Short view on Bordeaux Right bank, Left bank & 2002 Chateau de Lussac Lussac-Saint-Emilion red Bordeaux France

Short view on Bordeaux Right bank, Left bank & 2002 Chateau de Lussac Lussac-Saint-Emilion red Bordeaux France

Often people ask me: What’s Bordeaux left bank and right bank? And what differentiate them? Well, it is an interesting question, especially for someone like me who grew up in the Cotes de Bourg on the right bank, which is a much different world than the left bank.

Basically, if you look at a map of France as if it was someone face, “Bretagne” or little Brittany represents the nose, and the estuary of the Gironde River going downwards represents the frowning mouth of France, and to a certain extent also reflects the moodiness and temper of the French, which somewhat also confirm the constant underlining probability of another revolution in the public mind.

However, politic and personal opinions aside, let’s go back to Bordeaux and the Gironde, the wide estuary narrows down to the “Bec d’Ambes” (Ambes’ beak in English), a beak-like piece of land called “Entre-deux-mers”, separating the Gironde river in two long arms, the “Garonne” river stretching down towards the Pyrenees mountains and the “Dordogne” river stretching east towards the massif central where it takes its source.

If you follow the course of those rivers from their respective sources and start your journey once in the Gironde department (or district), the left Bank of the Garonne River and the continuation of it along the Gironde, represents the “Left Bank”.

The Left Bank comprises some of the most sought after wine appellations in the world, like Pessac-Léognan and more especially in the Haut-Médoc, with prestigious names like Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estephe. Due to the fact that this part of Bordeaux has been covered so many times and by so many people and magazines, I will just say that it is the land of the 1st Growth and the Graves which also have a common characteristic, the gravelly soils were the Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon and Semillon thrive.

In my opinion, the Médoc is also the most boring part of Bordeaux, especially the upper part of the Haut-Médoc. One may wonder how some of the most renowned and established Médoc Châteaux can produce some of the most expensive wines on the planet. Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the large Gironde River to the east, the Médoc is damp, flat and gray most part of the year. It is also planted with uninterrupted miles of vines, an ocean of vineyards stretching as far as your eyes can see, with spotted 18th and 19th century Châteaux scattered here and there, magnificent for some when under the sun, yet unfortunately sad and sober for most when raining, which is the case about 200+ days a year in this part of France.

On the opposite side, the right bank of the Dordogne and the continuation of it along the Gironde constitutes the “Right Bank”, including, from north to south, the following appellations:

• Côtes de Blaye (now part of 1eres Cotes de Bordeaux for marketing reasons)
  
• Côtes de Bourg
  
• A large part of Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur
  
• Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac
  
• Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol
  
• Saint-Emilion and its satellites appellations
  
• Côtes de Castillon
  

All these appellations of the right bank benefit from a common characteristic, which is that most vineyards are planted on gentle rolling hills atop a chalky-limestone plateau, roughly stretching down from the Côtes de Blaye to the north to the Côtes de Castillon in the south, where the Merlot and Cabernet Franc excel.

Offering many hilltop points of view, the landscape is beautiful, more colorful and inviting than the left bank, with quaint small villages scattered around, surrounded by vineyards and small patches of forests.

The chalky-limestone plateau homes quantities of deep, cavernous chalky-limestone carriers carved in the early 13th century, and mostly extended during the 18th century and still in use for some of them. The carved pale-yellow chalky-lime stones from these carriers are the cornerstones of most “échoppes” (the traditional name for the classic 15th – 18th century Bordeaux houses, intramural) and Châteaux in the town of Bordeaux and the whole department of Gironde.

Located on the Right bank of the Dordogne River about 40 kilometers east of the town of Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion is one of the most attractive examples of a Limestone entirely built village of the Bordeaux region, and more especially the right Bank. If you’ve never been to this stock-in-history medieval village, you will never understand the chemistry that occurs between the winemaker’s “savoir faire” and the old Terroir of Saint-Emilion. This town is like something out of a history book set back in the XIII century, where one may still encounter knights and brotherhood members of another time.

Dominating the nice Dordogne valley from the top edge of a little hill where it has been built many centuries ago, Saint-Emilion is a charming and quiet little village, the perfect image for a postcard. The Roman legions planted the first vineyards in the 2nd century AD. The village also became one of the resting points for weary travelers on the road to “Santiago de Compostela”, a town which has been a historical pilgrimage center for centuries too, in the far northwestern part of Spain. With a reputation dating back to the XIII century, Saint-Emilion has kept intact its magic and high quality as one of the most famous vineyards in the world.

The wines of Saint-Emilion are produced from nine communes, with vineyards planted on gentle slopes with three distinct types of soil. First, in the northern and the western parts of the main town, the soil is sandy and gravelly (Cheval Blanc and Figeac). Second, on the escarpment (or also called the “cotes” section of Saint-Emilion) to the south and east, the soil is mainly chalk, with mix of limestone and clay (Ausone). And finally, coming in third position in terms of quality and concentration, the sandy soils (with gravelly sub-soils) of the plain to the south of the appellation, where much lighter wines are made.

Overall, Saint-Emilion and the Right Bank are the preferred ground of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, where they play a more predominant role than Cabernet Sauvignon. It is worth to visit slowly over a few days to really embrace and discover all the treasures scattered along the 50+ kilometers of the right bank, between the fortified "Citadelle de Blaye" to the medieval hilltop village of Saint-Emilion, both jewel of history built between the 12th and 13th century for the most ancient parts.

Château de Lussac Lussac-Saint-Emilion Bordeaux France

The wine of today comes from one of Saint-Emilion’s satellites, Lussac Saint-Emilion, a small village located about 9 kilometers northeast of Saint-Emilion.

In the heart of the village, Château de Lussac is easily visible by its distinctive architecture. The Neo-Classical main building was built in 1876 by Gascon Montouroy. This vintner and vine grower transmitted the property to his son-in-law, Marquis de Sercey. The property remained in this family until the 1980s when Mr. Olivier Roussel repurchased it and produced wines for about 15 years. In 2000, Griet and Hervé Laviale fell in love with this property and bought it. They completely refurbished the estate in 2001, enhancing the interior with 18th and 19th century furniture. They also own of Château Franc Mayne.

Despite the beauty of the Château and its surrounding gardens, winemaking is emphasized by the quality of the technology used and other major recent investments made in the cellars: stainless steel truncated vats and the ‘Tribaie’ machine for sorting the grapes (a very clever machine that weighs the sugar levels in the grapes, to sort out the ones with the best density, therefore selecting the ones with full ripeness to make the best wine). Laurence Ters, one of the rare Bordeaux female winemaker, works in both properties, crafting smooth, elegant Merlot based wines aged for at least 12-14 months in new French oak barrels from various coopers.

The 30 hectares (74 acres) of average 30 years old vines are planted on the far northeast side of Saint-Emilion limestone plateau, on gentle slopes naturally well drained and exposed. The vineyards are planted with 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc. They produce two wines: "Château de Lussac", and the 2nd label "Le Libertin de Lussac".




2002 Château de Lussac Lussac-Saint-Emilion Bordeaux France
Suggested retail price $28-$31
Imported/Distributed by Madrose/Rosenthal in NYC

The 2002 Chateau de Lussac Lussac-Saint-Emilion is a nice, supple and well tamed wine, that had the time to settle down and now drinks beautifully. Predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc, this wine is soft and gentle with enjoyable red and dark berries, nicely integrated oaky notes with earthy nuances. Once a bit tight, the tannins are now framing the fruit and bringing structure to this wine. The acidity enhances and lifts nicely the overall profile and fruit of this wine. A enjoyable discovery to pair with braised baby lamb and grilled duck breast.

Of course, it won't be as harmonious as the 2000 vintage, or super ripe like the 2003 (or overriped and inharmonious like many other Bordeaux of this particular vintage) or even as opulent and complex as the 2005, yet it is in my opinion one of this wine that came together with a bit of bottle time from probably the best bargain vintage of the last decade (2002) in Bordeaux, which was booed by the press and critics but end up offering some beautiful hidden gems and in the same time surprised many skeptics.

Even if you’ve never been to Saint-Emilion, you can just close your eyes and drink a sip of this medium-bodied wine and may be the postcard image of Saint-Emilion will come to mind.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

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Escape Winter and the snow with these 4 earthy heartwarming wines

Escape Winter and the snow with these 4 earthy heartwarming wines

2008 D'Aupilhac Lanquedoc VDP Rouge $13.99

The Domaine d'Aupilhac is located in Montpeyroux, a little village some 36 kms north-west of Montpellier which gave its name to the vineyards area. The cellar, created in 1989 in the family home, is right in the heart of the village. Sylvain Fadat and his family have been growing grapes for over 5 generations. Made with 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah, and 5% Alicante Boucher, from vines planted on arid stony limestone where Grenache and Cinsault thrive, D’Aupilahc Red “Lou Maset” wine was fermented in traditional vats for 10-15 days, then aged for 6 months in cask. It was bottled without filtration.

Montpeyroux usually offers powerful, full-bodied yet balanced and structured wines with ripe fruit and earthy, Terroir oriented attitude, and the 2008 Domaine d’Auphilac "Lou Maset" red is no exception to the rule. Beside its dark, intense ruby color, the nose is fresh, earthy and warm at the same time, with ripe dark fruit mixed with floral and Garrigue scents. The palate is full, generous, with a lot of ripe, dark berry fruit and earthy Terroir components enhanced by a great acidity that makes this wine quite juicy and also an integrated tannic structure nicely framing all the layers and nuances. The finish is dry and slightly tight yet will settle down rapidly with a decantation and a bit of substantial food like grilled red meat, roasted leg of lamb.




2006 Bodegas Adria “The Pilgrimage” Mencia Bierzo Spain $16.99

Bodegas Adria owns vineyards located between the villages of Corullón, Villafranca del Bierzo and Cacabelos, in the foothills of a small mountain range about 25 kilometers west from Ponferrada, planted in a mosaic of complex soils ranging from alluvial clay and stones on the valley floor to granite and schist higher up on the slope. The wine is called “The Pilgrimage” because the vines in this region of Bierzo lie along the holy "Camino de Santiago de Compostela" (the path or “way of St. James of Compostela” in English or “Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle” in French), a town located at the northwestern part of Spain, in Galicia, which has long been a pilgrimage center for many Christians and other pilgrims since the 9th century.

From the acclaimed 2006 vintage, which was great in this particular area, the Pilgrimage Red Bierzo, made with 100% old Mencía grapes, has a quite intense deep purple color with ruby reflects on the rim. The nose is fresh, aromatic with inviting aromas of ripe dark and red cherry, plum, chocolate, and spice, and earthy notes. The palate is dry, intense and juicy, yet medium bodied with soft, gentle red and ark fruits, present yet integrated tannins and an overall texture enhanced and balanced by a great acidity. The lingering finish is structured, soft and food friendly. Pair it with baby lamb and duck. Another interesting example of what the versatile Mencía grape has to offer.




2008 Establecimiento Juanico Estate "Pueblo del Sol" Tannat Juanico Uruguay $10.99

Fairly new, the "Pueblo del Sol" range offers great value, great quality, fun wines produced with their own label yet from "Don Pascual" selection part of the Familia Deicas "Establecimiento Juanico" estate. Pueblo del Sol is a classic entry level wine to introduce you to the excellent quality of wines from Uruguay. "Pueblo del Sol' in Spanish means "Village of the Sun". And the village of Juanico in southern Uruguay, which is the home of the Don Pascual winery, epitomizes this description. Benefiting from the abundant sunshine of the 34th parallel South latitude, this little wine is quite surprising. The unique maritime climate of the Juanico region produces superb fruit. The combination of hand picking and grading with state of the art winemaking equipment produces wonderful wines that represent great value.

Pueblo del Sol Tannat is a nice, easy going, fruit forward, clean wine that wasn't aged in oak. Made from 100% Tannat, the wine was fermented then rested for a short period of time before bottling in stainless steel tanks. Only the very ripest grapes are harvested and fermented at low temperatures so as to emphasize the fresh and fruity varietal aromas. On the nose, it exhibits fresh, earthy aromas of licorice and jammy fruits such as figs and plums. On the Palate, it is forward, very flavorful with smooth fruit, good balance and soft tannins. Overall, it has a rich structure with a long finish. Pair it with roasted or barbecued meat, strong cheese, game, goulash and any other well-flavored dishes.



2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva $10.99

Think about Puglia (or Apulia), southeastern Italy, the heel of the boot. A very warm, dry place with arid soils, long flat plains and a few gentle low rolling hills here and there. Surrounded by the Mediteranean Sea on roughly 3/4 of the all superficie, Apulia is a peaceful place influenced by the Sea, the hot wind from the south, its long history and the intriguing mix of cultures. Cantele is located in Salice Salentino DOC, a wine area located in northern part of the Lecce province which represents the most southern part of Puglia, the tip of the heel. Salice Salentino is a region that encompasses vineyards, olive trees surrounding scattered farms and a few old watchtowers (some from the medieval time). The main grape varieties are Negro Amaro for red and rose wines, and Malvaisia for the whites.

2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva is roughly a blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, from vineyards located next the village of Guagnano. After de-stemming, crushing, maceration of 6-7 days and fermentation, the wine was transferred to barriques where it matured for at least six months, before bottling.The robe is quite intense, dark ruby red. The expressive nose exposes earthy aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and cigar box, woody notes. In the mouth, it is fruity, quite full yet balanced by the tannins and great acidity to keep it fresh, almost crisp, with ripe red and dark fruit. Smooth and rounded in the finish, with gentle vanilla oaky notes, it is pretty easy going and perfect for simple dish and picnic. Serve it with pasta and meat sauce, red meats including lamb. Ideal with cheese.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Prices reflect those in the store at www.Heightschateau.com

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Bierzo & 2006 Bodegas Adria “The Pilgrimage” Mencía Bierzo Spain

I have always been a huge fan of the red wines from Bierzo, and more especially of the Mencía grape that I personally discover while tasting my first wines from this area back in 2002, when I first arrived in New York. 8 years later, my passion continues and despite my uninterrupted experience with the wines from top producers like Descendientes de José Palacios, Dominio Tares, Pittacum, Paixar, Bodegas Estefania, Castro Ventoso, and Bodega del Abad, to name a few, I’m still discovering great new producers like Bodegas Adria.

Bierzo

Bierzo is a Spanish wine region located in the northwest of the province of León (part of the Castilla Y León district), touching the eastern border of Galicia, northwestern Spain just above Portugal. The area consists of numerous small valleys in the mountainous part (Bierzo Alto) and of a wide, flat plain (Bierzo Bajo).

Although Bierzo has existed for many centuries, it nearly disappeared with the Phylloxera plague, which devastated ¾ of most European vineyards between the early 1860s and the end of 1930s, and was only officially recognized as a “DO” (Denominación de Origin) in 1989. Since then, the region has experienced an incredible renaissance and benefited from a rapidly expanding reputation. Nowdays, the Bierzo DO covers 23 municipalities including the largest town of the area, Ponferrada, and imports a large quantity of its wines throughout the world.

Bierzo produces mostly red wines made from the Mencía grape variety, which is apparently indigenous to this area and was already used and grown in the Roman times. Producing soft, earthy, easy going, light to medium bodied, aromatic dry red wines with slight green edges and dry tannins, Mencía possesses some of the character and taste of Cabernet Franc, yet due to the climate, usually offers riper fruit and silkier, less green and more integrated tannins.

Bierzo is bordered to the west by the Valdeorras DO wine region, which as a counter part or more often considered as a sibling to Bierzo, produces mainly whites from Godello, Doña Blanca and Palomino, but also some reds, less well known in the US market, yet quite similar to those in Bierzo made with the same grape varieties: Mencía, Merenzao, Grao Negro and Garnacha.

Bodegas Adria “The Pilgrimage” Mencía Bierzo Spain

Bodegas Adria owns vineyards located between the villages of Corullón, Villafranca del Bierzo and Cacabelos, in the foothills of a small mountain range about 25 kilometers west from Ponferrada, planted in a mosaic of complex soils ranging from alluvial clay and stones on the valley floor to granite and schist higher up on the slope.

The wine is called “The Pilgrimage” because the vines in this region of Bierzo lie along the holy "Camino de Santiago de Compostela" (the path or “way of St. James of Compostela” in English or “Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle” in French), a town located at the northwestern part of Spain, in Galicia, which has long been a pilgrimage center for many Christians and other pilgrims since the 9th century. The path of St. James, established over a thousand years ago, has been one of the most important European pilgrimages in Christianity for centuries, and Santiago's cathedral is one of the most visited Christianity emblems with the "Vatican" in Rome (Italy) and "Notre Dame de Lourdes" in the town of the same name (France). Native to this area, the Mencía grapes and the wine that they produce have been welcome nourishment to any passing traveler.

Made by winemaker, Norrel Robertson, "the Pilgrimage" red Bierzo was produced with 100% carefully hand harvested Mencía grapes from late September through the first week of October, from vines averaging up to 35 years old. The juice was carefully extracted and fermented in small stainless steel fermenters with some “saignée(s)” to concentrate the must (or “bleeding method”, a technique used to extract some liquid from the fermenting tanks, to maximize extraction of color and concentration of aromas and flavors in the fermenting must, and consequently in fact to obtain, aside from the main red wine, a barely tainted wine or a light rosé usually drunk locally, yet increasingly enjoying more sales overseas nowadays).

Controlled fermentation occurred at 28-30 Celcius degrees with

• “pumpover” (pumping wine from the bottom of the tank to pour it back over the must-cap on top in order to create a gentle “brassage” of the grape skins, lees, etc.. for better extraction and concentration of the different components)

• and “delestage” (a process usually occurring during the fermentation with skins and seeds, which consists of “racking” - or transferring - the wine from one tank to another tank then returning the wine to the original tank; these treatments to the fermenting mass take place to insure not only a complete fermentation and full extraction, but to achieve more rapidly a finished wine with good fruit, soft tannins and stable color. Part of the motivation to study and perform this particular process, “delestage”, is the advancement of the date of marketability of the red wines treated this way, while insuring its quality and early drinkability. In short, to achieve not only a wine ready for market early, but with high quality and aging potential.

Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally following the alcoholic fermentation. The wine was left on its lees for a certain period of time to accentuate its creaminess and softness, while adding softer texture.




2006 Bodegas Adria “The Pilgrimage” Mencía Bierzo Spain
Suggested retail price $15-$18
Imported/Distributed by ....

From the acclaimed 2006 vintage, which was great in this particular area, the Pilgrimage Red Bierzo, made with 100% old Mencía grapes, has a quite intense deep purple color with ruby reflects on the rim. The nose is fresh, aromatic with inviting aromas of ripe dark and red cherry, plum, chocolate, and spice, and earthy notes. The palate is dry, intense and juicy, yet medium bodied with soft, gentle red and ark fruits, present yet integrated tannins and an overall texture enhanced and balanced by a great acidity. The lingering finish is structured, soft and food friendly. Pair it with baby lamb and duck. Another interesting example of what the versatile Mencía grape has to offer.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

For more info go to the winery website at www.bodegasadria.com

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Montpeyroux & 2008 Domaine d'Aupilhac Rouge "Lou Maset" Languedoc VDP France

Montpeyroux & Domaine D'Aupilhac

Located roughly at 40 kilometers from the Mediteranean coast, northwest of Montpellier, Montpeyroux is a village and a wine region of the same name where climate is typically Mediterranean: hot in the summer, cool in winter, with occasional yet needed rainfall during the spring and autumn.

Micro climates are numerous and very diverse in certain parts of the Montpeyroux area, where vineyards are being nestled in the foothills of the high Larzac between 100 and 850 meters (2800 ft) above sea level, benefiting from cool summer nights which, together with occasional storms, help refresh the vines after the scorching daytime sun. By the way, the Causse of Larzac is a mountainous chain in the southern part of the Massif Central.

The Domaine d'Aupilhac is located in Montpeyroux, a little village some 36 kms north-west of Montpellier which gave its name to the vineyards area. The cellar, created in 1989 in the family home, is right in the heart of the village. Sylvain Fadat and his family have been growing grapes for over 5 generations.

A large part of their vines grow on south-west facing "terraces" on a site named "Aupilhac", planted mainly with Mouvedre and Carignan, and a bit of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. Another part of their vineyard is the north-west facing "Les Cocalières" located at an altitude of some 350m (1150ft) where Syrah predominates, though Mourvedre and Grenache also grow here too. The most northerly facing part is also planted with the four white grapes allowed in the Coteaux du Languedoc: Roussanne, Marsanne, white Grenache and Rolle (also known as Vermentino).

The land is ploughed regularly, which means the roots have to force their way deep into the cool and moistened sub-soil, thus protecting the vines from seasonal drought. They treat their land ("terroir") with great respect, with the absolute priority being to maintain its natural balance.

Harvests are done by hand, when the grapes reach ideal maturity and phenolic ripeness. The skins must be properly mature to extract the best aromas and color, as well as ensuring silky tannins. The land's natural yeasts ensure the natural start of the fermentation. The wines mature in casks and barrels in the underground cellar. The wine is bottled unfiltered at the Domaine. Their belief and motto is: “work in the vineyards has far more influence on a wine's quality than what we do in the Cellar”.

D’Auphilac red was crafted from grapes for this wine come from 13.5 hectares of vineyards planted on terraces at an altitude of 100 metres in the area known as "Aupilhac", overlooked by the Castellas, ruins of an XI century hilltop castle which is the emblem of Montpeyroux. The vineyards are planted with Mourvédre (3.5ha), Carignan (4.3ha), Syrah (2.2ha), Grenache (2.5ha) and Cinsault (0.8ha).




2008 Domaine d'Aupilhac Red "Lou Maset" VDP Languedoc France
Suggested retail price $13.99
Imported by Kermit Lynch and distributed by Winebow in NYC

In the old Occitan language “Lenga Oc” ("Oc tongue" or "Language from Oc" or even "Langue d'Oc" in French), which eventually gave its name "Languedoc" to this vast region bordering the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France where this language was spoken for centuries by the locals, “Lou Maset” roughly signify “Le petit Mas”(or "small Mas" in English), the “Mas” being the traditional name of the old countryside houses scattered in the landscape of Languedoc and Provence.

Made with 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah, and 5% Alicante Boucher, from vines planted on arid stony limestone where Grenache and Cinsault thrive, D’Aupilahc Red “Lou Maset” wine was fermented in traditional vats for 10-15 days, then aged for 6 months in cask. It was bottled without filtration.

Montpeyroux usually offers powerful, full-bodied yet balanced and structured wines with ripe fruit and earthy, Terroir oriented attitude, and the 2008 Domaine d’Auphilac "Lou Maset" red is no exception to the rule. Beside its dark, intense ruby color, the nose is fresh, earthy and warm at the same time, with ripe dark fruit mixed with floral and Garrigue scents. The palate is full, generous, with a lot of ripe, dark berry fruit and earthy Terroir components enhanced by a great acidity that makes this wine quite juicy and also an integrated tannic structure nicely framing all the layers and nuances. The finish is dry and slightly tight yet will settle down rapidly with a decantation and a bit of substantial food like grilled red meat, roasted leg of lamb, Cassoulet prepared in goose grease from castelnaudary or even Saucisses Lentils also prepared in goose or duck fat from Toulouse.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the winery website at www.aupilhac.net

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Uruguay and 2008 Familia Deicas Establecimiento Juanico Estate "Pueblo del Sol" Tannat Juanico Uruguay

Uruguay

Uruguay, officially called “República Oriental del Uruguay”, is a small country located in the southeastern part of South America. Most of its population of approximately 3.3 millions reside in Montevideo, the capital, and its metropolitan area in the southern part of the country. An estimated 88% of the population are of European descent.

Uruguay's only land border is with the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil to the north. To the west lies the Uruguay River going towards the southeast in the estuary of Rio de la Plata, with Argentina on the west side banks. The south Atlantic Ocean border the country to the east.

The Portuguese founded Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay’s oldest European settlements, in 1680. And the Spanish founded Montevideo in the early 18th century as a military stronghold. Uruguay won its independence in 1825–1828.

Most of its economy is based on agriculture and wine production, like in most South America countries, has dramatically increased within the last 20-30 years. Uruguay's landscape features mostly rolling plains and low hill ranges (cuchillas) with a fertile coastal lowland to the east.

The climate in Uruguay is temperate: it has warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters (variable weather). The predominantly gently undulating landscape is somewhat vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts. It receives the periodic influence of the polar air in winter, and tropical air from Brazil in summer. Without mountains to act as a barrier, the air masses freely move by the territory, causing abrupt weather changes.

The Tannat vine was introduced to Uruguay by Basque settlers, credit to introducing this grape variety in this country was more especially attributed to Pascual Harriague, in the 19th century. Since then, like Malbec for Argentina and Carmenère for Chile, Tannat has found its land of predilection and slowly became the pride of Uruguay wines.

Familia Deicas "Establecimiento Juanico" Estate Juanico Uruguay

The story of the "Establecimiento Juanico" estate begun in 1755 with the settlers, in the region of Southern Uruguay of the same name. In 1979 the Deicas family purchased the estate and invested heavily in order to bring the winery into the 21st century. The winery is reckoned to be today the most technically advanced in Uruguay. The Deicas family is surely the biggest wine producer of Uruguay, considered as the flagship winery for the export market and a fine example of a growing industry for a country in full expansion.

The Juanico winery manages 240 hectares (575 acres) of its own vineyards and a little more than 150 hectares (360 acres) of grape from other producer's vineyards. These growers work throughout the year in close collaboration, and exclusively for Juanico. They work under the supervision of Juanico vineyard staff following the same procedures and employing the same techniques as those in the Juanico vineyards. This gives a transfer of vineyard skills unprecedented in Uruguay that has now been taken as a model of good vineyard management. The crazy thing is even with that much vineyards, harvest is done by hand.

The Juanico region is characterized by a maritime climate which is ideal for quality viticulture. The soils are chalk and clay with a high content of minerals. The gently rolling landscape allows for good drainage and helps to define this unique terroir. The Don Pascual line is named as a tribute to Don Pascual Harriague, who was the first to introduce the Tannat grape variety to the Uruguayan vineyards.

Pueblo del Sol

Fairly new, the "Pueblo del Sol" range offers great value, great quality, fun wines produced with their own label yet from "Don Pascual" selection part of the Familia Deicas "Establecimiento Juanico" estate. Pueblo del Sol is a classic entry level wine to introduce you to the excellent quality of wines from Uruguay. "Pueblo del Sol' in Spanish means "Village of the Sun". And the village of Juanico in southern Uruguay, which is the home of the Don Pascual winery, epitomizes this description. benefiting from the abundant sunshine of the 34th parallel South latitude, this little wine is quite surprising. The unique maritime climate of the Juanico region produces superb fruit. The combination of hand picking and grading with state of the art winemaking equipment produces wonderful wines that represent great value.




2008 Establecimiento Juanico Estate "Pueblo del Sol" Tannat Juanico Uruguay
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by VOS in NYC

Pueblo del Sol Tannat is a nice, easy going, fruit forward, clean wine that wasn't aged in oak. Made from 100% Tannat, the wine was fermented then rested for a short period of time before bottling in stainless steel tanks. Only the very ripest grapes are harvested and fermented at low temperatures so as to emphasize the fresh and fruity varietal aromas. On the nose, it exhibits fresh, earthy aromas of licorice and jammy fruits such as figs and plums. On the Palate, it is forward, very flavorful with smooth fruit, good balance and soft tannins. Overall, it has a rich structure with a long finish. Pair it with roasted or barbecued meat, strong cheese, game, goulash and any other well-flavored dishes.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the winery website at www.juanico.com and from the importer/distributor website at www.vosselections.com

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Amarone and 2001 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella "Vigneto Ca' Florian" Veneto Italy

Amarone and 2001 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella "Vigneto Ca'Florian" Veneto Italy

A rich, dry, complex still red wine from the Veneto region in northern Italy, Amarone is usually produced from 3-4 indigenous grapes (mainly Corvina Veronese blended with Corvivone, Rondinella and Molinara) cultivated high on its hillside terraces in the historical Valpolicella Classica zone, using the traditional "pergola veronese" method of vine training.

Only the best and most mature clusters are selected for the production of Amarone, the other grapes may be used to produce Valpolicella and Ripasso wines.

Once carefully selected and harvested usually during the first two week of October, the grapes are placed directly onto small open racks and brought to the open sided building where they are dried by the cool breezes of late autumn and winter. The harvested bunches preferably have fruits not too close to each other, to let the air flow, which will be important for the drying period. Grapes are then allowed to dry, traditionally on straw mats. This process is called “appassimento” or “rasinate” (to dry and shrivel or “raisinate”) in Italian.

In order to produce Amarone, the work of ageing and drying the grapes is not completed at the time of harvest but continues through the winter months until February. During these months the grapes are reduced in a period of "active lethargy". Also during this period, changes (that take place within the drying grapes) enrich them, giving them new aromas, deeper flavors and increasing the sugar ratio due to evaporation.

In managing the drying and vinification process, it is essential for the winemakers (in the case of Tommasi: Mr. Dario and Giancarlo Tommasi) to have a clear idea in mind of the style of wine they seek to create.

Although, consistency of the taste and style is very important for a winery and more importantly for its winemaker, the vintage is also an influential factor that will also impart the final taste of the wine, in a bad way or in a good way. More especially in Europe where there are more restrictions regarding vineyard’s management and vinification methods than in most new world wine regions, obliging the winemakers of the old world to be more careful to climate, micro-climate, sun exposition, weather hazards, chemical products used and other things like chaptalisation and acidification (or de-acidification, etc...), due to less possibilities and opportunities of manually, artificially or mechanically rectifying the wine in bad or mediocre vintage.

Following drying, by the end of January - beginning of February, the grapes are crushed and go through a dry low temperature fermentation process which can last up to 30-50 days. The reduced water content of the grapes can slow down the fermentation process, increasing the risk of spoilage and potential wine faults. New drying techniques done in special rooms (or chambers with temperature controlled conditions) have decreased some these risks. After fermentation, the wine is then aged in barrels made from French, Slovenian or Slavonian oak.




2001 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella "Vigneto Ca' Florian" Veneto Italy
Suggested retail price $65-$72
Imported/Distributed by Monsieur Touton in NYC

"Ca' Florian" is a small terraced vineyard on a slope particularly well suited for growing grapes, with great sun exposure, where the vines are maintain from falling by hand erected traditional “marogne” or low natural stone walls. This Tommasi family vineyard produces Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes of exceptional quality for the production of an exceptional Amarone.

From the acclaimed 2001 vintage, Tommasi Amarone "Ca' Florian"was produced from approximately 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara . It underwent a period of aging of 2.5 years in Slavonian oak barrels of 35 hectoliters and an additional 6 months in "Tonneau" barrels of 500 liters, before being placed in bottles for a further period of aging of at least another year.

Behind the garnet color with slight brick reflects and good intensity, the nose is expressive, earthy and ripe, quite intense and inviting. The palate is quite rich, complex, smooth, rather full bodied and characteristic of great Amarone with dark, earthy fruit, chocolate, raisin and terroir oriented nuances. The lingering finish still has great tannin structure and depth suggesting very good ageing potential. A decantation is recommended to fully appreciate this wine. Pair it with red meat, game, mature cheeses.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from Tommasi website at www.tommasiwine.it

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A few Valentine's Day Rosé Bubbly, Champagne and other sparkling

A few Valentine's Day Rosé Bubbly, Champagne and other sparkling

Valentine’s Day usually call for sparkling wines, and more specifically sparkling roses. It is mainly a day to please your partner, friends and family. Bubbly enhance any occasions, parties and “tete-a-tete” lunches and dinners. Rosé makes it even more romantic and festive and colorful.

So, to help you sheer up your Valentine’s day, here is a list of some fun and helpful sparkling values to help you focus on the dinner, the flowers or the jewelry bill:



NV Marquis de La tour Brut Rose Loire Valley France $9.99

The Loire Valley has often been called the “garden of France.” This pastoral landscape, with its gently rolling hills and majestic Châteaux, also happens to be the largest sparkling wine region in France, outside of Champagne.

One of the best known names in fine Loire Valley sparkling wines is Marquis de la Tour from Rémy Pannier. Rémy Pannier, which has been identified with premium quality Loire Valley wines since 1885, is the Loire Valley’s single largest wine producer, with markets in over 40 countries worldwide. Marquis de la Tour has been a welcome guest and the toast of the party at social gatherings and family celebrations, both formal and casual, around the world. It remains a fun and accessible bubbly, and although not too complex or extravagant, it is definitely easy going and agreeable.

This is a charming and affordable sparkling wine, a perfect party toast or reception aperitif. This gentle and friendly bubbly has a bright salmon pink color, almost candied, with fine bubbles. The nose is quite delicate and elegant with notes of strawberries and raspberries. The palate is round, supple and fresh with a red fruit long finish. This fruity, yet not sweet, sparkling wine can be served as an aperitif. Its aroma is also enhanced when served with red-berry desserts.



NV Latittude 50 Brut Rose Sekt Germany $19.99

Our good friend Savio Soares is already renown for bringing organic and biodynamic gems and values from France and Germany (and more), and once again he hit the spot, with this 100% Spätburgunder (more commonly called Pinot Noir) Rosé Sekt (Brut or sec) sparkling from Germany.

2007 Latitude 50 Spätburgunder Rosé is fresh, vivid, with multiple, fast paced bubbles and an elegant, tender, light pinkish onion skin color. This rosé is a sociable, easy-going and inviting bubbly. Surprisingly easy to drink, dry and bright yet ripe and light on its feet and fruity (and once again, remember that fruity doesn't necessarily mean sweet, in most case, it just imply ripeness or a fruitier taste than usual in therm of fruit not of sugar.... sweet is definitely a misleading word in the wine world vocabulary), it is an ideal dry sparkling rosé wine for any festive occasion (a toast, a lunch or a dinner, etc..). It was one of the highlights of 2009 end of the year Holiday's season and a no-brainer choice for taste and especially value. Saint Valentin is coming soon and this rosé will tenderly complement your eyes-to-eyes, cuddling time.



NV Ayala Brut Rose Majeur Champagne Aye France $38.99

Since January 1st, 2008, Cognac One has become the sole importer of Champagne Ayala in the U.S. The only French champagne house with Latin roots, AYALA was established in 1860 in Äy, France by Edmond de AYALA, the son of a Colombian diplomat in Paris, who married the niece of a noble Viscount and received the Chateau of Äy as his dowry, along with prime vineyards located in Aÿ and Mareuil sur Aÿ.

The House of AYALA was one of the elite founding members of the "Ivy League" of the top champagne houses, the Syndicat des Grandes Marques de Champagne. AYALA was purchased by Bollinger in 2005.

Like Bollinger, Ayala produces fairly bodied Champagne that are yeasty and food friendly, balanced and elegant. The Ayala Brut Rose Majeur is an interesting, fruit forward Champagne, medium bodied, with strawberry and floral flavors. Medium pink-red candied cherry color, this classy and gutsy rosé will complement any red berry dessert as well as fresh tuna, salmon and crab.



You can also check the following ones, which are some of my favorite sparkling rosé(s). They surely deserve a bit more attention and I will at some point probably write a post for each of them. However, here is a short list for Valentine's Day:

• NV H.Goutorbe Rose Brut Grand cru Champagne Aye France $52.99
  
• NV Moutard Pere et Fils Brut Rose de Cuvaison Buxeuil Champagne France $33.99
• NV Marc Hebrart Brut Rose Champagne $43.99
  
• NV Carpene Malvoti Prosecco Italy $18.99
  
• NV Chapuy Brut Rose Tradition Champagne $39.99
  
• NV Delavenne Brut Rose Champagne $41.99
  
• NV Gardet Brut Rose Champagne $47.99
  
• NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne $75.99
• NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne $79.99
  
• NV Heidsieck Monopole Brut Rose Champagne $34.99
  
• NV Brun FRV 100 Rose Terres Dorees $22.99
  
• NV Codorniu Brut Pinot Noir Rose Cava Spain $14.99
  
• NV Cristalino Brut Rose Cava Spain $8.99

I could have put much more brands and labels, but this list should be a good way to start and give you some ideas. The prices are the ones that we have at the store, visit the store website for more info at www.HeightsChateau.com.


Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

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Château de Tigné Coteaux du Layon Loire valley France (Vins Gérard Depardieu)

Château de Tigné Coteaux du Layon Loire valley France (vins Gérard Depardieu)

For those of you looking for a great dessert wine, light, racy and friendly yet harmonious and elegant rather than too syrupy and ultra sweet, you should try to discover the wines from the Coteaux du Layon, a low key wine region of the Loire valley.

Belonging to Gerard Depardieu (yes, the famous French actor), who acquired it 1989, Chateau de Tigné is a beautiful medieval estate dating back from more than 10 centuries. The magnificent Chateau resides in the middle of Tigné, a small village located in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon appellation, south of Angers and west of Saumur. The Coteaux du Layon gets its name from the Layon River, which cross the village of Tigne. Chateau de Tigne produces great dry and sweet whites from Chenin Blanc; solid, earthy and juicy reds and roses from Gamay and Cabernet Franc.

Coteaux du Layon is a dessert wine made exclusively with the versatile Chenin Blanc grape variety, also locally called "Pineau Blanc de la Loire", which produces some of the most interesting whites in the world like Savennieres (excellent dry whites mainly still), Vouvray (dry, off dry, sweet and sparkling whites), and of course Coteaux du Layon, as well as Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume. Many other white still and sparkling wines produced with this grape can be found in the Loire Valley from more generic appellations.

Coteaux du Layon is the widest wine area of the Anjou region. Along the banks of the Layon river, the vines are protected by gentle rolling hills. Although good semi-dry white wines are produced, Coteaux du Layon has been recognized for its sweet white wine for at least 15 centuries ! The most reputed of all is the sweet wine coming from Chaume. Like in Sauternes, the grapes are left on the vines until over-ripeness and apparition of Botrytis Cinerea, to obtain maximum concentration of the flavors and sweetness. It means that the careful and selective harvest take place in Coteaux du Layon later than any other places in the Loire valley. The resulting wines are rich, complex and balanced with great ageing potential.

The Anjou region encompasses sweet whites from the regional appellations like Coteaux du Layon and Coteaux de L'Aubance, but also has two more specific appellations (small enclaves of the Coteaux du Layon appellation) that are considered like Cru producing the most distinctive and expressive sweet whites of the area: Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume. These last two Cru(s) are mainly produced in the best vintages and usually only as a result of the Noble Rot (or Botrytis Cinerea), sweet white wines from botrytized Chenin Blanc grapes. The wines have impressive longevity and are produced in very small quantities.




1998 Château de Tigné Coteaux du Layon Loire valley France
Suggested retail price $20-$25
Imported/Distributed by Everest wines in NYC (or used to be)


The sweet and balanced 1998 Château de Tigné Coteaux du Layon is beautifully layered with orange peel, apricot and ripe peach flavors enhanced by a great acidity that temperate the sweetness and brings lovely freshness. It is a great dessert wine not overly sweet with delineated acidity and racy attitude to enjoy over an apple tart, a fruit salad, poached pear or peach. By the way, and do not worry it doesn’t impart the taste, this wine is also kosher and good for Passover.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

For more info about this winery go to www.chateaudetigne.com

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2004 Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" IGT Tuscany Italy

Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" IGT Tuscany Italy

Since 1739, the di Napoli family has owned and managed the 13th-century estate of Castello dei Rampolla, which is situated near Panzano in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Once apparently inspired by Sassicia, this historic estate now produces beautifully crafted and somewhat traditional super Tuscan IGT wines under the skilled supervision of famous oenologist Giacomo Tachis.




2004 Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" IGT Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $130-$140
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC

Sammarco is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 % Sangiovese from vineyards in Panzano, planted on slopes with southeastern exposure and calcareaous, marly rocky soils, at an altitude of 1140 ft. This wine was aged for18-24 months (Sangiovese in Slavonian oak, Cabernet Sauvignon in barriques, of which 30% new); the assemblage occurred in stainless steel with a light egg white fining before bottling.

2004 was an excellent vintage in Tuscany and the resulting wine is quite impressive. Behind its dense ruby-purple color with bright reflects, the nose is ripe and rich with cigar box spices and tobacco notes intermingled with dark wild berries, smoke, minerals, black currants, and toasted oak hints. Medium to full-bodied, with good intensity, the palate is dense, rich, with a very good sense of purity and harmony. The finish is long and structured with bright acidity and supporting tannins that enhance the quality of the fruit. Pair it with game, red meats and aged cheese.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info taken from the importer website at www.viaswine.com

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2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Piedmont Italy

2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Piedmont Italy

One of the most innovative, consistent and highly acclaimed cooperatives in Piedmont, Produttori del Babaresco produces exquisite, traditional Barbaresco(s) that are among the best examples of the appellation.

This storied cooperative in Piedmont dates back to 1894; forced to close in the 1920s because of fascist economic rules, it was revived in 1958 by the village priest of Barbaresco who recognized that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts.

Today the cooperative has 56 members and 250 acres of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation, which amounts to almost 1/6 of the vineyards of the area. In great vintages, nine single-vineyard Barbarescos are produced from 9 classic premium sites within the Barbaresco village boundaries; including established vineyards like “Pora”, “Moccagatta”, “Ovello” and “Rio Sordo”.

Following the classic and highly praised 2001 vintage, 2004 is also an excellent vintage in Piedmont which produced truly attractive Nebbiolo wines, like the 3 following gems:





2004 Produttori del Barbaresco "Moccagatta"Barbaresco Riserva Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $60-$70
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC


Moccagatta is a 9.6 acres (3.88 hectares) single vineyard planted on slope at about 300 meters above sea level, with southeastern exposure and calcareous limestone soils. The first vintage was produced in 1967. The wine is aged for 36 months in large oak barrels and 8 months in the bottle before release. 10,000 bottles produced.

From another classic vintage, the 2004 Moccagatta is quite intense, aromatic and floral, yet delicate and gentle, somewhat feminine, and shares the same finesse of the Rabajà (single vineyard), but a lighter in body. Still quite young, the palate is focused and elegant with red and dark cherry fruit flavors, firm and present yet fairly integrated tannins that will need a bit more time to settle down. It is a keeper and will age nicely for the next 10-15 years easily. Pair it with fresh egg pasta dishes or mushroom risotto with black truffle shavings, but also with grilled red meat, game, venison and cheeses.





2004 Produttori del Barbaresco "Ovello" Barbaresco Riserva Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $60-$70
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC

Ovello is a 16.25 acres (6.5 hectares) single vineyard planted on slope at about 290 meters above sea level, with east-southwestern exposure and calcareous-limestone with clay soils. The first vintage was produced in 1970. The wine is aged for 36 months in large oak barrels and 8 months in the bottle before release. 18,000 bottles produced.

The 2004 Ovello is quite rich and full-bodied, yet juicy and fresh at same time, which makes it really approachable now despite its youthful attitude. Here again, like for the Moccagatta, it is still quite young and promising, yet the palate is already focused with bright ripe red cherry fruit flavors, framed by firm and present yet fairly integrated tannins that will also need a bit more time to settle down. Fruit forward with good acidity and a long finish, it is a keeper and will age nicely for the next 10-15 years easily. As with the Moccagatta, you can also pair it with fresh egg pasta dishes or mushroom risotto with black truffle shavings, but also with grilled red meat, game, venison and cheeses.




2004 Produttori del Barbaresco "Rio Sordo" Barbaresco Riserva Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $60-$70
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC

Rio Sordo is an 11.27 acres (4.6 hectares) single vineyard planted on slope at about 270 meters above sea level, with southwestern exposure and calcareous-limestone with sandy layers soils. The first vintage was produced in 1978. The wine is aged for 36 months in large oak barrels and 8 months in the bottle before release. 10,000 bottles produced.

Medium to full-bodied, the 2004 Rio Sordo is elegant and complex, with bright juicy fruit, expressive flavors, silky tannins and a long finish too, which makes it really drinkable now despite its youthful attitude. Here again, like for the Moccagatta and the Ovello, it is still quite young and promising, somewhat austere, yet the focused palate is earthy with bright ripe red cherry fruit flavors, framed by firm and present yet fairly integrated tannins that will need a bit more time to settle down. Fruit forward, focused with a long finish, it is a keeper and will age nicely for the next 10-15 years easily. As with the Moccagatta and the Ovello, you can also pair it with fresh egg pasta dishes or mushroom risotto with black truffle shavings, but also with grilled red meat, game, venison and cheeses.


These 3 stunning wines are beautiful examples of what Barbaresco has to offer and the level of quality aimed by this cooperative.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the winery website at www.produttoridelbarbaresco.com
and the importer website at www.viaswine.com where you will find more info about these wines.

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2003 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac Haut-Médoc France

2003 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac Haut-Médoc France

Despite its rank as a 5th Growth, over the last 10 years, Chateau Pontet Canet has become one of the rising flagship estates of the Pauillac appellation, rivaling in quality with some of the best and more established higher ranking Chateaux of this renowned appellation.

Bought in 1975 by the Tesseron family and now owned by Alfred Tesseron, the property, located south of Château Mouton Rothschild and Château d'Armailhac, in the heart of the Pauillac appellation, encompasses 80 hectares of vineyards on poor sand and gravel soils planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, the signature grape to produce great Pauillac.

Eventually gaining more recognition after 20 years+ of hard work and devotion, Alfred Tesseron and its team’s efforts where highly rewarded within this last decade more particularly with stunning, consistent and expressive value wines produced good year, bad year since the 2000 vintage.




2003 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac Haut-Médoc France
Suggested retail price $105-$120
Imported/Distributed by BNP (Châteaux & Estates) in NYC

The 2003 vintage has a riper style than usual due to the summer heat wave of this particular vintage; yet balanced and harmonious, which wasn’t the case for a lot of Bordeaux in 2003, it is in my opinion one of the best crafted wines of the Pauillac appellation (for this vintage).

The 2003 Chateau Pontet-Canet possesses a deep ruby-garnet color of very good intensity and bright reflects. The nose is warm, expressive and ripe with rich aromas of dark berry, ripe plum, leather and cedar intermingled with oak and spicy notes. Despite the over-ripeness combined with inharmonious features and weird green tannins characteristic of the 2003 vintage for most Chateaux in Bordeaux, the 2003 Château Pontet-Canet's palate seems to be one of the rare exceptions. It offers very good balance and texture, with ripe dark fruit yet enhanced by good acidity and framed by present yet integrated tannins. Offering plenty of generous dark berry fruit flavors mixed with earthy and woody notes, this is not a classic Bordeaux “per se”, yet it is more traditional somehow than most of the other unbalanced fruit bomb produced in Bordeaux this particular year. The quality of the fruit, the balancing acidity combined with the tannins in the finish and the overall profile of this wine suggest that it could keep for quite a few more years; yet I wouldn’t wait too long. It is just a suggestion and a personal opinion but I think that most of the 2003 Bordeaux will not age greatly and may fade sooner than expected (I may be wrong but I kept my impressions since I taste them "En Primeur" in Bordeaux and many time after when bottled. See my previous post about Bordeaux wines and my opinion about the different vintages).

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Find more info about Château Pontet-Canet on the winery website at www.pontet-canet.com

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1999 Château Quinault L’Enclos Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

1999 Château Quinault L’Enclos Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

Château Quinault L’Enclos is a tiny Château and walled vineyard, thus its name “L’Enclos” (a walled and closed area) within the city of Libourne in an area that was once called “Sables Saint-Émilion”, a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion up until 1973.

Bought by the negociant Baptiste Mons in 1930, the Château can be dated back to the 17th century. History facts somewhat prove that the Château may have been given its name after famous writer - Philippe Quinault (1635/1688), who was a very popular Parisian dramatist and librettist at that time.

Château Quinault has been among the pioneer “garagist “ wineries of the right bank. It quickly became a rising star with the arrival of new ownership and needed investments and techniques that tremendously improved the quality of this previously rather unknown estate.

Dr. Raynaud, a former physician and president of the Union des Grands Crus (1994-2000), also owner of the Pomerol estates Château La Croix-de-Gay and Château La Fleur-de-Gay, bought Château Quinault L’enclos in the 90s.

The Raynauds made substantial investments to the estate while applying some techniques considered unorthodox to the winemaking. Michel Rolland and Denis Dubourdieu remained as consultant oenologists.

Producing Parkerized wines with fluctuating prices and always featured in the press for its rather blunt behavior compare to other Bordelais Chateau owners, Raynaud has long been recognized as a “Bordeaux maverick” generating tumultuous and controversial reactions in the wine press and the blinded world of the Négociants and other Châteaux owners.

By Fall 2008, Quinault was sold to Bernard Arnault, head of luxury goods empire LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) and his associate Albert Frère, adding to their portfolio of Saint-Émilion properties including the illustrious Château Cheval Blanc.

The vineyard area extends 15.6 hectares (39 acres), and is composed of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, with a large portion of the vines planted between 1930 and 1948, and another between 1957 and 1961. Quinault L’Enclos produces 3 wines: 3-5000 cases of “Quinault L’Enclos”, “Lafleur de Quinault” (2nd wine) and a special cuvée called “L’Absolut de Quinault”.




1999 Château Quinault L’Enclos Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France
Suggested retail price $72-$80
Imported/Distributed by BNP (Châteaux & Estates) in NYC

The 1999 vintage was not the greatest in Bordeaux, often qualified as austere, with dry tannins, poor fruit and late blooming wines, it wasn’t promising at all. Yet some wineries like Quinault succeeded to produce a decent wine that received lot of press and quite enthusiastic notes and ratings. 10 years later this “garagist” wine is alive and kicking, a bit dry but showing decent fruit and acidity with interesting secondary and tertiary aromas and flavors. Interestingly enough, in my opinion, most 1999 right bank didn’t open for a long time, they were tight and lean at first then they went into a down phase after a short opening about 5 years ago, and reopened slowly about 2-3 years ago, and have been drinking beautifully for the past 2 years overall. Do not expect the drink the most fascinating wines, but for such a difficult vintage like 1999, some of this wines really developed nicely with time.

That is the case for 1999 Quinault L’Enclos, after a little needed decantation, it offered an interesting experience. Still quite dark in color, the nose is quite rich and aromatic with ripe dark plumy fruit mingled with earthy, smoky, forest floor and underbrush notes. Once dry and oaky, the wine is now finally more integrated and settled, showing smoky ripe dark fruit, plum and prune, with toasted, oaky and earthy hints. Although the tannins remain one of the main characteristics of the vintage and are still present in this wine, they nicely framed all the components and layers of this perfect companion for roasted leg of lamb and grilled rib eye steak.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from various websites.

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2007 Chateau Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape "La Crau" Rhone France

Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape "La Crau"

Part of the Vignobles Brunier, Vieux Telegraphe is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable label of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and one of the most characteristic and Terroir oriented winery of this appellation.


2007 Chateau Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape "La Crau" Rhone Valley France
Suggested retail price $75-$82
Imported/Distributed by Winebow in NYC

The 2007 vintage has been highly acclaimed by the press and most wine critics as one of the best of last decade with 2005. The resulting wine is quite approachable yet it shows fantastic ageing potential and depth. The color is dense ruby purple. The perfumy nose offers layers of aromas going from sea breezes, licorice and ground pepper, to earthy and jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums. The palate is quite full-bodied, rich and generous with lots of sweet, ripe tannin and earthiness. The finish is long and structured. A great wine to cellar for the next 4-6 years and even longer depending on how patient you will be.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

For more info about this wine and the winery go to their website at www.brunier.fr

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2005 Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos “Ines” Vizcarra Ribera del Duero Spain

Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos “Ines” Vizcarra Ribera del Duero Spain

Limited production of only 350 cases made, including 20 for the US, “Ines” Vizcarra is a modern style Ribera del Duero wine, produced by Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos. Juan Carlos Vizcarra, owner and winemaker, crafts a few wine including this special cuvée made with 100% Tempranillo aged for 15 months in large French oak Barrels (500 liters).

Juan Carlos Vizcarra passionate commitment is reflected in his all wines, possessing elegance and complexity. He is one of the few true pioneers of small production “garage” winemaking in Ribera del Duero.




2005 Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos “Ines” Vizcarra Ribera del Duero Spain
Suggested retail price $145-$160
Imported/Distributed by Olé Imports in NYC

This wine is like a collector, made in small quantity and difficult to find (which somewhat explain the price) but so tempting to drink. The high elevation vineyards with vines averaging 30-50 years planted on slopes with great exposure and drainage, confer to this wine great acidity and minerality, which are needed to counterbalance the ripeness of the fruit and the influence of the oak. The resulting wine is quite stunning, earthy, Terroir oriented, rich and structured from beginning to finish. The 2005 vintage is still a bit young yet promising for those who will have the patience to wait for it. It offers lot of warm layers of earth, dark ripe fruit and berry, cedar oak, tobacco box, chocolate and pencil shave with hints of spice and vanilla. Compare to the 2004 which was smoother and more integrated not long after bottling, the 2005 vintage will need a bit more time to open yet a decantation about an hour before consuming this rare wine should be enough to tame it down and settle its strength.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken from the importer website at www.oleimports.com

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1995 Terredorra Dipaolo Taurasi IGT Campania Italy

Located in Montfusco, a village north of Avellino, Terredora is a continuation of the ancient story of Campania, its people and their passion for their land and their winemaking.

TERREDORA has been on the forefront of the wine renaissance in Campania since 1978. Today, with more than 150 hectares of vineyard land, Terredora is Campania’s largest wine producer and vineyard owner, with a worldwide reputation for the quality of its wines. Their commitment to excellence was proven in 1994 when they decided to vinify their own grapes. This decision was prompted by their belief that great wine comes from the balance of natural resources: terrain, varieties used, climate and man’s ability to work with nature.

Made from 100 % Aglianico grape variety, from vineyards in Lapio and Montemiletto, carefully selected and hand-harvested, the Terredora Dipaolo Taurasi was aged in small French oak barrels for 18 months. After blending the maturation continues in 35 hl oak barrels for 12 months and then in bottle for a further 8-12 months before release.




1995 Terredorra Dipaolo Taurasi IGT Campania Italy
Suggested retail price $34-$38
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC

Despite some of the more modern style, when young and often rough, earthy, austere and tannic, classic Aglianinco wines usually need quite some time to really come together and offer their best profile to the most patient of us.

The 1995 Terredora Dipaolo Taurasi is a great example of a very well aged Agliannico. Despite its beautifull garnet-brick color of medium to full intensity, it offers an earthy bouquet of dark chocolate, cherries, plums mingled with notes of dried herbs and spices. Young it will have needed a decanting, but at this stage of its life, depending on the bottle, pour yourself a small glass and leave the bottle open for about 20-30 minutes. After a few swirl in the glass, the wine started to open up and deliver more of its layers. The palate is still quite strong, earthy and rich yet nicely balanced with good structure and appreciable length. The finish possesses excellent tannins structure, which combined with the earthiness and the acidity, let me think that it could last and develop for a few more years. Pair it with roast meat, game, venison, spicy dishes, truffles and mature cheeses such as seasoned Provolone, Parmigianino or Gorgonzola.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken from the winery website at www.terradora.net

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic and Organic wine (and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe!