Rhone Revolution
New Alsace - Old Chablis & Stunning Macon!!
CLOS ING DATE JuLy 10Th
Ross Duke Wine Company June, 2012
RHONE REVOLUTION
New Alsace - Old Chablis & Stunning Macon!! June 2012 Offer OFFER CLOSES: 10th July, 2012
SHIPMENT DUE TO ARRIVE: Mid July, 2012
INDEX Foreword by Ross Duke Domaine Gardies Domaine J. Laurens Chateau Saint Louis La Perdrix Domaine Montmartel Domaine La Rocaliere Domaine Boisson Domaine Bosquet Des Papes Domaine La Garrigue Domaine Bouletin et Fils Domaine Notre Dame Des Pallieres Domaine Pradelle Domaine Charles Baur Old Chablis?? Domaine Millet Domaine Collet Domaine Mauperthuis Domaine De La Bon Gran Order Form Tasting dates
PAGE 1 2–4 5–6 7–8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 – 24 25
Prices quoted in this catalogue apply for the duration of this offer. Once the offer expires landed prices become applicable. All prices are per 750ml bottle unless otherwise stated.
Ross Duke Wine Company Pty Ltd. Suite 309, 63 Stead Street, South Melbourne. 3205
TEL: (03) 9696 7920 FAX: (03) 9696 8703 Orders email: orders@frenchwinecentre.com General enquiries: rdwc@frenchwinecentre.com Website: www.frenchwinecentre.com
RHONE REVOLUTION
New Alsace - Old Chablis & Stunning Macon!! Foreword Well, what an experience I have had in the Rhone – north, south and central!! How things have changed since the days of the European wine lake. The fact that growers were paid on the volume of grapes they grew just made the vignerons lazy and disinterested in pursuing quality wine outcomes for decades. At that time I don’t think they knew what ‘terroir’ was all about and probably could not even spell the word. With the winding up of the monetary handouts thankfully the younger generation have turned their heads to rediscovering their roots which is just so rich in complexity and history. As I moved around the entire region some of my discoveries were just mind-boggling to say the least. To think that I would taste white Rhone wines of the like, that I did this trip, is something I thought was impossible. As well as the finesse, elegance and balance of their ‘new style’ red wines was also a revelation AND some of their sweet and fortified dessert wines just bowled me over. I can honestly advise that the Rhone is now open for business and we will see even more excitement over the coming years – I am certain!! The wines from Domaine Gardies were just fantastic as a starter and then came the marvellous Champagne’s; oops I mean Blanquette Limoux sparklers from ancient Limoux! Then I had the incredible white, red and rosé from Costieres de Nimes and Domaine Montmartel’s elegant white and red Cotes du Rhone. As we move further north in chimes Domaine la Rocaliere from Tavel with a new version of their delightful Rosé followed by Domaine Boisson from nearby Cairanne then up to one of your great favourites – Bosquet des Papes from historic Chateauneuf du Pape. Domaine Garrigue is a new comer and wait until you sample this domaine!! Next is the superb Domaine Notre Dames des Pallieres of the great Gigondas region. I then finished with the stunning Shiraz wine from Domaine Pradelle of Crozes-Hermitage. I am so excited by these wines that we have planned tastings throughout Australia to present them personally. Check the inside back cover for details of each tasting for your convenience. I look forward, very much, to sharing a glass or two with you as does Bev, Vic, Sarah and Adam. Cheers, Ross
Ross Duke Wine Company
1
DOMAINE GARDIES, ROUSSILLON
Well what a revelation this turned out to be? The most exciting visit of my recent trip to France. The ‘new breed’ of younger winemakers have, at last, discovered the ‘terroir’ that has been staring at them for centuries. So much so that we will continue to see many outstanding wines emerging from what has been a vinous backwater for far too long. My visit to Gardies stunned me completely with its complexity of soil, locations, micro-climates and deft winemaking. Nestling in the foothills of the Corbieres region, just near the city of Perpignan and the border of Spain, the 15 hectare vineyard of Domaine Gardies is a complex mix of ancient soils made up of black schist of Espira de L’Agly with the scrubland’s limestone, clay, chalk and slate. To wander through their vineyards and sight such complexity was an experience indeed. To then taste the results of Jean Gardies skilful winemaking to craft such spectacular wines was breathtaking. I cannot recommend these wines more highly and it will mark the rejuvenation of the Southern Rhone from this time forward.
The Domaine Gardies Cellar
COTES COTES DU ROUSSILLON DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES VILLAGES 2009 ‘TAUTAVEL’ 2009 ‘TAUTAVEL’ ‘CLOS ‘CLOS VIGNES’ VIGNES’ ‘Black/red ‘Black/red colour. colour. Smokey/spicy Smokey/spicy nose nose leadsleads to a surprising to a surprising palatepalate as theascolour the colour suggested suggested moremore power power but this but isthis elegant is elegant and finely and finely balanced. balanced. It is rich It is in rich blackberry/cassis in blackberry/cassis fruits,fruits, soft and softvery, and very, very very long on long the onpalate. the palate. Impressive Impressive by any bystandard any standard and quite and quite individual individual in in style.’style.’ $29.00/bt $29.00/bt Pre-arrival Pre-arrival Code:Code: 2344 (landed 2344 (landed $33.35) $33.35)
Jean Gardies Jean Gardies
Tautavel Tautavel vines vines in rock in& rock soil?? & soil??
COTES COTES DU ROUSSILLON DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES VILLAGES 2009 ‘LA 2009TORRE’ ‘LA TORRE’ ‘Fragrant, ‘Fragrant, soft soft and and silky silky palatepalate packed packed with with soft soft fruit fruit flavour flavour with with somesome mineral mineral background, background, goodgood acidity acidity and soft andtannins. soft tannins. Just so Just beautifully so beautifully structured structured with with no hot, no nor hot, nor pepper pepper taste.taste. This would This would keep keep well over well the overnext the 6-8 nextyears. 6-8 years. Excellent Excellent from from start to start finish. to finish. $46.00/bt $46.00/bt Pre-arrival Pre-arrival Code:Code: 2345 (landed 2345 (landed $52.90) $52.90)
Ross Duke RossWine DukeCompany Wine Company
3
3
Old Gardies Vines
Home vineyard - traditional ploughing
COTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES 2009 ‘TAUTAVEL ‘LES FALAISES’ ‘Black/red intense colour. A sweet fruit attack and so fine. This is simply outstanding and I cannot remember a finer Rhone red other than Chateau Rayas! A benchmark wine of outstanding quality.’ $53.00/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2346 (landed $60.95)
VIN DOUX NATUREL MUSCAT DE RIVESALTES ‘FLOR’ 50cl. ‘Jean Gardies is the complete winemaker – white, red and now a sweet fortified white dessert wine of great flavour and class. Beautiful balance between acid/sugar and spirit chock full of Muscaty fruit that lingers on and on. Captivating!’ $23.60/ 50cl. bt Pre-arrival Code: 2347 (landed $27.15) What an eye-opening visit and tasting. Unforgettable….
“A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover” Clifton Fadiman Ross Duke Wine Company
4
DOMAINE J. LAURENS, LIMOUX
GUESS WHO DISCOVERED THE ‘METHODE CHAMPENOISE’ 150 YEARS BEFORE DOM PERIGNON CLAIMED CREDIT FOR IT??? THE MONKS OF THE BENEDICTINE SAINT HILAIRE ABBEY OF LIMOUX THAT’S WHO!! In actual fact Dom Perignon visited Limoux to study this new fermentation technique to create a sparkling wine then travelled to Champagne to eventually claim the credit for uncovering the ‘methode Champenoise’. I have known this fact for many years and read many books that clearly recognise this event. The monks of Saint Hilaire were the first to tie the corks to the bottles following ancestral tradition to bottle at the time of the full moon in March, ready for the warmer weather to start the secondary fermentation that produces bulles (bubbles) the fabulous sparkle within the bottles. They still follow this tradition to this day. All the grapes for Blanquette have to be harvested by hand into small boxes to prevent bruising; the regulations also limit the yield to ensure a quality outcome. Growers who can produce and market Blanquette are limited to a set area of 41 villages around the 2000 year old town of Limoux. The grapes cultivated to make Blanquette are the Mauzac (traditional grape variety for the AOC Limoux Blanquette) with the Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes.
Saint Hilaire Abbey
Clos Laurens vineyard
Shaking table
I have admired the quality of Blanquette Limoux for many years but sadly I have not ventured to the region until now. The quality of their methode traditionelle is outstandingly fine and beautifully structured as you will find out with these lovely examples from Domaine Laurens. This is a very exciting development for us and I can assure you will not be disappointed at all with the quality and style of Blanquette de Limoux – the origin of methode champenoise!! A stone’s throw away from the famous city of Carcassonne, the Domaine Laurens vineyard is located near the small village of La Digne d’Aval in the Autan terroir of Controlled label of origin (A.O.C.) Limoux. The property has a surface area of about 30 hectares with a 15 year average age to the vines. The grapes cultivated are the Mauzac (traditional grape of A.O.C. Limoux) and the Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay with some Pinot Noir as well. The wine quality is stunning to say the least! Ross Duke Wine Company
5
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX ‘LE CLOS DEMOISELLES’ ‘The fine mousse (bubbles) is striking as the wine is poured. A nice almost sauvignon nose which follows onto the palate combined with a light honey touch. The bubbles are very, very small and so persistent. I kept this wine under a seal for 10 days and the mouse did not evaporate so the methode champeneoise is perfect. A beautiful Blanquette that could easily stand comparison with Champagne. Not a bad price either?’
$26.75/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2348 (landed $30.75) BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX ‘LE MOULIN BRUT’ ‘Lovely lively light gold colour and fine mousse again. This is more scented and flowery on the nose and the palate is richer with apple and apricot fruit and a slight toastiness. Beautiful length and structure. Stunning value!’ $17.35/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2349 (landed $20.00)
“The taste of a good wine is long remembered long after the price is forgotten.” Hubrecht Duijker Ross Duke Wine Company
6
CHATEAU SAINT LOUIS LA PERDRIX, NIMES These wines from Costieres de Nimes have won many hearts for their excellent quality and remarkable prices. These new selections of Prestige and Verdict titles will astound you all as they are quite staggering by any standard. They were made for the lucrative Chinese markets and we have been fortunate to get into the act – so to speak. I urge you all to take advantage of this ‘exclusive’ offer!
Chateau Saint Louis La Perdrix
COSTIERES DE NIMES 2011 CUVEE VERDICT BLANC (60% grenache blanc – 40% rousanne) ‘Fresh green/light gold colour which is a good start! Spicy and aromatic nose with apple/pear like fruit opening up the palate. The acid is surprisingly crisp with a gentle spiciness to boot. A very impressive Rhone white of a style not seen before. What value as well.’ $14.20/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2350 (landed $16.35) COSTIERES DE NIMES 2011 CUVEE PRESTIGE ROSE (60% syrah – 30% grenache – 10% mouvedre) ‘Delightful Rose colour. Ripe and rich on the palate with a touch of red berry fruits and, again, excellent acid balance. So so easy to drink and very refreshing. A beauty!’ $14.65/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2351 (landed $16.80)
Ross Duke Wine Company
7
COSTIERES DE NIMES 2011 CUVEE VERDICT ROUGE (50% grenache – 30% syrah – 20% carignan) ‘Cassis on the nose and quite pronounced. Highly silky taste of red berry fruits with a soft earthy note, good acid. Round and clean. No rough edges and sure to satisfy a large audience. Value or not?’ $14.20/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2352 (landed $16.35)
COSTIERES DE NIMES 2009 CUVEE MARIANNE ROUGE (90% syrah – 10% grenache) ‘The colour is deep and rich, almost black - more purple than red. The nose exudes dark cherries, blueberries with a light touch of pepper. On the palate there are good tannins with ripe berry flavours from the middle palate to the finish. This is a chewy and strong wine with excellent balance and finished with a touch of spice. Drink now or up to 2015. An excellent dining companion that will compliment most red meat dishes.’ Adam Suggett $19.50/bt Pre-arrival Code: 9272 (landed $22.40) Ross Duke Wine Company
8
DOMAINE MONTMARTEL, TULETTE COTES DU RHONE
Tulette is a small village in the centre of the southern Rhone valley, between Orange and Nyons. Montmartel are located in this village although their vines are in Visan only a couple of kilometres away. The soil there is mostly alluvial , originally coming from the nearby alps, brought down by the river in the Miocene timeframe (6 to 8 million years ago). This is mostly sand-clay with a lot of complexity (clay can easily store water but also minerals). In this region the hills/slopes can rise to 200 metres in altitude. Combined with the mistral (notes, powerful wind storm) and a lot of sunshine hours, the wines of Visan are considered at the high end of quality in the appellation with a lot of complexity, but with a lot of finesse and elegance.
COTES DU RHONE BLANC 2011 (40% viognier – 40% grenach blanc – 20% clairette) ‘Good clear and clean green/gold colour. The aroma is similar to cut grass whilst the flavour is similar in style to a Sauvignon Blanc white with a nice lemon edge. The acidity is sufficient but a lovely and interesting white wine that is quite individual and easy to enjoy.’ $15.20/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2353 (landed $17.50) COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES TRADITION 2010 ROUGE (40% grenache – 30% syrah – 30% carignan) Nice deep red colour. Sweet, floral aroma and the fruit is sweet as well and quite soft with excellent balance of soft fruit tannin and good acidity. Two impressive wines indeed and such great pricing.’ $17.70/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2354 (landed $20.35)
Ross Duke Wine Company
9
DOMAINE LA ROCALIERE, TAVEL
Stephanie and Melanie have been busy fine tuning their famous Tavel Rosé with the style a tad different from normal. I was delighted with their result and hope you take the time to experience it yourself. The entire family are always busy either in the vineyard, their cellars or receiving visitors for tasting in their hectic cellar door traffic. The new cellar only goes back to 1995 and is somewhat modernistic for such a rural situation. What I do suggest is for those visiting the Rhone they should make a point of visiting Tavel and Domaine la Rocaliere and inspect their various vineyard sights. There you will be able to look, touch and smell ‘terroir’. Some are steep, some are undulating and others manicured. Trip back to the cellars to try the many wines in their range and note the vineyard, its soil and how does the location vary from wine to wine. You may then become a ‘terrorist’!! A serious address for quite serious wine.
TAVEL CUVEE CLASSIQUE ROSE 2011 (60% grenache – 30% cinsault – 5% syrah – 5% mouvedre) ‘The colour and flavour of this 2011 Rose is softer and lighter in colour and less powerful in fruit flavour. I, personally love this style for its elegance and finesse. Not the plummy fruit of the 2010 more in the savoury mould with red berry fruit – more strawberry/blackberry mixture. Highly appealing with great structure.’ $17.65/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2355 (landed $20.30) Ross Duke Wine Company
10
DOMAINE BOISSON, CAIRANNE
Bruno
A trip around the beautiful villages of the Cotes du Rhone is highly recommended. Not unlike a similar journey in the Beaujolais region but perhaps more dramatic as the hills are much higher and steeper. The prettiest of them all is Cairanne snuggled below a rocky mountain with idyllic houses hugging the cliff-face. Why not stop in for a tasting at Domaine Boisson just on the outskirts of town. Their wines are very well made and devoid of the old style Cotes du Rhone that reeked of pepper. Lovely juicy fruit with soft texture.
COTES DU RHONE 2009 CAIRANNE (50% grenache – 20% syrah – 10% carignan – 20% mouvedre) ‘Ruby red in colour when held up to the light, however still so rich, dark and distinct. The colour suggests big and tannic perhaps but get ready to be proven wrong here! A bouquet of blackberries and plums compliments this complex wine. Prunes, red berries, hints of pepper all combined with lovely smooth round tannins. The earthiness and purity of this wine is bound to impress. A perfect match this winter with your choice of beef, pork or even veal!’ Sarah Duke $24.00 /bt Pre-arrival Code: 2309 (landed $27.60) Ross Duke Wine Company
11
DOMAINE BOSQUET DES PAPES, CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
The Bosquet train just keeps on rolling owing to the great response we have had to their delicious wines. The purity of fruit flavour and ‘traditional’ winemaking approach allows the wines to stand on their own. The vineyards at Bosquet cover 30 hectares and produce four red wines, lovingly raised according to the traditional, family winemaking methods. The grapes are hand harvested and meticulously sorted. Wines are aged in oak barrels and in 300 litre casks for 12 to 18 months. We have a final slice of the very popular 2009 vintage so be quick as our stock is small!
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 2009 TRADITION (75% grenache – 11% mouvedre – 11% syrah – 3% vaccarese, counoise, cinsault) ‘A stunning wine from start to finish. As always the purity of the fruit stands out. Nice ripe and rich flavour with a plummy/loganberry edge, just enough acidity and very round tannic finish. Yes, clean and precise. Old fashioned Chateauneuf and proud of it!’ $43.00/bt Pre-arrival Code: 8583 (landed $49.50)
5 generations of the Boiron family Ross Duke Wine Company
Chateauneuf du Pape
12
DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE, VACQUEYRAS
The sixth generation is currently running the La Garrigue estate along with 7 members of the family working to make outstanding wines. One of the daughters ‘Virginie’ is handling the winemaking and she is assisted by an external Oenologue ‘Philippe Cambie’ who has just been nominated as winemaker of the year worldwide! Domaine la Garrigue is located in Vacqueyras in the southern Cotes du Rhone, the Vaucluse department. The Bernard family have been making fine wine there on their 80 hectare property since 1850, some 6 generations Vacqueyras is based at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, 30 kilometres from Avignon, in the middle of the triangle of Orange, Vaison la Romaine and Carpentras. The soil in and around Vacqueyras is made up of chalky clay and very stony. This results in vines giving very low yields, strong concentration of tannins and aromas plus deep in colour but well rounded and well balanced. The grape varieties grown are Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre and Cinsault for the reds and Grenache Blanc and Clairette for the whites. Some of the Grenache and Mouvedre vines are 80 to 100 years old with the remaining vines from 20 to 60 years of age. They do not use any chemicals in the vineyards and the soil is maintained, weed free, by ploughing. In this way the soil can breathe and hydrate better. Which is important in such a dry, Mediterranean climate.
Maxime Bernard
VACQUEYRAS 2009 CANTERELLES ROUGE (85% grenache – 15% syrah) ‘Deep ruby in colour. Light pepper nose. Here we have 100 year old vines and quite a solid style with ripe, spicy fruit loaded with cassis and plenty of fruit tannin. Excellent quality, rich and very long flavour.’ $44.50/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2356 (landed $51.15)
“What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a big smile.” William Sokolin Ross Duke Wine Company
13
DOMAINE BOULETIN & FILS The 30 hectare Domaine of the Bouletin family lies between Vacqueyras to St Hyppolyte Le Graveeyron. It was established by their grand-parents in the 1900’s. Jerome Bouletin is the current winemaker and owner of the Domaine. The estate is planted with the best regional grape varieties of which are 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mouvédre and 5% Cinsault and of course 8hectares is devoted to their star the Muscat Beames de Venise.
MUSCAT BEAUMES DE VENISE 2010 VINTAGE ‘This delightful dessert wine is made using the Muscat grape but the berries are quite small and concentrated with a low yield of 30 hectolitres/hectare. All harvesting is manual and fermentation is conducted at a low temperature of 14˚c in order to control the fermentation and stop with ferment at 110 grammes of residual sugar per litre with the alcohol at 15˚c. The colour of this wine is a pale gold and has a minty and exotic fruit flavour of lychee, marmalade and spiciness. The wine lingers in the mouth for quite some time and is best served as an aperitif with Roquefort toast or with Foie Gras, which is a local speciality and is superb compliment. Another suggestion is to accompany melon as a dessert. There is no cloying sugar with this wine style as it finishes crisp and clean. If you have never tried Beaumes de Venise then what a wine to start with. Highly recommended and convenient in half bottles!’ $18.00/ 375 ml bt Pre-arrival Code: 2357 (landed $20.70)
“To drink is not the answer; however, drinking makes one forget the question!” Ross Duke Wine Company
14
DOMAINE NOTRE DAME DES PALLIERES, GIGONDAS
Claude & Jean-Pierre Roux
Vineyard - Gigondas
The town of Gigondas is just so full of history it is difficult to know where to start. Why not do yourself a favour and enquire through the internet or a bookshop or library and you will be astounded, trust me! Take this for a start. Our lady of Pallieres back in ancient times, located along a path connecting two Abbeys of St Andrew and Ramieres Preyayon - its trace appears on writings in 963 when Montmajour Abbey, near Arles, gave St Andrew to religious Prebayon. Another ‘spooky’ claim is the spring that exists close to the Pallieres vineyard has ‘special virtues? In the middle ages the locals would drink from the spring which would protect them from getting diseases from the ‘pest’ and it would also protect their eyesight??? See what I mean? So when in France again go there and take in another experience!! The 15 hectares vineyard of Domaine Notre Dame des Pallieres is dedicated to red wines only using the Grenache, Mouverdre and Syrah grapes exclusively to craft wines of great balance and finesse but full of charm and ageing potential. Jean-Pierre and Claude Roux are very attached to their family estate and have preserved it in all of its authenticity dating back to 1820! Sip a glass of this 2009 ‘Bois des Mourres’ whilst reading the Gigondas history. No make it a Magnum as it goes on and on! GIGONDAS 2009 ‘BOIS DES MOURRES’ ROUGE (80% grenache – 10% mouvedre – 10% syrah) ‘Deep, dark and brooding colour. The nose is closed for the moment. Powerful wine with raspberry/cherry and strawberry fruit notes. Big tannin and huge structure. A knockout of a wine.’ $26.90/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2358 (landed $30.90)
Ross Duke Wine Company
15
DOMAINE PRADELLE, CROZES-HERMITAGE Whilst the Pradelle label has only been in existence since 1978 they have gained an enviable reputation for producing finely made Shiraz at Chanos-Curson. Jean-Louis and his son Jacques gained their winemaking certification at the Lycee Viticole in Beaune, Burgundy and currently have 25 hectares under vine. Their vinifications are quite old as they use old cement vats to carry out fermentation then matured in 50% old barrels and 50% new oak for only 9 months. There is minimal handling of the fruit and alcohol levels are normally between 12.5%-13.5% alcohol. This is to maintain more elegance that fruit is not too ripe and alcoholic preferring a more fine and delicate style. I think they achieve this goal handsomely AND if you have not experienced their wines this 2009 Gigondas ‘Boi des Mourres’ would be a great start??
CROZES-HERMITAGE 2010 - (100% syrah) ‘Black/red colour that is quite intense. Fragrant, flowery nose. Soft attack that fills out the engaging raspberry/cherry fruit. The Pradelle elegance chimes in nicely on the finish as the tannins are rounder and smooth. Top quality Shiraz!’ $21.90/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2359 (landed $25.20)
You’re a real wine lover when…….
… You know how to marinate your game the “French Way” Ross Duke Wine Company
16
DOMAINE CHARLES BAUR, ALSACE My last trip to France uncovered so many amazing discoveries with exciting new wines and growers. The Domaine Charles Baur in snoozy Eguisheim presented me with a Cremant d’Alsace which was just spectacular in the glass and when I found out what it was worth my hip pocket screamed out in support of this little beauty. Vic had warned me about this little gem as he tasted it last year and urged me to meet it this year. We formed a lasting relationship which I now share with you. Whats more it has been winning gold medals in the National competition for Cremants in the whole of France!! Two gold medals in Paris and Macon.
BAUR CREMANT D’ALSACE The wine is a blend of 40% Pinot Blanc, 20% Chardonnay and 40% Auxerrois (Confusingly known as Malbec in Cahors and Auxerrois in Alsace). It is a blend of 2007 and 2008 vintages and kept on lees for 24 months to add a yeasty character on nose and palate. The sugar level is very low at 7 grams per litre. The nose is very floral and the palate very creamy with a fine mousse and light citrusy fruit flavour with a hint of white peaches and pear fruit and ever so clean on the finish. Excellent quality throughout!! Beautifully paired with scallops, smoked salmon, caviar, sushi and grilled fish. $21.70/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2360 (landed $25.00)
The village of Ammerschwihr, Alsace
Ross Duke Wine Company
17
OLD CHABLIS????
Should I say – real Chablis???? Well I am sorry to report that it is becoming harder and harder to find Chablis as we know it. My recent Chablis tasting at the Grands Jours de Bourgogne was a sad affair indeed. I wandered around the various tasting tables presenting the largest collection of Chablis ever shown at this bi-annual event. Where was the flintiness? Where was the mineraly acidity? Where was that unmistakable stony finish which lingers on and on? Where is the leaner fruit quality in the grapefruit, lemon and lime?? In its place ripe and fruity Charonnay’s with even a touch of honey and ever so soft acidity. Toss in some new oak of varying levels of toastiness and you have a white wine that could come from the Napa Valley or even the King Valley or Margaret River!!! As I have said many times before ‘if it does not taste like authentic Chablis then I won’t buy it’. And I won’t. Thankfully there are but a small number of vignerons that follow the Chablis trademark and we are proud to offer them to you as the genuine article. Sadly we could not include Seguinot-Bordet in this offer as they have sold all of their 2010 wines and the 2011 wines will be bottled in July of this year. However, we have Baudouin Millet and newcomers Domaine Collet and Domaine Mauperthuis which are Chablis to their bootstraps!!
Kimmeridgean Clay soil
Ross Duke Wine Company
Old Grand Cru Chablis vines
18
DOMAINE MILLET The ‘jolly’ Millet family are going along very nicely these days and collecting medals from most of their wines at the wine fairs in Macon and Paris. Their move from farmer/grower to a full Domaine is now well established as their reputation grows around the world. My recent tasting with Baudouin delivered convincing Chablis as it should be – lean, crisp acid with lots of minerality and ‘flintiness’ None of this over-ripe nonsense just the real deal from a traditional source. I also managed to get a small parcel of their delightful Premier Cru – Vaucoupin, but be real quick. PETIT CHABLIS 2010 ‘Regarded in Chablis as one of the best Petit Chablis and rightly so. All the stoniness and flintiness of Chablis is on display from the first sip to the final swallow. Lovely jubbly!’ $19.50/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2361 (landed $22.40) CHABLIS 2011 VILLAGE ‘Excellent green tinge to the colour and an earthy, stony/mushroom nose. Bang goes the mineral impact and it sustains until the crisp acid finish. This was a gold medal winner at the Macon wine fair this year and we think it is a winner as well!!’ $22.75/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2362 (landed $26.15) CHABLIS 2010 ‘VAUCOUPIN’ 1er CRU ‘Lots of minerals on the nose which is a great start. Richer middle palate of grapefruit and apple fruit flavour and the acid is there as well as what I ask you? You guessed it – Flint. Impressive but very small stock. Limit of 3 bottles per order. $27.50/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2363 (landed $31.60)
Ross Duke Wine Company
19
DOMAINE COLLET ET FILS
The Domaine Collet was established in Chablis from 1792 and remains in the family to this day! The entire estate covers nearly 38 hectare from Petit Chablis to Chablis village to Premiers Cru Montee de Tonnerre, Mont de Milleu, Montmains Vaillons through to Grand Cru Valmur. Like most Chablis growers they started out as farmer who sold their grapes to the negociants in Chablis for blending with many other growers wines. It was not until 1979 when Gilles Collet joined his father in the Domaine that they began to produce wines under their own label. At this time the property was only 15 hectares in size but this was about to be changed as success came to their own marketing. Now Romain, son of Gilles is the fourth generation of the Domaine and is the first family member to have a qualification in Oenology which he gained at the Lycee Viticole in Beaune. The entire family embrace many traditional methods with modern trends with emphasis on temperature control in the winery and cellar and scrupulous sanitation throughout their property. They are a highly respected Domaine in Chablis and we are proud to re-introduce them to our stable. CHABLIS 2010 ‘VAILLONS’ 1er CRU ‘The most typical Chablis in the region is either Vaillons or Cote de Lechet, both Premiers Cru. If you try a ‘Vaillons’ that does not ooze the traditional flintiness then forget that grower immediately. This is one of my real favourites and such a great example of ‘real Chablis.’ A great keeper as well as I have tried Vaillons’ up to 25 years of age and still fresh and minerally.’ $29.10/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2364 (landed $33.45) CHABLIS 2010 VAILLONS ‘CUVEE SECHER’ 1er CRU ‘The ‘Secher’ is in fact a lieu dites (specific site) in the ‘Vaillons’ vineyard. This is the first time I have come across this label but it illustrates just how specific growers are becoming in Chablis. Well, what an introduction as this is outstanding and has just a little bit of new oak that does not rob the wine of its Chablis character. Fresh, clean and zippy acidity and unmistakably ‘Chablis’!’ $32.30/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2365 (landed $37.15)
Gilles, Dominica, & Romain Collet Ross Duke Wine Company
Grand Cru vines of Chablis
20
DOMAINE MAUPERTHUIS, MASSANGIS (NEAR CHABLIS) This was another lovely little find indeed!! Marie-Noelle and Laurent Ternyck founded their Domaine in 1993 with a commitment to continue the fine wine traditions of Chablis into the future. They are located in northern Burgundy between Auxerre and Chablis with vines in the villages of Venoy, Beine, Saint Bris and Irancy. The estate is planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and the rare Cesar. The exceptional southern exposure of this northern site allows maximum ripeness even in vintages with limited sunshine. Further enhancements of quality and flavour are obtained by severe pruning to lower yields and concentrate grape essences. These practices allow the full expression of each microclimate, soil type and ‘terroir’. The results are deeply coloured, rich and concentrated Pinot Noirs, white flower scented Chardonnays with ‘wet stone minerality, and racy Sauvignon Blanc with refreshing acidity and exotic fruit aromas. The fully mature grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted to exclude any imperfect clusters. After ageing, the individual lots of wine are blended to ensure consistency and then bottled. After bottling, the wines are matured for twelve months to allow the development of bottle bouquet. The whites are the first introduction to this impressive Domaine whilst the red wines will follow in our 2010 red Burgundy offer. BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2011 ‘LES TRUFFIERES’ ‘Correct green/gold colour and attractive flowery nose. The palate is stylish, delicate and a long soft finish. Ever so easy to drink for the shorter term. Lovely balance and no hard edges. A snip at this price as well?’ $19.00/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2366 (landed $21.85) CHABLIS 2010 VAU DE VEY’ 1er CRU ‘Firm green/ gold colour – yes! Aromatic bouquet. The taste combines grapefruit/pineapple and honey on the palate and the minerals and ‘flintiness’ is obvious. Yes! This is Chablis in all it’s glory!’ $38.00/bt Pre-arrival Code: 2367 (landed $43.70)
Ross Duke Wine Company
21
DOMAINE DE LA BONGRAN, MACON (A Real Superstar)
THE MOST INDIVIDUAL WHITE WINES IN FRANCE!!! Jean Thevenet is considered the master white wine maker of France and there would be very few 3, 2 and 1 star restaurants that would not have his wines on their lists. However, it has not been all ‘beer and skittles’ as his family have had to battle to have their wines accepted by Appellation authorities for over 50 years. At last this has now stopped and Domaine Bongran and its various wines have been totally accepted. If you have not tasted these incredible wines, well here is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourselves to these fantastic wines! THEVENET 2007 MACON VILLAGES BLANC ‘Light ‘botrytis’ nose. The palate opens out with lychee/passionfruit palate but good cleaning acidity on the finish. What a delightfully individual style of wine that is suited as an aperitif or enjoyed with a range of seafood and shellfish or even with poached fruits as a dessert. So versatile and beautifully made.’ $22.75 /bt Pre-arrival Code: 2368 (Landed: $26.15) DOMAINE EMILIAN GILLET 2009 VIRE-CLESSE ‘This vineyard was owned by Jeans Grandfather and always picked and labelled separately. There is a little more acidity to this wine but the ‘botrytis’ is certainly there. Lovely length to the luxurious palate and that unmistakable signature style of wine that he makes. Glorious.’ $27.50 / bt Pre-arrival Code: 2369 (Landed: 31.50) CUVEE E.J. THEVENET 2005 VIRE-CLESSE ‘Slight green tinge with a gold sheen. The ‘botrytis’ lights up the palate with crisp, balancing acidity and as such I would suggest cellaring for up to 10 more years. This inviting wine has a passionfruit/apple fruit flavour, stunning length and smooth, clean finish. $38.65 / bt Pre - arrival Code: 2370 (Landed: $44.50) THEVENET CUVEE BOTRYTIS (LIQUOREUX) ‘What a revelation of a wine. This is jam-packed with ‘botrytis fruit with such intensity and weight BUT it is beautifully balanced. This is a marvel!!! $122.00 / bt Pre - arrival Code: 2371 (Landed $140.00)
Ross Duke Wine Company
22
RHONE REVOLUTION New Alsace - Old Chablis & Stunning Macon!! ORDER FORM Ross Duke Wine Company Pty Ltd
Suite 309, 63 Stead Street. South Melbourne. VIC 3205 TEL: (03) 9696 7920 FAX: (03) 9696 8703 Email: orders@frenchwinecentre.com
OFFER CLOSES: 10th July - SHIPMENT DUE: Mid July, 2012 CODE
QTY
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
2343 2344 2345 2346 2347
NEW RHONE GARDIES 2011 ROUSSILLON ‘CLOS DES VIGNES’ BLANC GARDIES 2009 ROUSSILLON VILLAGES ‘TAUTAVEL’ GARDIES ROUSSILLON VILLAGES 2009 ‘LA TORRE’ GARDIES ROUSSILLON VILLAGES 2009 ‘TAUTAVEL’ FALAISES’ GARDIES VIN DOUX NATUREL MUSCAT DE RIVESALTES’ FLOR 50cl.
$29.00 $29.00 $46.00 $53.00 $23.60
2348 2349
LAURENS BLANQUETTE ‘LE CLOS DEMOISELLES’ LAURENS BLANQUETTE ‘LE MOULIN BRUT’
$26.75 $17.35
2350 2351 2352 9272
COSTIERES DE NIMES 2011 CUVEE VERDICT BLANC COSTIERES DE NIMES 2011 CUVEE PRESTIGE ROSE COSTIERES DE NIMES 2011 CUVEE VERDICT ROUGE COSTIERES DE NIMES 2009 CUVEE MARIANNE ROUGE
$14.20 $14.65 $14.20 $19.50
2353 2354
MONTMARTEL 2011 COTES DU RHONE BLANC MONTMARTEL 2010 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE
$15.20 $17.70
2355
LA ROCALIERE 2011 TAVEL CUVEE CLASSIQUE ROSE
$17.65
2309
BOISSON 2009 COTES DU RHONE ‘CAIRANNE’
$24.00
8583
BOSQUET DES PAPES 2009 CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE ‘TRAD’
$43.00
2356
LA GARRIGUE 2009 VACQUEYRAS CANTERELLES ROUGE
$44.50
2357
BOULETIN 2010 MUSCAT BEAUMES DE VENISE – 375 ml
$18.00
2358
NOTRE DAME 2009 ‘BOIS DES MOURRES’ ROUGE
$26.90
2359
PRADELLE 2010 CROZES-HERMITAGE
$21.90
2360
ALSACE CHARLES BAUR CREMANT D’ALSACE
$21.70
2361 2362 2363
CHABLIS MILLET 2010 PETIT CHABLIS MILLET 2011 CHABLIS MILLET 2010 CHABLIS ‘VAUCOUPIN’ 1er CRU
$19.50 $22.75 $27.50
2364 2365
COLLET 2010 CHABLIS ‘VAILLONS’ 1er CRU COLLET 2010 CHABLIS ‘VAILLONS’ CUVEE SECHER 1er CRU
$29.10 $32.30
2366 2367
MAUPERTHUIS 2011 CHARDONNAY ‘LES TRUFFIERES’ MAUPERTHUIS 2010 CHABLIS ‘VAU DE VEY 1er CRU
$19.00 $38.00
2368 2369 2370 2371
MACON THEVENET 2007 MACON VILLAGES BLANC DOMAINE EMILIAN GILLET 2009 VIRE-CLESSE CUVEE EJ THEVENET 2005 VIRE CLESSE THEVENET CUVEE BOTRYTIS (LIQUOREUX)
$22.75 $27.50 $38.65 $122.00
TOTAL 5% DISCOUNT FOR FULL CASES (12 X 750 ml) of the same wine SUB-TOTAL FREIGHT GRAND TOTAL
VALUE
$ $ $ $ $
#
*** Quantities of some wines are LIMITED, order early to avoid disappointment *** Ross Duke Wine Company 23
***Delivery instructions are important - Please enter delivery address only below*** IF YOU FAX YOUR ORDER – PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME ON BOTH PAGES A business address that is open between 9am & 5pm where someone is able to receive the wine is preferable. However if we are delivering to a private address, Australia Post has the provision on its label for a brief instruction of where you are happy for wine to be left if no one is home. (i.e. on front porch under cover, in garage on left side of house, by front door out of weather etc.) If there is nowhere safe and nobody home they will leave a card and take delivery to nearest Australia Post outlet. NAME: DELIVERY ADDRESS: P.CODE: SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS:
TEL (daytime only):
CONTACT NAME:
E-MAIL ADDRESS: (if not already supplied)
METHOD OF PAYMENT (Please circle one of the following) DIRECT CREDIT / CHEQUE - VISA / MASTERCARD (preferred) or AMEX Card #: _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry: _ _ / _ _ 3 digit code _ _ _
Name on card: Signature: TERMS, CONDITIONS & PRICES OF OFFER Orders must be in cases of 6 or 12 bottles (750ml) and in multiples of 3 unless specified otherwise. This enables safer packing with less chance of breakages during delivery. Please check your order carefully upon receipt and advise of any discrepancies within 10 working days. If an error is made it is virtually impossible to rectify if notified months later. Prices are per pack including all duties, taxes, W.E.T. and G.S.T. These prices are only valid for orders placed and paid before the closing date. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Landed prices apply after the closing date of the offer. Minimum overall purchase is 6 bottles.
DELIVERY PRICES DESTINATION Melbourne Country Victoria Sydney & Adelaide Country N.S.W, A.C.T & S.A. Brisbane
PER CASE $10.00 $14.00 $14.00 $16.00 $17.00
DESTINATION Country/Queensland Cairns/Cairns Perth Country W.A. Tasmania
Unless otherwise quoted
Ross Duke Wine Company
24
PER CASE $19.00 $25.00 $30.00 $39.00 $28.00
TASTING CALENDAR RHONE – CHABLIS – ALSACE – MACON BRISBANE DATE: 30th JULY TIME: 6.30 p.m. VENUE: WINEAWAY UNIT 3, ABBOTSFORD BUSINESS CENTRE, TAYLOR STREET, BOWEN HILLS. 4006
SYDNEY DATE: 21st JULY & 23rd JULY TIME: 6.30 p.m. VENUE: DE VINE RESTAURANT ADDRESS: 30 MARKET STREET SYDNEY For restaurant bookings after the tasting / Tel: 9262 6906
ADELAIDE DATE: 25th JULY TIME: 6.30 p.m. VENUE: T-CHOW, CHINA TOWN ADDRESS: 68 MOONTA STREET, ADELAIDE. For restaurant bookings after the tasting / Tel: 8410 1413
DATE: 26th JULY TIME: 6.30 p.m. VENUE: VICTORY HOTEL ADDRESS: MAIN ROAD SOUTH, SELLICKS BEACH. 5174
PERTH DATE: 6th & 7th AUGUST TIME: 6.30 p.m. VENUE: LAMONTS WINE STORE ADDRESS: 12 STATION STREET, COTTESLOE For restaurant bookings after the tasting / Tel: 9385 0666
MELBOURNE 18th
19TH
DATE: & JULY TIME: 6.30 p.m. VENUE: RISING SUN HOTEL ADDRESS: UPSTAIRS, 2 RAGLAN STREET, SOUTH MELBOURNE. 3205 For restaurant bookings after the tasting / Tel: 9696 2411 – 9696 8350
COST: $65.00 per person 20 wines will be served and ‘finger food’ platters served BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL - NO PAYMENTS AT THE TASTINGS! LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE – BOOK EARLY FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: sarah@frenchwinecentre.com – adam@frenchwinecentre.com
Ross Duke Wine Company Tel: (03) 9696 7920 Fax: (03) 9696 8703
Ross Duke Wine Company
25