Spring
Celebration
CLOS ING DATE OCTO BER 24Th
Ross Duke Wine Company September, 2012
‘Spring Celebration!’
Contents September 2012 Exclusive Offer Offer Closes: Oct 24th
Shipment Due: Late October PAGE
Foreward by Ross Duke
1
Laherte - Chavot
2
Eric Rodez - Ambonnay & ‘Spring Celebration’ Champagne Packs
3-4
J.L.Vergnon – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
6-7
Francis Boulard - Cauroy
8–9
Voirin-Jumel - Cramant
10
Launois – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
11
Henriet-Bazin – Villers Marmery
12
Order form & delivery details
13 - 14
Old Favourites, New Vintages
15
Additional Stock
16
Tasting ‘Fantastique’
17
Prices quoted in this catalogue are pre-arrival prices. Landed prices apply after the closing date of the offer (Approximately 15% more). All prices are per 750ml bottle unless otherwise stated. Prices, description and availability are subject to change without notice.
Ross Duke Wine Company Pty Ltd Suite 309, 63 Stead St, South Melbourne. 3205 PHONE: (03) 9696 7920 FAX: (03) 9696 8703 ORDERS: orders@frenchwinecentre.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES: rdwc@frenchwinecentre.com WEB: www.frenchwinecentre.com (under construction)
FRONT COVER: Image provided by - Frozen in Time Gallery http://www.frozentime.com.au
Foreword by Ross Duke We dedicate this catalogue to the world famous ‘Spring Racing Carnival’. Come celebrate in style, with Melbourne in all its glory. With the sound of pounding hoofs and the roar of punters alike, Spring time is the perfect time to indulge in the finest that Champagne has to offer. GROWERS CHAMPAGNE!! We have prepared 3 ‘special’ ‘Spring Racing Carnival’ packs for your indulgence. Thank you for your enthusiastic acceptance of our recent catalogue – Rhone Revolution, New Alsace - Old Chablis & Stunning Macon! Many wines sold out rapidly and, in some cases, we have been able to secure additional stocks to satisfy the great demand. On top of that we thoroughly enjoyed the many tastings we conducted both in Melbourne and interstate. With a greater response to the states we missed out on, we will endeavour to return. Rest assure we will keep these tastings going as you indicated how much you value the opportunity of tasting the wines you may have bought, or came across something new and exciting. Our current catalogue is our final Champagne offer for the year and Vic has been very busy ferretting out a superb range of growers Champagne’s that are not just stunning in quality but such great value at a time when prices are just so important. We appreciate the very kind remarks you forward to us of your great satisfaction of the quality and range of our Champagne’s. Many customers have introduced our wines to their friends, relatives and work-mates and as such increased our mailing list handsomely – thank you again! CASH FOR COMMENT?? I am both sad and disappointed that a disturbing trend is emerging within the written word on wine. The trend to request payment in advance of comment is, in my opinion, just abhorrent and disgusting. When it comes from well-known and respected sources the disappointment just grows. You can rest assured that we will NEVER engage is such activities NEVER!! Our final catalogue for the year we finalize the 2010 vintage in Burgundy with our part 2 offer. This will be a difficult operation as volumes are down between 20% to 45%. We will therefore have to allocate many wines to spread the smaller quantities to the widest audience. You can be sure, as always, that we will be fair right across the board as we have complete records of all allocations to our clients back to 2000. It will certainly be difficult but I am sure we are up to the challenge. We are planning some final tastings as well featuring the 2010 Burgundy vintage. Details will be included in the final catalogue for the year and we hope to share a glass or two with you all then. OBITUARY
It is with great sadness that we record the death of Pierre Ninot, the father of Erell Ninot of Rully. Pierre was just a beautiful person and full of knowledge and fun. Erell just adored him as they had a ‘special’ relationship. This came on the 27th of June just weeks after Erell gave birth to their first son. Fittingly, Pierre’s final moments were in the place he loved to spend time most, the vineyard. He suffered a heart attack then departed this life. We will remember him always and God rest your soul our dear friend. On that very sad note we all send you our best regards until the final catalogue, Ross, Bev, Sarah, Vic, David and Adam
OFFER CLOSES: 24th October, 2012
‘Spring Celebration’
SHIPMENT DUE: Late October
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
LAHERTE FRERES Chavot – Sud Epernay 8 hectares We first visited Champagne Laherte Freres seven years ago and were cordially received by Thierry. It was a tasting that I remember well. After tasting through the range of currently available cuvées, Thierry proceeded to open a range of undisgorged older wines. This was to show you what he has achieved as a vigneron and to reaffirm the style of the family tradition. Back in those days his son Aurelien was still doing his studies at the Lycee Viticole and at that time he was working a stage at Taittinger. All the wines went through malolactic fermentation and use of small oak was minimal. There were a few large oak foudres and Thierry was looking at organic viticulture. Much has changed in seven years. Aurelien is now driving the ship and has positive and definite ideas about viticulture and wine making. Across the range of original cuvées we have seen a lowering of dosage, introduction of partial blocking of the malolactic fermentation, stirring of lees, fermentation in barrel, organic and biodynamic viticulture and also stricter selection of fruit quality. Also we have seen the introduction of a number of new cuvées. Aurelien has instituted some significant changes. He has a clear vision and passion. Dosages are now all at the 2g4g/litre level and some wines are Brut Nature. There are a lot more barrels in the cuverie as all reserve wines are now stored in oak not tank. Cuvées undergo initial fermentation in oak with the stirring of lees in the barrel. Depending on the cuvée, a certain percentage is blocked from passing through the malolactic phase. All vineyards have been converted to organic farming and the single vineyard “Les 7” is biodynamic. Aurelien has achieved much in such a short space of time and he has more plans in the pipeline. He has a great understanding of the soils at his disposal and is looking at optimising his grape varieties by swapping out some Chardonnay with Pinot Meunier or vice versa. The soils in this little valley have much in common with the Cote des Blancs just over the hill, and also much in common with soils on the Marne Valley side where Pinot Meunier does so well. This region is now justifiably using its own designation – 'Sud Epernay' – (South Epernay). Aurelien has collaborated with some of his like minded young vigneron friends and started the 'Terres et Vins de Champagne' annual exhibition, which hilights the wines of seventeen vignerons. Laherte Brut Tradition. 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. 60% 2009 and 40% 2008. For a humble entry level this is outstanding. This cuvee makes up 50% of total production. 80% fermentation in large and small barrels and 20% in tank with partial malo-lactic. Smoke and spice on the nose, chalky mineral palate with a hint of lavender. Very pure and fresh. The oak treatment with this cuvee is becoming more and more refined each year. We see more elegance and delicate balance. Amazing purity and finesse in a pinot dominant Champagne! Dosage 6g/litre. Superb. Code: 3532
Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle
Laherte Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs. 100% Chardonnay from 35 year old vines in Chavot and Epernay. Clay and limestone soils with the presence of fine grained silts and chalk. Sparnacian chalk subsoils. Blend of 50% 2009 and 50% 2008. Fermentation is in barrel with regular stirring of the lees. The malolactic fermentation is blocked for about 40% of the final blend. Older reserve wine is stored in barrel. Aged on lees for six months followed by a light filtration before bottling. This wine is the 'complete' blanc de blancs. Lovely spicy sherbet overtones, hints of white fruits with the subtle smoke from oak fermentation subtly in the background. This wine has more in common with the great oak matured Chardonnay wines from the Cote des Blancs – there are similarities to Selosse and Agrapart in style. The Mytik Diam cork is a superb closure and helps to maintain great freshness – even for a non-vintage blended style. A number of restaurants are featuring this in Australia, not to mention many Michelin starred restaurants in France – Pierre Gagnaire and Agape Substance of note in Paris. Code: 3718 Pre-arrival: $46.50 / bottle
‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
ERIC RODEZ Ambonnay– Grand Cru Montagne de Reims - 6 hectares Eric Rodez is the eighth generation of family growing grapes in the prestigious pinot noir producing Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. He is a true artisan of his trade who is focused on the art of terroir, old vines, oak integration and control of malo-lactic fermentation. Eric speaks of the five dimensions of Champagne that shape its style and character. Cépage, location, vineyard aspect, vinification and fermentation. All the above combined, totally determine the style and quality of the final result. He has lots of old vines all with premium exposure at mid-slope. Subtle use of small Burgundian oak and control of malolactic fermentation allows Eric to create a brilliant range of terroir driven Champagnes. The 6 ha property is divided into 35 plots of only Grand Cru vines split roughly 55/45 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Eric worked in Burgundy, Beaujolais and the Rhone for three years during his youth, and also worked for a year at Krug. Eric's mayor duties keep him busy – but it appears that the cat is out of the bag – Jancis Robinson and other MW's have discovered Eric Rodez! Now we see his wines in the UK and US.
‘I don’t take pleasure in making champagne, I take pleasure in making an extra-ordinary wine from Champagne’ Burgundy taught him much about oak fermentation and maturation and his work with Henri Krug re-enforced his ideas even further. Now 80% of Eric’s wines are matured in some sort of oak for various periods. Dosages are light – between 5 to 8g/litre and he uses RCGM not sugar. No fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides are used. And yes, like all villages in France, some one has to be the mayor of Ambonnay! Since 1989 Eric has systematically taken major steps to improve the health and quality of his vineyard. No longer does he use weed killers or chemical fertilizers. The long-term sustainability of the health of the soil is paramount. Eric has decided to move to full biodynamic viticulture. The other good news at Champagne Rodez is that Eric's son Michael is quickly gaining experience and knowledge to take over the property in the future. We spoke to Michael during the 2011 harvest and were astonished at his level of maturity, knowledge and passion - the 'family property' is in safe hands! Even our friend Francis Boulard got a chance to visit Eric Rodez with a group of amateur aficionados - 'Yes Victor, great wine at Eric Rodez cellar... not well-known in the French wine guides and magazines... that's the reason, it was our first visit there, this year, for our knowledge'. Peter Liem – Champagne guide: Éric Rodez’s champagnes feel crafted in the best sense of the word: they display a vinous intensity that obviously comes from quality work in the vineyards, yet they also demonstrate a sophisticated complexity and refinement that indicates a sure hand in the cellar.
Looking down from the forest across Ambonnay vineyards.
‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
Eric Rodez 'Blanc de Noirs' Grand Cru 100% Pinot Noir, from five different vintages, 50% of which is from 2006 and then older reserve wines. 70% of the final blend has been matured in small barriques with no malolactic fermentation. Very different to the entry level Cuvee Crayeres. Citrus, toast, red fruits and spices are in abundance here. Long and unctuous – a very special and rare Blanc de Noir – a triumph of wine making, and a bench mark of Ambonnay terroir. One of the outstanding features of Eric's wines is the meticulous care he takes in looking after his reserve wines – and also the depth of age of his reserve wines– in this cuvee we have 42% 2006, 32% 2005, 12% 2004, 8% 2002, 5% 2000 and 1% 1999. Dosage 5g/litre. Code: 3541
Pre-arrival: $54.40 / bottle
TYSON STELZER: A tremendously full-bodied and fleshy blanc de noirs that cleverly utilises malic acidity to hone the finish and emphasise the salty minerality of the Rodez vineyards. Wonderful presence of cherries, dried fruits, cinnamon and anise carries with pristine length and balance, making this one of the finest blanc de noirs at this price. 94 points
Eric Rodez Brut Rose Grand Cru Eric doesn't do things by halves and this cuvee is a classic example of his best expression of 'terroir in pink'. 45% Pinot noir is vinified as a saignee, with the remainder of Pinot/Chardonnay vinifed as a white wine. This allows him to get great flavour extraction in the saignee process and then add some finesse and complexity with the blended component. One of the best roses on the market. So complex! We may have to ration this cuvee. 2006 base wine and many older reserve wines dating back to 2000. Dosage 5g/litre. Code: 2313 Pre-arrival: $52.70 / bottle
TYSON STELZER: Utilising both the maceration and blending techniques of rosé production, this is an assemblage not with red wine but with the pink of pinot noir macerated on skins (“for the joy of the wine!”). For its depth of age it’s fresh and primary, with a pale salmon-copper hue and characters of tiny wild strawberries and potpourri, building to the complexity of sous bois (forest floor) and nuances of the hearth amid a beautifully creamy, fine bead and a lingering finish of salty minerality. An expertly crafted rosé that captures an elusive balance of character, presence and finesse. 95 points.
Eric Rodez Millesime 2004 Grand Cru A blend of 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir, from Eric's oldest and most prestigious mid slope vineyards. 85% aged in barrel with 15% in tank. The barrel component has had no malo-lactic fermentation. We have amazing complexity and length, all entwined in red and white fruits with perfectly balanced acidity. Penetrating on the palate with layers of complexity expanding the long and persistent finish. We discussed the merits of 2004 at length with Eric and we all agree that potentially 2004 is a better vintage than 2002. Dosage a tiny 5g/litre. Very limited. Code: 4228 Pre-arrival: $61.20 / bottle – limit of 6 bottles
Eric Rodez 'Blanc de Blancs' Grand Cru 100% Chardonnay from five different vintages, 40% of which is from 2006 and then older reserve wines. 80% of the final blend has been matured in small barriques with no malolactic fermentation. Sensational length –piercing Selosse like intensity. Dosage 5g/litre. Code: 2311
Pre-arrival: $52.70 / bottle – 6 bottle limit.
Jancis Robinson MW says: Best value bottling from this producer is surely the super-clean Eric Rodez, Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne that offers an almost Jacques Selosse style of complexity. ‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
Eric Rodez 'Cuvée des Grand Vintages' Grand Cru 'Jancis Robinson MW says: 'My favourite wine was Eric Rodez, Grands Vintages NV Champagne, a de luxe, oak-aged, extremely complex, smouldering, intellectual, food-friendly blend of wines ' This version is a blend of 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2004 – all the best vintages of the last decade. This is the ultimate NV Champagne – more like a 'growers' version of a great Krug. 60% Pinot and 40% Chardonnay with a complex blend of oak matured solera base wines. Similarities to Selosse Substance are quite accurate – the concept is similar. The style here is all about intensity and weight. Think of great white burgundy with a super fine mousse. Red fruits, apples, pears, minerals, mushrooms and toasty macadamia and coffee elements all dance in harmony to produce an amazingly complex wine with stunning length. Subtle oak integration and piercing acidity keep all this weight and power in check. In its context this is an absolute bargain. Other Champagnes of this quality retail for triple our direct import price. If you like minerally, zippy, citrussy aperitif Champagne, this is not for you. If you like Champagne with weight, complexity, power, intensity all in perfect balance – this is definitely for you. Limited to 6 bottles per order. Dosage 5g/litre. Code: 5739 Pre-arrival: $71.40 / bottle
TYSON STELZER: Champagne Guide: The philosophy here is an assemblage of the fruits of the first pressings of the best parcels across many years. The roll-call of vintages is mind-blowing, a line up that must be unparalleled in all of Champagne, except perhaps in Krug itself, at three times the price! The complexity and concentration match the recipe: preserved lemon, fleshy white summer fruits, dried peaches, honey, cedar, nutmeg, even coffee bean and chocolate. For all of its vast intensity, it maintains absolute control and balance, making way for minerality to glide through at every moment. The harmony on show in this melody is the ultimate demonstration of Rodez’s talent as a composer. 95 POINTS
Caulfield Cup Selection Code: 8574 Price: $265.00 Per Pack (6 bottles)
Laherte Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Voirin-Jumel Grand Cru J.L.Vergnon Conversation Grand Cru
Hebrart 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Launois Quartz Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Le Brun Servenay Selection
Melbourne Cup Selection Code: 5936 Price: $300.00 Per Pack (6 bottles)
Benard-Pitois Cuvée Reserve Hebrart Cuveé Reserve 1er Cru Jacky Charpentier Prestige Rosé
Launois Cuvee Reserve Blanc de Blancs Lassaigne Montgueux Blanc de Blancs Eric Rodez Cuvée des Crayeres
Derby Day Selection Code: 8575 Price: $265.00 Per Pack (6 bottles)
Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Noirs Henriet-Bazin Blanc de Noirs Francis Boulard Mailly Grand Cru
‘Spring Celebration’
Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition Jacky Charpentier Brut Prestige Hebrart Cuvée Rosé 1er Cru
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J.L.VERGNON Le Mesnil-sur-Oger – Grand Cru Cote des Blancs - 5 hectares Alain Vergnon is the owner of this prestigious property who in 2002 installed oenologue Christophe Constant to oversee a complete revival of this famous property. Christophe worked for a number of years at Pol Roger and has always been interested in working on the growers side of the fence. Christophe comes from a family that owns no vineyards, so he has approached his passion from the consulting side of the business. He is good friends with Pascal Agrapart and Anselme Selosse and is often seen tasting and discussing wines at the new Selosse hotel / restaurant in Avize, 'Hotel Restaurant Les Avizes'. We first met Christophe quite a few years ago at a tasting with Aurelien Laherte and we were lucky to taste his 2002 Cuvee Confidence. Impressive indeed and after much badgering over the years we finally obtained a small allocation across the whole range. Vineyards are spread across Chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Avize. Christophe likes to harvest his grapes quite late to obtain optimum terroir flavour. This also allows him to avoid chaptalization and to avoid the malolactic fermentation – hence capturing the maximum flavour with perfect acid balance. General concensus now puts the prestigious property in the top two growers in the village. With demand increasing our allocations are tiny, so it would be wise to order early. Vineyards are expensive so buying more hectares is prohibitive. The other approach is to become a NM (Negociant Manipulant) and buy grapes, but from whom? Many growers (who could be family and friends) have traditionally sold some of their grapes to the big houses. As these contracts expire, we see them selling their grapes to local growers – like Vergnon. Over the next year Christophe will be doubling his overall vineyard capacity to 10 hectares as an NM – so in a few years time we will be able to obtain larger allocations across the superb range.
J.L.Vergnon Cuvee Conversation Grand Cru 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Avize. Blend of 2007 and older reserve wines – dosage 6g/litre. Classic vinification in tank. Fine persistent mousse, hints of quince and citrus on the nose. Palate is fresh and chalky, hints of almond and brioche with great length. A really great introduction to the pure style of Vergnon – purity, finesse, perfect balance and great intensity. The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld have this on their wine list. Code: 2316 Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle
J.L.Vergnon Cuvee Eloquence Extra-Brut Grand Cru 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Avize. Blend of 2007 and older reserve wines. Classic vinification in tank. The vines are older here, and we see more citrus and chalk, with a little more complexity. Hints of pear and brioche. The lower dosage of 3g/litre keeps all the flavours in perfect balance. Amazing length and complexity. Perfect aperitif style to match with oysters, calamari, seafood tempura and sashimi. Code: 2317
Pre-arrival: $44.20 / bottle
Tyson Stelzer in his 'Champagne Guide 2012-2013' rates the entire range of Vergnon Champagnes very highly.
‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
J.L.Vergnon Cuvee Resonance 2006 Grand Cru This is from 40 year old vines and reveals an increased level of complexity and purity. Clean racy acidity and lovely ripeness make this a superbly balanced classic blanc de blancs. The 2005 was powerful and intense with perfect balance. With the 2006 we see more citrus and chalk with racy minerals and hints of white flowers. Long and palate staining – this is what great Champagne is all about! Dosage 6g/litre. Code: 4230
Pre-arrival: $51.00 / bottle
Demand from restaurants is on the rise and we now see Vergnon Champagnes on many of the best restaurants in Paris, L'Arpege, Pierre Gagnaire, L'Astrance, Willi's Wine Bar and twenty others!
J.L.Vergnon Cuvee Confidence 2007 Grand Cru 100% Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Chardonnay, vinified and fermented in barrel with no malo-lactic fermentation. Very old vines from two superbly located parcels in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. This cuvee has been evolving slowly as Christophe has been juggling his various vineyard parcels to allow him to get the quality and ripeness that this wine needs. No dosage of course. Dense and powerful but all covered in elegance. The aroma reveals citrus and spice with a hint of smoky oak and almonds. The palate shows its origins with wet stone and spice in abundance. We see a little more new oak in the 2007 which adds to the spicy minerality. Young and tight – this cuvee would be a classic for the cellar. Code: 4231
Pre-arrival: $71.40 / bottle
TYSON STELZER: ‘Daring’ is the only word to describe Christophe Constante, the talented chef de cave of the little estate of J.L. Vergnon in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. In a village renowned for chardonnay of greater longevity than any other in Champagne, no other grower producer dares avoid malolactic fermentation. Further, dosages are very low, never more than seven grams per litre. His top cuvée, appropriately named ‘Confidence,’ is vinified entirely in oak, a whopping fifty percent of which is brand new. With such an ambitious recipe, the proof of his skill is a well-crafted range of long-lived wines that capture the vibrant, clean expression of the finest grand crus of the Côte des Blancs.
2012 has been a turbulent year for Christophe – with major frost damage to a huge parcel of vines in Avize.
‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
FRANCIS BOULARD Cauroy-les-Hermonville - 1er Cru Montagne de Reims - 3 hectares As from 2010, one third of Champagne Raymond Boulard has become Champagne Francis Boulard. The three children of Raymond Boulard have chosen to pursue their own professional careers. His daughter Delphine, who has worked alongside him since 2003, and is completely at ease in the vineyards, as well as in the winery, will assist Francis in this venture. The House's deep convictions are unchanged: The direction of the “new house” will be resolutely turned towards bio-dynamics and organics. This direction has already been in place for several years, and a great part of the vineyards have already been certified as being “organic agriculture” (certification Ecocert.) Over the last few years we have seen that Francis has been ill at ease with the decisions of his brother and sister. Francis wanted to move towards total organic viticulture with less intervention, oak maturation, lowering yields and smaller parcel vinification. These ideas did not fit in with the family – so finally the split had to come – and Francis will be the better for it. Unfortunately he only has one third of his vines to work with – so quantities will be reduced. Maybe Francis will be able to lease vineyards – buying vineyards is prohibitively expensive. His wines are becoming iconic and scarce – so get in quick while availability is reasonable. Francis also has his wines on some great restaurant lists – many in Paris and lots of Michelin starred restaurants all over the world. Initially many cuvees were available in both Brut Nature and 'regular dosage', but clients (including us) have always preferred one over the other with consistent results – and Francis has responded with only doing a single cuvee.
Francis Boulard Les Murgiers Cuvée Réserve - Blanc de Noirs 70% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, with reserve wines aged in oak barrels. 2009 and older reserve wines from 2008 and 2007 – all great years in the Champagne region. This is a new cuvée for Francis and it certainly shows his attention to detail. Super fine mousse, lovely aromas of white fruits with red fruits and spice on the palate. Dosage is just on Extra-brut at 5 g/litre. Great purity and length with the subtle oak integration adding nice complexity. This cuvee gets better and better each year. The super fine mousse and finesse are hallmarks of this exceptional wine. Attica Restaurant in Melbourne are pouring this by the glass. Code: 3494 Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle
Francis Boulard Petraea XCVII-MMVII This is Francis's perpetual reserve prestige Cuvée - 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier. Each year, the wine from the current harvest (25%) is added to the blend. Therefore Petraea XCVII - MMVII is 25% 2007 harvest, the remaining 75% from previous vintages 1997 (XCVII) /98/99/2000/01/02/03/04/05/06. Lovely smoke and spice from subtle oak vinification and maturation. This is Brut Nature - natural yeasts with no fining and no filtration with frequent stirring of the lees. Produced at a slightly lower pressure – 5 atmospheres as opposed to the standard 6 atmospheres – this accentuates the minerality and finesse. A powerful intense style with great complexity and weight – floral and red fruit overtones – intense and palate staining - certainly more of a food style. Unctuous and seamless. The French wine journalists place this in the same class as the likes of Selosse, Bouchard, Krug, Pascal etc. All class! Very limited. On the wine list at Tetsuya's in Sydney. Code: 3446
‘Spring Celebration’
Pre-arrival: $59.50 / bottle
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Francis Boulard Mailly Grand Cru 90% Pinot and 10% Chardonnay from Grand Cru Mailly. From 70% 2008 and 30% oak matured reserve wines. This cuvee is a classic example of Mailly Pinot from the chalky soils in the village. The soil in this vineyard is only 1015cm deep – and then we dive straight into chalk. The red fruits are very subtle – with floral and citrus overtones – we see minerality, smoke and elegance that you normally associate with a wine that is more Chardonnay dominant. This is the beauty of 'terroir'. Dosage at 5g/litre – Extra Brut. Classic Boulard penetrating fine mousse. Code: 4232
Pre-arrival: $49.50 / bottle
Francis Boulard 2006 Millesime Extra-Brut 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. Average vine age is 30 years old and this shows on a complex and intense palate. This cuvee is now fully vinified and matured in oak barrels. Powerfull and unctuous, complex smoke and spice aromas, palate full of white fruits and brioche. Mousse is tiny and persistant. The quality of the Chardonnay speaks strongly here – chalk and spice, minerals and citrus – lovely length and perfect balance. Whereas the 2005 of this was all about red fruits and weight, the 2006 shows more minerals and floral aspects. Dosage 5g/litre. Code: 4233 Pre-arrival: $51.00 / bottle
Francis Boulard 2006 Les Rachais - Brut Nature 100% Chardonnay from one vineyard of 43 years old vines. Terroir: flint bearing silty limestone - Massif de Saint Thierry. Vinification in old oak barrels. This is the third year from the fully certified biodynamic vineyard (Ecocert certification). Farming and vinification according to lunar calendar. No fining and no filtration. Pure, subtle, intense Chardonnay. The 2006 is more mineral and linear than the 2005 – with hints of citrus, dried fruits and toast. This wine now is quickly becoming an icon and is featured in the best wine magazines including 'La Revue du Vin de France'. Regularly in the top five Champagnes of the year – along side Krug, Crystal, Selosse and the other big names. Amazing power and richness. No dosage required – the low yielding vines add there own fruit intensity. Our allocation is tiny. 6 bottle limit. Code: 4234
Pre-arrival: $68.00 / bottle
Michael Edwards – The Finest Wines of Champagne – says… 'The greatest wine – the more striking for its modest St-Thierry origins – is the scintillating Les Rachais cuvee, which should become one of the modern classics of Champagne'
‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
VOIRIN JUMEL Cramant - Grand Cru Cote des Blancs – 12 hectares 12 hectares of vines span the villages of Cramant, Avize, Oger, Ay, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vertus, Verneuil and Chouilly and vines have an average age of 30 years. All this helps them to produce a small range of very individual and elegant wines. Being only a young family, quality is on the improve as Patrick gains more and more experience and confidence. His Meursault oak matured Cuvée 555 made from 100% Cramant fruit is an exciting and vibrant Champagne if you like the oakier richer style. Other cuvées include a pure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru from Vertus and a rich NV rosé from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Aÿ pinot noir. Using a modern horizontal automated press allows Patrick to keep a tight reign on the quality and consistency of the final product. The Vintage Cuvée Grand Cru and NV Cuvée Grand Cru are generally a mix of the best parcels of Grand Cru Cramant and Chouilly. Dosages are all on the low side, allowing for the terroir to speak clearly and forcefully. The viticulture is environmentally friendly with no systemic chemical products being used and any treatments are always kept to a minimum.
Voirin-Jumel NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Blend of 60% Cramant, with the remainder from Avize, Chouilly and Oger. All Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards from a blend of 2008 and reserve wines. This particular wine has been specially chosen and disgorged for us at a dosage of 6g/litre – as opposed to the 8g/litre for the standard version of this wine. Patrick prefers lower dosages and is slowly lowering it – a little each year – it is important not to change the style too quickly since it is very easy to antagonise existing customers. There are citrus and floral notes in abundance and the classic Cramant minerality is subtle and not intrusive. Superb with sashimi and sushi. Quite delightful as an aperitif or with seafood and is a great bargain. Becoming a great favourite with our regular customers – Grand Cru Cramant at this price is an absolute steal! Code: 3632
Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle
TYSON STELZER: The power and linearity of Cramant are paraded in a palate of white peach, lemon and nutmeg. Clean, long and well-crafted, its bead is fine, its dosage well-gauged, its finish persistent and its minerality soft. It’s not particularly complex, but with such distinctive fruit, it doesn’t need to be. At this price it ranks among the best under $60 this year, and at $42 direct from The French Wine Centre it’s a must-buy. (Tyson Stelzer Champagne Guide 2011) 93 points
Voirin-Jumel NV Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru 100% Pinot Noir from a single vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Ay – 'Les Carelles'. This used to be blended into the Brut Tradition, but Patrick realised that the quality here was quite extra-ordinary and deserved a better fate. Only a small quantity is produced – blend of 2008 and older reserve wines with a dosage of 7gm/litre. Lovely sweet red fruits – hints of pear and apple – classic length on the palate. A really versatile all round Champagne which is impossible not to like. One of the great bargains in this offer. This is typically not offered on tasting at the cellar door – since regular clients expect to taste a 'Blanc de Blancs' Champagne, and tend to find this a little outside the box. Luckily we know better. A bargain which is quickly being discovered by our regular customers. Single-vineyard Mareuil Pinot at this price is unheard of! Be quick! Code: 6060
‘Spring Celebration’
Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle
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CHAMPAGNE LAUNOIS PERE ET FILS Le Mesnil-sur-Oger 21 hectares Overall vineyard size here is quite large size with 30 ha of vineyards spread across the Cote des Blancs (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger and Cramant) and Sezanne. 21ha is bottled by the family with the remainder being sold off to the big houses. Viticulture is all certified organic – average vine age is high and picking here is always a week later than other growers - Bernard is searching for full ripeness and maturity. The vinification style is classic in flat bottomed stainless steel tanks, leaving the wines to enrich on their lees for much longer than usual. Bernard is one of the best producers in Le Mesnil-surOger – most Champagne journalists say he is the best after Salon! Demand for Launois has been high – so much so that for the previous two years, stocks of many cuvees had sold out by middle of the year. This shipment of Quartz is the most recent disgorgement and is now 'pure' Le Mesnil-sur-Oger fruit. The wood matured Sezanne Chardonnay – Cuvee Dorine – was extremely popular earlier in the year and sold out quickly. Dosages of all wines are moderate at about 8g/litre and one feature of all three wines in this offer is that the base wines are all from the superb 2008 vintage. Launois NV Cuvée Mesnil Quartz Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs.
Blended from 2008 and 2007 with some older reserve wines, all Grand Cru Chardonnay, now from pure Le Mesnil-sur-Oger fruit only – and from the famous 'Les Chetillons' vineyard. Pierre Peters makes a pure 'Les Chetillons' but it sells for three times the price. This has a similar overall make up to the cuvée reserve but the ‘pressure’ here has been reduced to ‘cremant’ style at 4 atmospheres – making this a little more delicate and subtle – a delightful adjunct to great seafood and as an aperitif. Unctuous and persistent with hints of chalk, citrus and white fruits. Don’t be confused by the ‘less atmospheres’ of this wine. It is as equally 'fizzy' as the standard wine but because the maturation in bottle on lees progresses at a lower pressure and lower alcohol level, different aromas and flavours develop – with the more steely and mineral flavour aspects evolving. CODE: 5746
Pre-arrival: $47.60 / bottle
Launois NV Cuvée Reserve Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs.
Blended from 2008 and 2007 with some older reserve wines, all Grand Cru Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Oger and a little Avize. A similar flavour profile to the Quartz but a little rounder and richer with a standard pressure of 6 atmospheres. The differences between this wine and the Quartz are subtle but certainly detectable. There is more richness and white fruits on the reserve – hints of apple and chalk. Great with food or aperitif. Pin point subtle mousse. A versatile all-round style that beats 'big house Champagnes' on all fronts. CODE: 3533 Pre-arrival: $47.60 / bottle
Launois NV Cuvée Dorine Blanc de Blancs.
100% Sezanne Chardonnay, fermented in tank and then oak barrel matured. Again a delightful blend of 2008 and 2007. Not much is produced and most is only sold at cellar door to good clients. The creamy opulence of the oak is immediately noticeable on the nose and palate. Aromas of tropical and dried fruits, with minerals leading to an intoxicating palate – bursting with citrus and chalk. Sezanne is just south of the Cote de Blancs and is very famous for its high quality Chardonnay. Stunning Champagne from a master grower! Launois also have a new oak matured cuvee – Cuvee Severine – which is pure Le Mesnil Chardonnay, fermented and aged in oak barrels made from the local Le Mesnil forest. We will have some of this early next year. Be quick with the Dorine – it has proven to be very popular and will sell out before it arrives. CODE: 3739
‘Spring Celebration’
Pre-arrival: $47.60 / bottle
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HENRIET-BAZIN Villers-Marmery Montagne de Reims 7.5 hectares Marie-Noelle and father Daniel cultivate 7.5 ha of vines in Villers-Marmery 1er Cru (Chardonnay) and Verzenay, Verzy Grand Cru (Pinot Noir). The original Henriet family specialised in Champagne production whereas the Bazins were grape growers – and now four generations later, father and daughter are producing some sensational Champagne from Grand Cru and 1er Cru vineyards in some of the best locations in the Montagne de Reims. 80,000 bottles are produced annually with 40% going to the Swiss, Italy, England and the United States. Business has been good for them and they have had to expand and move to a new cuverie and tasting area just around the corner. They had to use some of their vineyards as land for the new property. To make more Champagne available for the export market they are reducing sales within France. We see more and more growers following this trend. The vineyard mix is 2.12 ha in Verzenay, 1 ha in Verzy and 3 ha in VillersMarmery.
Henriet-Bazin Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru. 100% Pinot Noir from 70% 2008 and reserve wines from 2007 and 2006 from the great black grape villages of Verzenay and Verzy. Average vine age here is 26 years with a low dosage of 8g/litre. Colour is a pale bronze with a shimmering fine mousse, nose is classically terroir – red fruits, minerals and gunpowder. Palate continues the aromas along with hints of brioche, great vinosity and yet full of finesse. A classic and rare Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs from arguably the most important and famous of all the villages in the Montagne de Reims. This really does have hints of Bollinger and Krug about it. Again the great 2008 vintage plays a major role in this superbly blended Champagne. Perfect with roast spatchcock, duck, veal or pigeon. Drinking beautifully and is worth cellaring for 6 months. Le Point magazine gave this 17/20 – which is not bad for a base level cuvee! Code: 4111
Pre-arrival: $44.20 / bottle
Henriet-Bazin Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Extra Brut. We have been pleading with Marie-Noelle for a number of years to develop a lower dosage, more mineral cuvee – and finally it has arrived – but by quite an arduous journey. Whereas some vignerons would simply take an existing cuvee and bottle it at a lower dosage, MarieNoelle tasted her entire cuvee portfolio at different dosage levels. The result is a 100% Verzenay Pinot Noir entirely from the great 2008 vintage, dosage at 5g/litre. Now we see more minerals, tighter structure, vivacity and subtle acidity. The red fruits are less dominant and we see more chalk and hints of citrus. This is a 'one off' special cuvee. For the next incarnation of this wine – they will repeat the entire process again. It may be a Blanc de Blancs next time or? Authentic, rare and stunning. Code: 4229 ‘Spring Celebration’
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Pre-arrival: $45.90 / bottle Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
'Spring Celebration!' Ross Duke Wine Company Pty Ltd TEL: (03) 9696 7920 FAX: (03) 9696 8703 Email: orders@frenchwinecentre.com
CODE
QTY multiples of 3
3541 2311 4228 2313 5739 4111 4229 3632 6060 3532 3718 2316 2317 4230 4231 3494 4232 3446 4233 4234 5746 3533 3739 8574 5936 8575 2380 2379 2378 3716 2305 2376 2377 2360 6045 2357 8583 2381 2359 2364 2365
Pre Arrival
DESCRIPTION Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs Eric Rodez Blanc de Blancs – 6 bottle limit Eric Rodez Millesime 2004 – 6 bottle limit Eric Rodez Brut Rose Grand Cru Eric Rodez Grand Vintages – 6 bottle limit Henriet-Bazin Blanc de Noirs Henriet-Bazin Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru Laherte Brut Tradition Laherte Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Vergnon Conversation Blanc de Blancs Vergnon Eloquence Blanc de Blancs Vergnon 2006 Resonance Blanc de Blancs Vergnon 2007 Confidence Blanc de Blancs Francis Boulard Les Murgiers Francis Boulard Mailly Grand Cru Francis Boulard Petraea XCVII-MMVII Francis Boulard 2006 Millesime Extra Brut Francis Boulard 2006 Les Rachais - 6 bottle limit Launois Quartz Blanc de Blancs Launois Reserve Blanc de Blancs Launois Cuvee Dorine Blanc de Blancs ‘SPRING CELEBRATION’ CHAMPAGNE PACKS Caulfield Cup Selection Melbourne Cup Selection Derby Day Cup Selection NEW VINTAGES! Jean Pabiot 2011 Pouilly-Fume Thierry Merlin 2011 Sancerre J. Mourat Pere et Fils 2011 Collection Rose Paul Chollet Blanc de Blancs Tastevinage Label Paul Chollet Brut Rose Paul Chollet Brut Zero Blanc Paul Chollet Brut Prestige ‘Concerto’ 2007 Charles Baur Cremant D’Alsace ADDITIONAL STOCK – RHONE, CHABLIS & BORDEAUX Chateau La Gontrie 2009 Blanc Domaine Bouletin & Fils 2010 Muscat Beaumes de Venise 375ml Bosquet des Papes 2009 ‘Chateauneuf du Pape’ Tradition Bosquet des Papes 2010 ‘Chateauneuf du Pape’ Tradition Domaine Pradelle 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Collet 2010 Chablis ‘Vaillons’ 1er Cru Domaine Collet 2010 Chablis ‘Vaillons Cuvee Secher’ 1er Cru
Value $
$54.40 $52.70 $61.20 $52.70 $71.40 $44.20 $45.90 $42.50 $42.50 $42.50 $46.50 $42.50 $44.20 $51.00 $71.40 $42.50 $49.50 $59.50 $51.00 $68.00 $47.60 $47.60 $47.60 $265.00 $300.00 $265.00 $23.80 $23.80 $15.30 $22.10 $22.10 $20.40 $27.80 $22.10 $15.30 $17.60 $42.50 $42.50 $21.00 $27.20 $30.60
SUBTOTAL 5% Full case Discount to all 12 x 750ml (of the same wine)
TOTAL FREIGHT GRAND TOTAL ‘Spring Celebration’
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CUSTOMER DETAILS & DELIVERY FORM Quantities of some wines are LIMITED, order early to avoid disappointment IF YOU FAX YOUR ORDER, PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME ON BOTH PAGES *** Delivery instructions are important - enter delivery address only below *** 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 of any one wine 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 (Approx. 15% more) Minimum overall purchase is 6 bottles. DELIVERY PRICES Unless otherwise quoted DESTINATION Melbourne Country Victoria Sydney & Adelaide Country N.S.W, A.C.T & S.A. Brisbane
‘Spring Celebration’
PER CASE $10.00 $14.00 $14.00 $16.00 $17.00
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DESTINATION Country/Queensland Cairns/Cairns Perth Country W.A. Tasmania
PER CASE $19.00 $25.00 $30.00 $39.00 $28.00
Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
OLD FAVORITES, NEW VINTAGES LOIRE VALLEY
JEAN PABIOT 2011 POUILLY-FUME The ever reliable Pouilly-Fume from Domaine Pabiot continues to deliver that consistently crisp and tangy Sauvignon Blanc in most years. The 2011 model follows this tradition owing to a mild and somewhat cool vintage. This guarantees a more traditional wine with that unmistakable light asparagus flavour and great balance of acidity. Can be kept for up to 6 to 8 years. Code: 2380 Pre-arrival: $23.80 / bottle THIERRY MERLIN 2011 SANCERRE Thierry lurks in the village of Bue which is regarded as the best village of Sancerre. It is undulating and higher above sea level than other villages to the north, south and east. The fruit here is reminiscent of a light, spicy apple with crisp but not overpowering acidity. No new oak is used as the wine relies upon high quality fruit that the Merlin gang work tirelessly to produce. We have been shipping Thierry’s Sancerre for around 25 years and if my memory survives me it was the first of its type to land in Australia. The 2011 wine even reminds me of my first taste at the domaine. Code: 2379 Pre-arrival: $23.80 / bottle J. MOURAT PERE ET FILS 2011 COLLECTION ROSE The Domaine Mourat lies on the borders of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux and close to the Atlantic Ocean. The grape varieties here are an unusual and wonderful blend of Pinot Noir, Negrette and Cabernet Franc. The Pinot is Loire valley based as well as Burgundy and the Cabernet Franc is one of the principle grapes of the Bordeaux region. Negrette is a somewhat mystery grape and only a little is grown in the Loire and even less in Bordeaux. Whatever it is just a little ripper of a Rose and everyone will love this beautiful wine - I can promise you. The 2011 wine is as juicy as ever and combines great, great value to boot!! Code: 2378 Pre-arrival: $15.30 / bottle
BURGUNDY PAUL CHOLLET CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE The lovely sparkling Methode Champenoise wines of Cremant de Bourgogne, in the hands of the master – Gilles Remy is an under-rated wine indeed. Those that have tried these wines over the years could not agree more. So why haven’t YOU??? Well then here is your chance as we have included a new release their Blanc Brut Zero (meaning no sugar dosage at all). This new introduction is flanked by the traditional Rosé and Blanc de Blanc and the 2007 release of the delightful Concerto. Gilles is the most highly regarded winemaker in Burgundy to produce elegant and beautifully structured sparkling wines. He prefers to use the more high quality base grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with very little intrusion of the Aligoté variety, which most other producers use in varying degrees. Gilles believes it can be too aggressive and likes a more elegant and classical structure. Many other domaine simply send their finished wines to Gilles and he then puts them through the Champagne Methode and bottles and labels the finished product before returning the Cremant to the original owner. He is in great demand and surprise yourself with these outstanding bubbles!! CREMANT BLANC DE BLANCS TASTEVINAGE LABEL Code: 3716 Pre-arrival: $22.10 / bottle CREMANT BRUT ZERO BLANC Code: 2376
CREMANT BRUT ROSÈ Code: 2305 Pre-arrival: $22.10 / bottle CREMANT BRUT PRESTIGE ‘CONCERTO’ 2007
Pre-arrival: $20.40/ bottle
Code: 2377 Pre-arrival: $27.80/ bottle
ALSACE, EGUISHEIM CHARLES BAUR CREMANT D’ALSACE We think excellent sparkling wine, and thank you for your enthusiastic response to our recent offer of Charles Baur Cremant d’Alsace. So much so we have shipped more to slake your obvious thirst for this stunning Methode Champenoise wine. Here is a blend of 40% Pinot Blanc, 20% Chardonnay and 40% Auxerois, blended beautifully to produce an elegant and classy Sparkler that everyone will love. The judges in Paris and Macon thought so as well, awarding it a gold medal!! Code: 2360 Pre-arrival: $22.10/ bottle ‘Spring Celebration’
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BORDEAUX CHATEAU LA GONTRIE 2009 BLANC Jean-Louis Rives and his Australian wife Nola lie in the beautiful Premier Cote, south-east of the city of Bordeaux, in the sleepy village of Saint Caprais de Bordeaux. Jean-Louis learnt his white winemaking in Australia as a young visiting student. He was convinced that our more controlled white winemaking methods suited the warmer and southern vineyards that exist in Bordeaux. Consequently he makes a more delicate and fresh Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, than the more traditional white Graves which Bordeaux is noted for. Here we have the 2009 vintage which is excellent from start to finish. No oak is used just high quality fruit blended to an exact style. Again, we have been buying and selling this wine for over 20 years and is one of our best-selling white French wines. Its value should not go un-noticed either as many a white Bordeaux to me can be vastly over-priced! Code: 6045 Pre-arrival: $15.30/ bottle ** ADDITIONAL
STOCK OF SOLD OUT WINES **
We are pleased to advise you all that we have had to re-order several wines that sold out from the Rhone catalogue. We have sold quite a bit of this new stock owing to the tastings we conducted recently BUT have a small amount over for your final interest. Please be quick as we are always genuine about limited stock levels and can assure you this is certainly the case here. DOMAINE BOULETIN & FILS 2010 MUSCAT BEAUMES DE VENISE (375 ML BOTTLE) ‘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 grams 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 a 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. Code: 2357 Pre-arrival: $17.60 / bottle BOSQUET DES PAPES 2009 CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 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!’ Code: 8583 Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle BOSQUET DES PAPES 2010 CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE TRADITION Very similar in style to Bosquets 2009 wine with, perhaps, a shade rounder and longer palate. The purity of fruit is their ‘hallmark’ which the 2010 exudes. The fruit has a blackberry edge with soft, round tannins on the finish. This is one for the cellar of up to 10 years but you should be able to sneak a bottle or two in between. Classical!! Code: 2381 Pre-arrival: $42.50 / bottle DOMAINE PRADELLE 2010 CROZES-HERMITAGE 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!’ Code: 2359 Pre-arrival: $21.00 / bottle DOMAINE COLLET 2010 CHABLIS ‘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.’ Code: 2364 Pre-arrival: $27.20 / bottle DOMAINE COLLET 2010 CHABLIS ‘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’!’ Code: 2365 Pre-arrival: $30.60 / bottle ‘Spring Celebration’
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TASTING ‘FANTASTIQUE’ CLOS DES LAMBRAYS TO VISIT AUSTRALIA! Yes, the great winemaker of the Domaine, Thierry Brouin, is set to visit Australia. What’s more he is sending us the following wines for us to present to you for a tasting in November.
Grand Cru 2010 Grand Cru 2009 Grand Cru 2008 Grand Cru 2006 Grand Cru 1999 Grand Cru 1995 Grand Cru 1993 Grand Cru 1990 The Domaine has very kindly provided all the wines at a ‘special’ price to enable you all to experience one of the greatest producers of fine Burgundy from La Belle France. The cost to attend is $190.00 per person including an aperitif and canapés served to complement each wine & some surprises. Dates & Locations Venues are yet to be confirmed but a C.B.D. location will apply. BRISBANE - Monday, 26th November – Commencing @ 7p.m. SYDNEY - Tuesday, 27th November – Commencing @ 7p.m. MELBOURNE - Wednesday, 28th November – two sessions 12:30pm and 7 p.m. Bookings are essential with payment made by the 9th November. Please email: orders@frenchwinecentre.com to show your interest or to secure a place for this prestigious event. ‘Spring Celebration’
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Ross Duke Wine Company, Sept 2012
Ross Duke Wine Company Pty Ltd Suite 309, 63 Stead Street, South Melbourne. 3205 Victoria Australia Tel: (03) 9696 7920 Fax: (03) 9696 8703 Email: orders@frenchwinecentre.com Website: www.frenchwinecentre.com