for yourself. These wines will go great with grilled meats and with this summer-like weather, what else are you having for dinner? The Lineup:

Chateau de Manissy Lirac 2007, $17.99/btl – Rhone, France – 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Cinsault – 14% abv – Sustainable - A big, juicy version, delivering an ample core of melted fig and macerated currant fruit layered with tobacco, dark earth and bitter licorice notes. The solid, grippy finish really stretches out nicely. Drink now through 2010. 400 cases imported. – WS 90 points

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne 2007, $25.99/btl – Rhone, France – 90% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - Dense but pure, with alluring black tea and mesquite aromas up front, followed by dark, macerated currant, fig and plum fruit. Hints of ganache and espresso frame the finish, which is supple and lengthy. Grenache and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2011. 400 cases made. – WS 91 points

Chateau des Roques Vacqueyras Hameau des Roques 2007, $20.99/btl – Rhone, France – 70% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Juicy and racy, with a stylish beam of raspberry fruit laced liberally with enticing spice, black tea and melted red licorice notes. The finish is long and lively. Drink now through 2011. 800 cases imported. – WS 90 points

Domaine de Poulvarel Costieres de Nimes Les Perrottes 2007, $21.99/btl – Rhone, France – 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - More backward is the 2007 Costieres de Nimes Les Perrottes, an unfiltered blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache in equal parts tank and small barrels. This is a strikingly cerebral wine with lots of floral, and black and blue fruit nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with good structure, the wood influence provides a more backward, ageworthy style. It should hit its peak in 12 months and last for a decade. – WA 90 points

Domaine Jean Royer Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition 2007, $43.99 – 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. – WA 90 points

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 9:15 pm

SOUPERGIRL! - This Week's Wine Pairings

Alsace, Anjou, Chenin Blanc, Food, France, Gewurtztraminer, Loire, Organic, SOUPERGIRL, Sale, White Wine No Responses »
Apr 052010

As stated previously, we have an alliance with Soupergirl. For more info, visit her website or click here for info from our blog. Instead of dangling a carrot in front of you with next week’s selections, we thought that it makes a bit more sense to let you know what’s available this week. At the risk of repeating ourselves, here’s this week’s Souper Lineup:

Rave on Mulligatawny Soup – Ingredients (in no particular order): lentils, chickpeas, tomato, curry, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, coconut milk, agave, basmati rice, cilantro, garlic, carrots, onions, olive oil, homemade vegetable stock goodness.

Paired with…

Bernard et Robert Schoffit Gewurztraminer Cuvee Caroline, SG Price $19.99/btl,, Regularly $26.99 – Alsace, France – 100% Gewurztraminer – 13.8% abv – Organic – Aromas of celeriac and celery seed, clove and rose petal. A touch sweet on the palate this wine’s caramel and mocha-coffee tones lend a sense of low-toned richness s and it finishes with persistent rose perfume, and dominant sweetness. Gewurz and spicey foods are like peas and carrots.

Let the Bright Orange Shine In Soup – Ingredients (in no particular order): sweet potatoes, carrots, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, touch of cayenne, onion, canola oil, salt, pepper, homemade vegetable stock goodness.

Paired with…

Richard Leroy Anjou Le Clos des Rouliers 2006, SG Price $16.49/btl, Regularly $26.99 – Loire, France – 100% Chenin Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic - A tangy, stony style, with yellow apple, lemon verbena and chamomile notes pushed by a melon- and lime-filled background. There’s nice length and purity.

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 4:46 pm

What We're Tasting This Week (April 5-9)

Austria, Burgundy, Carignan, Côtes du Rhône, Events, France, Gigondas, Grenache, Grüner Veltliner, Marsannay, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Rhône, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, Wachau, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »
Apr 052010

Thanks to all who participated in our tasting with the incomparable Thierry Brouin on Saturday. His wines from his “quasi-monopole” (his words–he owns 99.5% of the vineyards) are both forward and elegant, silky and powerful. This was a real treat to taste his wines and even more so to get to know such a dedicated winemaker and kind man. But enough groveling–we have business to attend to. This week’s forecast is calling for beautiful heat. Not the oppressive, mid-summer pea soup kind, but the mid-8os bright sunshine type. The perfect weather for something cold and pink. So, along with a crisp Gruner Veltliner and an outstanding Gigondas, we’ll pour a couple of rosés so that you can enjoy the few gorgeous days that this are offers to us each spring. The Lineup:

Nothnagl Gruner Veltliner Ried Steinborz Federspiel 2007, $16.99/btl – Wachau, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – 12% abv – Sustainable - Medium-bodied, with pear and green peach flavors. Finishes with plenty of vanilla and spice.

Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé 2009, $18.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Sustainable - With a beautiful red current hue and a concentrated nose of peach nectar, this rosé is soft and fruity, backed by good strength and liveliness. The perfect accompaniment to charcuterie!

Domaine Les Grand Bois Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Les Trois Soeurs Rosé 2009, $13.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 75% Grenache, 15% Carignan, 5% Syrah -14.5 % abv – Sustainable - Black cherry and bright strawberry highlight this blend with a finish that belies it’s fresh and intense, dry, long-lasting finish. Try it as an aperitif or with almost all foods. Great with Asian spices.

Domaine St.-Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2006, $27.99/btl – Rhone, France – 90% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and Carignan – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The well-made 2006 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes’ deep ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of black cherries, raspberries, spring flowers, earth, and spice. Not as extravagantly rich as the 2007, it is a medium-bodied, well-balanced wine to consume over the next 7-8 years. Proprietor Joel Saurel’s goal is to produce Gigondas as fine as those fashioned by the appellation’s two superstars, Domaine Santa Duc and Chateau St.-Cosme. An estate to watch, Saint-Damien produces three sensational cuvees of Gigondas as well as two stunning, value-priced Cotes du Rhones, which readers should be buying by the trunkful. As one might expect, the 2007 Gigondas look very strong, but Saurel also succeeded in 2006, a difficult vintage in Gigondas. – WA 90 points

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 4:19 pm

Thierry Brouin of Domaine des Lambrays - The Lineup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 3:34 pm

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

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

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

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

Posted by Weygandt Wines at 6:16 pm
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