Pre-Arrival Catalogue November 2011
With two more containers arriving in November the opportunity to purchase at Pre-Arrival prices is drawing to a close. We have assembled this catalogue to highlight the wines and domaines in these containers. As you would expect the majority of the wines are from Burgundy, but we do include a small selection from the Rhone and top makers from Alsace, Italy and Monbazillac. It goes without saying that the 2009 vintage in Burgundy has received great praise. The wines are accessible and delicious at this early stage, but do have the balance and extract for cellaring. Virtually every domaine we deal with has sold out and once the remaining stock in these containers sell it will all be over. Already some wines have completely sold out. Numerous have sold out from this container but we have secured additional stocks which we will ship later this year. And many wines are at critical levels. So you know what is available wines described as LOW have 24 or fewer bottles remaining. Wines marked as VERY LOW have been 1 and 12 bottles remaining. Our Pre-Arrival Prices represent a saving of around 15% on the regular price. With the wines so close now would be an ideal time to finalize your order. Orders may be placed by email, telephone or fax. Cheers, Darren Harris Director
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne, Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Georges Lignier Stunning 2009 Red Burgundies I am just back from Burgundy where I tasted hundreds of wines from the 2009 vintage. I can say without hesitation that this is a great vintage for Red Burgundy. The domaines are very happy with their efforts as the wines typically combine ripe fruit with superb aromatics and silky texture. The sweetness of fruit and balance will make these wines very pleasurable in their youth with the ability for mid term or longer ageing. 2009 is a more charming vintage than the highly touted 2005 and many winemakers have expressed their preference for 2009. I would certainly agree with this judgement. If you are a serious Burgundy drinker you will not want to miss this vintage. International interest in the 2009's has been high and already many domaines have sold or allocated their wines before they have been bottled. Demand for Grand Crus, which make up a tiny portion of production, has been enormous. We are pleased to present our first pre-arrival offer for 2009 Red Burgundy - the wines of Domaine Georges Lignier.
DOMAINE GEORGES LIGNIER This Ligniers have been vignerons since the mid 19th century. Today the domaine is owned by Georges Lignier who is assisted by his nephew Benoit Stehly. As has been the situation with many old Burgundy domaines the inclusion of the expertise of the young generation has had a dramatic effect on the quality of wine. Much of the domaines vines were planted in the 1920's. The maturity of the vines combined with a policy "viticulture raisonnee" (winegrowing with minimal chemical intervention) results in deeply coloured and flavoured wines from their prestigious appellations. The wines are scheduled to be bottled in June 2011 and will be shipped by refrigerated container as soon as practical.
These are terrific wines from a great vintage at remarkably affordable prices. So please get your order in quickly to avoid dissappointment.
2009 Morey-St-Denis Usual Price $69.95 Pre-Arrival $59.95 From two parcels "Les Crais" and "Clos Solon" both located on the lower reaches of the hillside. What struck me at first was the lovely open nose which had excellent complexity. The wine is nicely balanced with plenty of the great 2009 character which will make it top drinking young but with the ability to complex over the next 5 years. This is a very smart village wine. And how about the price!
2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Usual Price $87.00 Pre-Arrival $75.00 Some consider Gevrey to be a standout commune in 2009. Produced from 1.5 hectares at the south end of Gevrey. Soils are mainly gravel. A firmer wine than the Morey above with blackcurrant and small red and black fruits over lush tannins. Will drink very well as a young wine.
2009 Morey-St Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes Usual Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival $87.00 The Clos des Ormes lies at the foot of Clos de la Roche and was initially founded by the Citeaux monks. The vineyard was largely replanted following heavy soil erosion during 1963. The nose offer more richness with dark fruit and spice. The palate displays dark cherry and blackberry notes and is quite mineral with a long, firm finish. Coates describes Clos des Ormes as one of Morey's best premier crus and considers it "a lesser - but by no means ignoble - Clos de la Roche". Outstanding value for the quality.
2009 Clos-St-Denis Grand Cru Usual Price $189.00 Pre-Arrival $162.00 (LOW) Clos-St-Denis is typically the most feminine of the Morey Grand Crus. It is perhaps more Chambolle-like in aroma and weight. Lignier's wine sees 50% new oak to retain the freshness and purity. The first thing that captivates is the nose. It is deep red and very spicy. On the palate there is serious minerality with a very long and fine finish. This wine, whilst dense and sappy, is more about finesse and subtlety than power. In 2009 these characters are beguiling. A lovely wine. And did I mention the price?
2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Usual Price $229.00 Pre-Arrival $199.00 As usual this is darker and deeper than the Clos-St-Denis. Blue fruits with some earth (truffles and liquorice?) and violet nuances. Serious density with grip and a powerful finish. Yet still vibrant and fresh. If the Clos-St -Denis is feminine this is certainly a masculine wine. A classic Clos de la Roche in the making. Very impressive.
2009 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Usual Price $229.00 Pre-Arrival $199.00 Located just north of the border Charmes is the typically the easiest of the Grand Crus. Georges Lignier's production is very small with an average of just 440 bottles a year! The nose suggests violets, vanilla and perhaps a little roasted coffee. The tannins are more subtle than the Clos de la Roche and the impression is of a more silky wine which will soften more and gather complexity with time. The most charming of the Grand Crus, although the name actually comes from the French "chaume" - a piece of land that was once abandoned and has been replanted.
2009 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru Usual Price $279.00 Pre-Arrival $249.00 From the barrel this was more closed than the prior wines. The fruit is more dark red than black, typical of Chambolle, with mineral and earth. Very powerful in the mouth with long, sinewy tannins that grip the palate. More muscular than the previous wines and crying out for time in the bottle to reveal its real quality. Only five 228 litre barrels made. I have enjoyed bottles from the 1980's and 1990's which are only just hitting their straps. Patience required!
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Georges Lignier 25% Off Back Vintages Direct from the Domaine!
Domaine Georges Lignier - a Selection of Perfectly Aged Burgundy! One of the great mysteries of Burgundy is why wines that have been kept in the Domaine's Cellar always taste so good. Is it the consistant cold cellars or is there some other explanation? Certainly the wines always look much fresher and I am constantly surprised how vintages we would dismiss in Australia can be excellent. With a little sweet talking I have secured a tremendous parcel of back vintage wines from Domaine Georges Lignier. The first time these wines will see the light of day will be when we ship them!
That's the good news. Here is the great news.... Many domaines want to charge vast premiums for older wines. I can tell you that Georges Lignier has made these back vintage wines available at prices too good to resist. We'd like to think it is because the domaine is happy with our work in Australia - a little bonus for a job well done! The wines come from some of the best vintages of the 2000's. There are wines (including Grand Crus) from 2002-2006. The wines can be cellared or enjoyed now.
Save 25% on our Normal Price! If the impeccable cellaring and great vintages did not tempt you hopefully our offer of a 25% Discount will. We offer all of the back issue wines at a 25% Discount until 15 June 2011 or sold out. Stock levels vary so first-in, best dressed. You can order whatever you want, all we require is a minimum order of 6 bottles, which can be a single bottle of 6 different wines (or any mix you like). As a further temptation we off an additional 5% discount for full cases of a single wine. Payment is required with order. This is a rare opportunity that we suggest you take advantage of. For the restauranteurs on our email list here is a chance to obtain back vintage wine with an impeccable provenence.
Gevrey-Chambertin 2005 Normal Price $87.00 Special less 25% = $65.00
Volnay 1er Cru 2002 Normal Price $78.00 Special less 25% = $58.00 (LOW) 2003 Normal Price $78.00 Special less 25% = $58.00 (VERY LOW) 2005 Normal Price $78.00 Special less 25% = $58.00 (LOW)
Yes, you can have a 2002 or 2005 Premier Cru for just $58.00! We have seen current Bourgogne Rouge offered for much the same price!
Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes 2002 Normal Price $99.00 Special less 25% = $74.00 (LOW) 2003 Normal Price $99.00 Special less 25% = $74.00 (VERY LOW) 2006 Normal Price $99.00 Special less 25% = $74.00 (VERY LOW) Clive Coates describes Clos des Ormes as one of Morey's best premier crus and considers it "a lesser - but by no means ignoble - Clos de la Roche". Outstanding value for the quality.
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Combottes 2002 Normal Price $149.00 Special less 25% = $111.00 (VERY LOW) 2005 Normal Price $149.00 Special less 25% = $111.00 (LOW)
Clos-St-Denis Grand Cru 2006 Normal Price $179.00 Special less 25% = $134.00 (LOW) 2006 - Burghound "...a huge step up in aromatic complexity with a spicy and earthy mix of red and black pinot fruit, underbrush and the subtlest trace of smoked game that is also picked up on the rich, deep, round, sappy and mouth coating flavors that display an attractive mineral streak on the admirably long finish." At this price you can drink Grand Cru every night!
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2006 Normal Price $205.00 Special less 25% = $153.00 (LOW)
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2002 Normal Price $229.00 Special less 25% = $171.00 (LOW) 2006 Normal Price $199.00 Special less 25% = $149.00 (LOW)
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2004 Normal Price $239.00 Special less 25% = $179.00 (VERY LOW) 2006 Normal Price $259.00 Special less 25% = $194.00 (LOW) 2006 - Burghound " A fresh red berry fruit nose with obvious mineral undertones complements well the delicious, complex, robust and powerful medium full-bodied flavors that are textured, precise, pure and soil-inflected.." Terroir and race - what more can you ask for? Don’t miss our Pre-Arrival Offer for 2009 Georges Lignier wines! The wines will be shipped late August with the 2009 Georges Lignier wines which were bottled in June 2011.
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Philippe Leclerc Classic Gevrey from the Magnificent 2009 Vintage A visit to Domaine Philippe Leclerc is an interesting experience in many ways. Clive Coates says “ Philippe, with his neat beard and elegant clothes, gives one the impression that he has just got off the set of some swashbuckling movie.” Another acquaintance calls him “Mr Easyrider”. It all makes for a very individual association. The Domaine is located within the town of Gevrey-Chambertin. Going down the stairs from what appears a smallish building above ground you enter an aladdin's cave of cellars and rooms, many beautifully finished. Here Philippe crafts his serious GevreyChambertin. These are wines that are made to last, in the old way, but with all the benefits of modern know-how. Philippe picks late, macerates slowly at high temperature with some stems, and then places the wine into a high percentage of new oak. The result is deep, firm, classic wines with strong tannic backbones. Wines made to age. Producer’s note from Burghound: Philippe Leclerc, who is definitely not given to hyperbolic excess, told me flatly that "2009 is among the 3 best vintages that I have ever made in the 40 years that I have been doing this. Along with 1978 and 1985, 2009 produced truly wonderful wines that have everything that they need to achieve greatness. Moreover, it's the first vintage that I have ever made where I didn't chaptalize even one wine, not even the Bourgogne. For the vinification, I used between 25 and 33% whole clusters, which you could do in a vintage that is as phenolically ripe as 2009 is. The malos were long but not as long as 2007 or 2008. Overall, I am very excited about the vintage." The 2009’s I tasted all impressed me with their fruit and freshness. The wines are tannic, but not overly so, and the combination with the stunning fruit of 2009 makes these seriously good. A little patience will be generously rewarded. Burghound notes a little reduction which will disappear as the wines are finished. I only saw this on one barrel of Combe aux Moines - the second barrel was much fresher and transparent.
2009 Gevrey-Chambertin “La Platiere” Usual Price $89.95 Pre-Arrival Price $79.95 Lovely nervosity on the nose. The fruit is very bright and there is serious body and mouthfeel for a village wine. Deep flavours are followed by a finish with enough tannin to attain serious length. Impressive. Burghound: Reduction. Here the mouth feel is quite suave and opulent with ripe structural elements that are dense but relatively fine on the lingering, mouth coating and well-balanced finish. 88-91 Drink: 2016+
2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers Usual Price $165.00 Pre-Arrival Price $149.00 More serious and powerful. Red-black berries with noticeable, but fine, oak notes. On the palate the wine has the minerality of Cazetiers and is very mouthfilling and powerful. This is a masculine wine without doubt, but it also has great balance and life. I like the style of this cuvee very much. Burghound: Visible but reasonably well-integrated wood sets off cool and airy red berry fruit aromas that carry both earth and sauvage undertones, both of which can also be found on the rich, full and precise yet overtly muscular and powerful flavors that culminate in a naturally sweet and driving finish. This should be excellent if allowed to have 10 to 12 years of cellar time first. A SWEET SPOT WINE 90-93 Drink: 2021+ Bettane and Desseauve: Oak, but not dominating, full body with fine texture and powerful but supple tannin, long with breed. Excellent! 17/20
2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Combe Aux Moines Usual Price $185.00 Pre-Arrival Price $165.00 Tasted from two barrels. Number one showed a little reduction and needs a racking. Barrel two - a completely different beast. Bright red-black berry fruit that is darker is taste than the Cazetiers. A bigger frame again with masses of extract and a seriously long, tannin driven finish. Not for the first time I have written “bright” which is a recurring character in the 2009 reds. A very smart wine that I think would easily be confused as a Grand Cru in a blind tasting. Burghound: Reduction. There is by contrast a real sense of underlying vitality to the exceptionally fresh and vibrant middle weight flavors that also brim with both copious amounts of dry extract and ample minerality on the serious yet not particularly rustic, powerful and firmly tannic finish. This is often the best wine chez Leclerc and so it is again in 2009. A SWEET SPOT WINE 91-93 Drink: 2021+ Bettane and Desseauve: Enormous substance from perfectly ripened grapes, very full in the mouth, a great year for large wines like this, in the inimitable style of this classic producer. 18/20
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Nuits-S St-G Georges never tasted so fine! “This is a very good place to study the differences between Nuits premiers crus” Clive Coates MW. Domaine Jean Chauvenet is a perfect example of the Burgundian family-run holding; restricted area (10 hectares); numerous appellations (9 in this case); and a single grape variety (pinot noir). Together these make for red wines of incomparable texture, delicate and silky. The domaine is run by Christophe Drag and his wife Christine who work to a single golden rule; respect for the expression of each terroir to yield a range of different wines. Since 1994 the domaine has turned to low-input cultivation which aims to minimise the use of chemical treatments, and is working towards certification. Christophe’s wines differ in temperament according to whether they come from the north or south of the Nuits-St-Georges commune. The northern end, abutting Vosne-Romanee, produces delicate and feminine wines that could easily be confused with their neighbour across the border. The wines from the south, such as Les Vaucrains, growing on rocky clays are more structured, denser, and have longer cellaring potential. All have black fruit and complexity. Only about 33% new oak is used on each premier cru and the wines are bottled without filtration or fining. I tasted the 2009 reds on 30th June and was really impressed with the quality and consistency across the range. Clive Coates says “Quality has been fine here for a decade or more. The tannins are more sophisticated, the fruit expression richer and classier, the flavours more complex: all because there is more attention to detail, more control and no stems. this is a very good place to study the differences between Nuits premiers crus.” I agree. No rustic, overly tannic wines here. The wines are pure with dark fruit and silky, long tannins. You could quite easily confuse the norther wines with Vosne-Romanee. Nuits-St-Georges has never tasted so fine!
2009 Bourgogne Rouge Usual Price $39.99 Pre-Arrival Price $35.00 100% Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges. Very deep in colour and very serious for a Bourgogne. Burghound: An extremely pretty nose of red and blue pinot fruit trimmed in discreet earth notes leads to rich, round and fleshy flavors that culminate in a firm and mildly austere but persistent finish. This offers fine quality for its level and should reward 3 to 5 years of cellar time.g. 85-87 Drink: 2013+
2009 Nuits-St-Georges Usual Price $75.00 Pre-Arrival Price $65.00 (VERY LOW) From three very well situated parcels located in the northern portion of Nuits, specifically Lavières, Aux Allots and Aux St. Jacques. Very smart quality for a village Nuits. Burghound: This is unusually well perfumed for the appellation with red berry fruit, earth and a hint of gaminess that also can be found on the rich, delicious and fleshy middle weight flavors that display only a hint of classic Nuits rusticity on the long and solidly complex finish. A lovely villages.. 87-89 Drink: 2015+
2009 Vosne-Romanee Usual Price $84.00 Pre-Arrival Price $72.00 (VERY LOW) A rich and powerful villages wine crying out for some bottle age. The style is Vosne-Romanee with a bit of Nuits thrown in! Burghound: This is very Vosne with a hint of Nuits as the red, blue and black pinot fruit nose is spicy and sexy yet has a hint of the sauvage present as well. The rich, delicious and relatively concentrated flavors possess a firm but not aggressive tannic spine and fine length on the mildly austere finish. 87-89 Drink: 2015+
2009 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Aux Argillas Usual Price $105.00 Pre-Arrival Price $90.00 (VERY LOW) From a tiny .17 ha parcel of vines planted in 1992 from a little seen vineyard located on the southern end of the "Vosne" section of Nuits. Smoky, oaky nose with powerful but medium weigh fruit. Very Vosne-Romanee in style.
Burghound: A deft touch of wood sets off a slightly more aromatically elegant and complex nose of red currant, plum and warm earth that slides gracefully into rich, serious and well-concentrated flavors that carry a note of the sauvage over to the firm but not really rustic finish.. 88-91 Drink: 2016+
2009 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Rue de Chaux Usual Price $105.00 Pre-Arrival Price $90.00 (VERY LOW) From 73 year old vines. Superb deep colour. Ripe, yet very mineral with a long fine finish. Rather stylish! Burghound: This is the ripest wine to this point with an expressive and layered nose of plum, earth and cassis that merges into rich, dense and voluminous flavors that possess abundant sap on the textured and persistent finish where an attractive note of anise is in evidence. Good juice. 89-92 Drink: 2017+
2009 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Poulettes Usual Price $120.00 Pre-Arrival Price $105.00 (LOW) Les Poulettes is located above Perrieres. More layers and minerality than the Rue de Chaux. Burghound: This is also notably ripe though just a bit fresher with a plum and raspberry liqueur nose that is followed by textured, sappy and fleshy middle weight flavors that coat the mouth on the driving and energetic finish. The supporting tannins are dense but fine and this should age very well. A Sweet Spot Wine 90-92 Drink: 2017+
2009 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Perrieres Usual Price $129.00 Pre-Arrival Price $112.00 (VERY LOW) Chauvenet’s holding is less than a 1/4 hectare. The site is very rocky with lots of limestone. Deeply coloured. Notes of liquorice and berry. The wine is very concentrated with a terrific minerality. Tannins are extremely fine and long. The best wine on the day and extremely impressive. Burghound: A perfumed, ripe and pure nose of black raspberry and understated earth nuances complements the very rich and generous medium-bodied flavors that are notably finer as the minerality adds a touch of refinement on the gorgeously long finish. This is a textbook Perrières. A Sweet Spot Wine. 91-93 Drink: 2017+
2009 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains Usual Price $159.00 Pre-Arrival Price $135.00 (VERY LOW) A tremendous site at the southern end of Nuits. Very deep and bright colour. More sombre. Less aroma but more spice. Liquored cherries and raspberries. Like all great Vaucrains this is a muscular wine built on fine and long tannins. Burghound: A very ripe purple fruit nose also displays warm earth and a hint of animale that is picked up by the full-bodied, powerful and overtly muscular flavors that ooze dry extract on the seductively textured and palate staining finish that delivers excellent length. This is a classic Vaucrains with its robust and big-bodied constitution. Patience required. A Sweet Spot wine. 91-93 Drink: 2019+
6 Bottle Nuits-St-Georges Tasting Pack Domaine Jean Chauvenet is a Nuits specialist. This 6-bottle Pack comprises the Nuits Villages and the 5 Different Premier Crus. As Clive Coates says “This is a very good place to study the differences between Nuits premiers crus�.
Usual Price $693.00 Pre-Arrival Price $597.00
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pure Volnays from the Great 2009 Vintage “One of the Great Domaines of Burgundy” Remington Norman Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is a Volnay specialist. This domaine was founded in 1860. The arrival of the latest generation in the form of Vincent Bitouzet, has seen the domaine adopt a new attitude to vineyard management resulting in a rapid rise in quality of the wines produced. The domaine is moving towards organic agriculture. In terms of style, the domaine’s wines express finesse and elegance (as you expect from Volnay). Harvesting is carried out manually. The red grapes are sorted very thoroughly, so as to have total control over what goes into the tanks. With vinification, the keyword is respect for the terroirs. Vincent and François Bitouzet work hard so as not to lose the “terroir effect”, but rather to reveal it as much as possible. “Others envy us our terroirs. The more typical the wine is, the less chance that others will achieve the same quality”, they both affirm. To quote Burghound on The 2009 Côte de Beaune Reds: “As I observed at the very beginning, the most successful 2009s are wonderfully fresh, seductively opulent, elegant and refined burgundies that should be more than capable of successfully rewarding short-to-mid-term cellaring out to 20 years or so. There is also a tenderness to the wines that render them most beguiling. Moreover, the wines adhere quite closely to the appellation hierarchy though at the same time, many wines indeed transcend their respective levels, particularly at the lower levels. The other aspect of the better ‘09s is how fine the tannins are and this contributes to the seductive and charming character that so many of them exude. As with the better 2005s, the best ‘09s have a highly seductive textural impact on the palate, which you will see the tasting notes make reference to again and again. There is a real sense of volume and punch but at the same time, no sense of undue heaviness. Indeed I would go so far as to say that the best ‘09s, again as with the greatest of the ‘05s, epitomize the intrinsic genius of a great burgundy’s ability to deliver power without weight. Stated differently, the better ‘09s are gorgeously balanced wines with a real sense of underlying harmony as there is everything they need to age gracefully for years if not as long as the ‘05s.
Overall, the best wines are truly transcendental and should provide for magical drinking experiences over a period of several decades and the best wines should see 30 years in fine shape. What’s harder to predict is how they will react after they have been in bottle for a few years. Some believe that they will shut down after a few years but my sense is that they will probably remain relatively open or, if they do shut down, it will not be in a hard “don’t’ touch me until I’m ready” fashion. The better wines have so much depth of material that they will probably always be accessible if not necessarily always at their optimum.” He lists Volnay as a standout commune in 2009 and awards Domaine Bitouzet’s Volnays four Sweet Spot Awards!
2009 Volnay Usual Price $49.99 Pre-Arrival Price $43.99 (LOW) From just over 2 hectares in three climats. A very fresh and pretty nose. Attractive flavours that are well backed up by light supporting tannins. This wine shows why 2009 is such an appealing vintage. Excellent drinking at the price. Burghound: A more elegant nose of red currant, plum and similar warm earth notes leads to nicely voluminous but welldetailed middle weight flavors that possess an attractive texture plus a touch of minerality on the balanced and lingering finish. The only nit is that there is, at present anyway, limited depth and thus if it can add depth in bottle, my score may be on the conservative side. 88 Points. Drink: 2015+
2009 Volnay 1er Cru Les Aussy Usual Price $78.00 Pre-Arrival Price $67.00 (LOW) Less Aussy is located towards the southern end of Volnay. The domaine owns just over half a hectare, much of which was planted in 1956. A step up. More depth of red fruit. The fruit is ripe with excellent mouth feel and mineral notes adding some verve. Burghound: A fresh, cool and ripe nose offers up notably pure red pinot fruit and wet stone aromas that introduce equally pure, round and intense medium-bodied flavors that possess a lovely mouth feel even though the finish is quite firm though not rustic. This should be lovely with 6 to 8 years of bottle age. 88-91 Points. Drink: 2016+
2009 Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds Usual Price $85.00 Pre-Arrival Price $72.00 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER) A delightful wine with pure ripe fruit flavours. Volnay often has much in common with wines from the Cote de Nuits and this shows here. Burghound: This was sufficiently reduced to block an evaluation of the nose but the rich, vibrant and intensely mineral-driven flavors are both complex and wonderfully precise with the driving and youthfully austere finish carrying the hallmark Taillepieds stoniness. I very much like the complexity and overall sense of balance and this should be excellent in time. A Sweet Spot Wine. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2019+
2009 Volnay 1er Cru Pitures Usual Price $82.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.50 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER) Pitures is located on the Pommard side of the commune and the wines tend to reflect their location. Deep red in colour. Creamy old vine character (vine age 35+ years) with stronger tannins than the other wines at this domaine. Needs time! Burghound: A discreet hint of wood sets off a reduced nose that is clearly quite ripe. The firm middle weight flavors also possess an intense minerality that continues onto the structured, long and quite serious finish. This will require ample cellar time to soften and resolve the compact tannins. A Sweet Spot Wine. 90-92 Points. Drink: 2021+
2009 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $83.00 (LOW) Clos des Chenes is considered by many to be one of the finest expressions of Volnay. The most serious wine so far. The impression of less ripeness and more complexity. Quite powerful with a little more tannin to balance. A serious wine that will benefit greatly from a little patience. Burghound: A ripe, pure and wonderfully airy nose of red pinot fruit is cut with hints of earth and minerals, both of which can be found on the rich, full-bodied and relatively powerful medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a well-detailed, focused and lingering finish. This long and serious effort is very Clos des ChĂŞnes as there is a robustness to the firm tannins and this will require all of 10 to 12 years to arrive at its peak. A Sweet Spot Wine. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2019+
2009 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets Usual Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $85.00 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER) From a tiny 0.15 hectare holding. A beautifully exposed vineyard on a moderate slope with a mix of marl and limestone soil. The name comes from the small stones that abound in the vineyard. The assist heat retention and assist drainage. Nose a little closed today, but the palate explodes to life. A little less obvious and all about class. Fine tannins complete a wine of great style. A toss up between this and the Clos des Chenes as the finest wine in the cellar. Burghound: An elegant nose that is quite floral also reflect notes of plum and cassis that is in keeping with the ripe, rich, pure and refined middle weight flavors that possess a seductive mid-palate as well as a lacy but detailed and mineral-driven finish where a touch of wood surfaces. This classy effort is a combination of power and finesse that should improve for up to a decade. A Sweet Spot Wine. 91-93 Drink: 2017+ finish that delivers excellent length. This is a classic Vaucrains with its robust and big-bodied constitution. Patience required. A Sweet Spot wine. 91-93 Drink: 2019+
“This is an excellent, well-run domaine making increasingly fine wines.” Remington Norman If you are looking for some 2009 reds that are reasonably priced and will provide lovely drinking over the next decade you can’t go past these Volnays. Darren
6-Bottle 2009 Volnay Tasting Pack Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is a Volnay specialist. The domaine’s aim is to let the varied terroirs express themselves. This 6-bottle Pack comprises the Volnay Villages and the 5 Different Premier Crus and presents the opportunity to evaluate and understand the different sites of Volnay.
Usual Price $488.99 Pre-Arrival Price $420.00 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER)
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Albert Morot Simply Stunning Premier Cru Beaune “Quite simply the best Beaune Reds I have ever tried!” Darren Harris On 1820, Albert Morot set up his negociant business in Beaune. Following the phyloxera epidemic, one of his successors bought its first vineyards and built the Chateau de la Creusotte with its cellars. Over the decades the holdings were expanded with particular emphasis on the Premier Crus of Beaune. Between 1984 and 1999, Françoise Choppin, a great-grand-daughter of Albert Morot, managed the Domaine. She stopped all negociant activity in order to concentrate on its vineyards and winemaking. In 2000 Geoffroy Choppin de Janvry (a great-nephew), who is an agronomist engineer specialised in viticulture and oenology, took over the family estate and is carrying on the family tradition that began five generations ago. His objective is to maintain the traditional spirit of the Domaine while being open to the new techniques that may produce higher quality grapes and wines while maintaining the respect of "terroir". This is a small domaine with just 8 hectares of vines over 8 appellations. The vines have an average age of 40 years and produce grapes and wines that have different characters. Picking is entirely by hand. The grapes are selected in the vineyard and put in small cases to avoid them being crushed and they are quickly transported to the winery. A second selection is done at the winery before the destemming. The yields are kept low (25-35 hl/ha) on account of a green harvest done in July and a severe selection done during picking. Vinification is traditional, in open vats. Then the wines are aged in French oak barrels (50 % new each year) for sixteen months. Bottling is done without fining and generally without filtration. I tasted at the domaine in June 2011 and was absolutely blown away by the uniform high quality of the 2009’s. I have always had an impression that red wines from Beaune were too red in colour and taste, lacking substance and complexity and too dry on the finish. Boy, was I wrong! These are exceptional wines that scream their different terroirs and offer serious drinking pleasure from this superb vintage. Try them, you won’t be disappointed.
2009 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru La Bataillere Aux Vergelesses MONOPOLE Usual Price $59.00 Pre-Arrival Price $50.00 (VERY LOW) The name is quite a mouthfull and so is the wine! Characterized by great finesse and perfume. This has a racy red-black fruit nose and superb acid. Savigny can provide exceptional drinking at a very affordable price. It has long been a commune I turn to for a superior drink from the less famous Cote de Beaune communes. Burghound: A notably ripe nose of red currant, blue berry and plenty of Savigny-style earth precedes detailed, energetic and fresh flavors that are supported by phenolically mature tannins and a touch of finishing austerity on the sappy and mouth coating finish. 88-91 Points. Drink: 2015+
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Cents-Vignes Usual Price $78.00 Pre-Arrival Price $67.00 (LOW) Lovely fruit with delightful aromas and tender and supple in the mouth. The vintage 2009 works very well for this wine. Burghound: This is also quite ripe but the fresh cherry aromas stop short of being surmature. The rich, round and quite supple middle weight flavors possess good verve and midpalate concentration, all wrapped in a lingering finish that delivers solid depth. 89-91 Points. Drink: 2016+
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Toussaints Usual Price $78.00 Pre-Arrival Price $67.00 The “All Saints� vineyard lies between Greves, Cent Vignes and Bressandes. It is ideally located and produces wines with a complex nose of small berries with excellent length and freshness. Burghound: A beguiling nose features black berry and red currant liqueur that merges into rich, generous and opulent flavors that possess a touch of finishing asperity that presently offsets the mid-palate sweetness. There is excellent concentration and a high level of phenolic maturity to the structural elements and that should also amply reward midterm cellaring. A Sweet Spot Wine. 90-92 Points. Drink: 2016+
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Aigrots Usual Price $78.00 Pre-Arrival Price $67.00 (LOW) Located towards the southern end (Pommard end) of Volnay on the mid to upper slopes. Morots plot is close the the Clos des Mouches. This explains the fuller style. The wine is still fine with lovely balance and fine yet noticeable tannins. Burghound: An earthy yet relatively high-toned nose speaks of red raspberry, violets and plum aromas that marry into rich and full-bodied yet finely detailed and mineral-infused flavors that culminate in a mildly austere finish of very solid length. This is on the awkward side today but the underlying material is such that it should harmonize once in bottle. 89-92 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes Usual Price $82.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.50 (VERY LOW) A serious source for top Beaune 1er Cru. Deeper and smokier with considerably more power. The wine is full in the mouth with fine grained tannins. Really very serious for Beaune and highly recommended. Burghound: Cassis and plum aromas are nuanced by hints of minerality that continue onto the refined, pure and energetic medium-bodied flavors that are blessed with an abundance of dry extract that buffers the very firm tannic spine on the unusually powerful and persistent finish. This should be excellent in time as it has everything that it needs to improve for up to a decade. A Sweet Spot Wine. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Marconnets Usual Price $82.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.50 (LOW) Marconnets is at the northern end of the commune. It is considered by many to be the best of the northern vineyards with a subsoil mix of limestone and marl. Morot owns 0.67 ha of 50 plus year old vines. A little closed and more sombre. The fruit is deeper and darker and the wine finishes long with lovely tannins. A serious Beaune 1er Cru. Burghound: Ripe black berry and cherry aromas cut with plenty of earth and underbrush give way to very rich, fullbodied and seductively textured flavors that possess seemingly buckets of dry extract that render the otherwise firm and dusty tannins almost invisible on the serious and impressively persistent finish. This should reward up to a decade of cellar time. A Sweet Spot Wine. 90-92 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Teurons Usual Price $82.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.50 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER) Clive Coates considers Teurons to be the best premier cru of Beaune. Wines from Teurons are typically bigger an richer. Super nose - literally jumping out of the glass! Ripe with those lovely silky 2009 tannins again showing. I wrote the word “lovely”. Perhaps not as complex as the Bressandes but great drinking, especially at the price. Burghound: Moderate reduction renders the nose difficult to evaluate but there is good energy and tension to the classy, pure and refined middle weight flavors that display focused power on the serious and very ripe finish that delivers excellent length. This is very stylish and should reward well 10 to 12 years in the cellar.. A Sweet Spot Wine. 91-93 Points. Drink: 2019+
7-Bottle 2009 Beaune Tasting Pack Domaine Albert Morot is a Beaune specialist producing some tremendous wines in 2009. We offer all 7 wines on this offer in a Tasting Pack.
Usual Price $539.00 Pre-Arrival Price $459.00 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER) At an average price of $66.00 a bottle you’d be mad not to try them!
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Christian Clerget Don’t Miss the 2009 Vosne-R Romanee Les Violettes! “A charming small domaine, not afraid to use some stems, resulting in a range of spicy and complex 2009 Red Burgs.� Darren Harris Christain Clerget runs this small domaine of just 6 hectares. The domaine produces six reds and includes a good sized parcel of Echezeaux from the climat of Les Orveaux. Christian Clerget's philosophy is simple: the quality of the wine takes place, above all, in the vineyards. Therefore, the soil and the vines are looked after in order to achieve optimum results. To begin with, the vines are pruned back hard, followed by painstaking leaf thinning, soil tillage, and finally hand-picking. The grapes are harvested at the point of maturity and no later. Sorting takes place first in the vineyard and again in the vat hall, on the sorting table. The grapes are mostly de-stemmed (25% stems were used in 2009) and put into vats to process the must into wine. There follows two to three weeks' maceration in vats, so that the grapes can release all of their richness into the juice. Christian punches down the cap or pumps over once a day, taking great care and with moderation. This is followed by pressing into oak barrels for 18 months of maturation. During the aging, Christian racks after the malolactic fermentation. Bottling takes place at the domain, without fining or filtering. The wines are solid, pure and balanced, with textures which have a long finish, and which have great aging potential. Passion, care, rigor, combined with a fundamental respect for the land and the rhythm of the seasons; for Christian, his wine is a question of work, in order to offer the best and the truest expression of the terroirs represented. I think the comment in Bettane and Desseauves Guide to the Wines of France says a lot about the rise of this
domaine “We decided to include this winery in the guide after tasting his 2006’s, wonderfully generous wines, true to the classic style, but with barrelk ageing infinitely superior to the wines of ten years ago. There is a bright future here.”
2009 Morey-St-Denis Les Crais Usual Price $80.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.00 From barrel: Lots of lovely 2009 fruit. The mouthfeel of this wine is terrific for a lieu-dit. A very appealing village Morey. Burghound: Not surprisingly, this is both more elegant and more complex with more pronounced earth and underbrush elements on the largely red currant nose that introduces round, supple and nicely concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess fine intensity on the firm but balanced and mouth coating finish. A quality villages. 87-89 Points. Drink: 2014+
2009 Chambolle-Musigny Usual Price $80.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.00 I have enjoyed the life and typicity of most 2009 Chambolles I have tasted. The vintage seems to have suited the commune with the extra ripeness adding another layer of aromatics, which, after all is what Chambolle is all about. fom 30 years old vines most of which are alongside the 1er Cru Charmes. This wine has deep red Chambolle fruit, very pure and fine. Lovely balance and very stylish. Burghound: A very pretty and relatively high-toned nose of red pinot fruit is nuanced by subtle floral hints that are picked up by the lightly mineral-suffused, intense, pure and beautifully detailed flavors, all wrapped in a focused, linear and moderately austere finish. This is lovely and fashioned in an understated style. 88-90 Points. Drink: 2015+
2009 Vosne-Romanee Les Violettes Usual Price $99.99 Pre-Arrival Price $85.00 La Violettes is located directly across the road from Clos Vouget. Grands Echezeaux is a stone’s throw away. Technically it is located in Flagey-Echezeaux but as is law it is labelled as Vosne-Romanee. The legendary Henri Jayer considered the best village wines of the area to come from the vineyards furthest away from Nuits and closest to FlageyEchezeaux and Clos Vougeot. The site of this vineyard certainly satisfies his requirements! One of the most exciting tastes of my trip to Burgundy in February this year was the 2009 Vosne-Romanee Les Violettes from Christian Clerget. Having tasted (and been impressed) by a number of 2009 lieu-dits I was utterly stunned by the character of this wine.
My note was very enthusiastic: “Great nose! Literally explodes from the glass. A very expressive wine with dark fruit character and lots of Asian spice including the hoisin and plum characters usually seen in DRC’s. The wine reminds me of a lighter scale blend of DRC Grands-Echezeaux spice and race and Clos Vougeot depth. Tremendous!” I tasted the wine again in June 2011 and am pleased that my original notes were confirmed. Backgound to the wine: Clerget’s Les Violettes comes a half hectare parcel planted in 1946. So we have seriously old vines. The wines was made with 25% stems so we have the complexity that ripe and properly used stems can add to a burgundy. If you like the style of DRC I urge you to give this wine a try. Close your eyes and you might think you are drinking a lighter version of DRC Grands Echezeaux! Your wallet (and possibly the wife) will be very happy! I think Burghound has under scored the wine. Read his note, I think that gives a much better feel for what is in the bottle. The current 100-point scoring system does not leave much latitude to reward wines that perform well above their class. Burghound: A discreet application of wood frames the naturally spicy and ripe blue and black fruit aromas that include hoisin and plum. The pure, round and generous medium-bodied flavors possess solid underlying material on the firmly textured and attractively complex finish. This too is quite good for its level. 88-90 Points. Drink: 2016+
2009 Vougeot 1er Les Petits Vougeots Usual Price $135.00 Pre-Arrival Price $115.00 Les Petits Vougeots is located directly across from the driveway of the Clos Vougeot. The vineyard enjoys a similar elevation to what many consider the best part of the Grand Cru, being the portion just below the lane to the chateau. 40% new oak. Dark fruit with a pleasing aromatic lift. The texture of the wine is lovely, with a fine minerality lending length. Quite racy for a Vougeot. Burghound: An earthier and less refined but more complex nose speaks of warm earth, rose petal and ripe red cherry liqueur aromas that are in keeping with the delicious, rich and supple medium-bodied flavors that are quite round on the mid-palate yet tighten up considerably on the detailed, linear, mouth coating and firm finish that is mildly rustic. 89-91 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes Usual Price $135.00 Pre-Arrival Price $115.00 Charming by name and nature. Always a great drinking, classic Chambolle. Deep red-black fruit. Has the suppleness of the vineyard with lovely aromatics. Fresh and vibrant on the palate with ideal weight. Finishes complex, long and quite delicious. Burghound: An elegant and admirably pure nose of upper register red pinot fruit, floral and plum aromas gives way to round and seductively textured middle weight flavors that display excellent detail on the precise and impressively complex finish. I quite like this, particularly for its fine sense of intrinsic balance. Worth considering. A Sweet Spot
Wine. 89-92 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Echezeaux Grand Cru Usual Price $185.00 Pre-Arrival Price $157.00 From a 1.1 ha parcel located in the climat of En Orveaux that was planted in 1947. Burghound considers this climate could possibly be underrated as a source of Echezeaux. “...En Ourveaux is inclined towards finer tannins. Growers attribute this to the fact that the grapes ripen later and more slowly...” “I quite like the wines from this climat, in particular those of the old Engel estate (now farmed by Domaine Eugenie), Domaines Faiveley, Christian Clerget, Haegelen-Jayer and Maison Joseph Drouhin”. This wine also has 25% stems. Dark fruit with much more weight as you would expect from a Grand Cru. Spice and berries on the palate. Not a power-packed Echezeaux but a wine of finesse and style with a terrific finish. Well priced for a 2009 Grand Cru. Burghound: Here the floral character is even more evident with a strikingly fresh and bright nose of red currant and blue berry fruit aromas that are amply cut with a variety of spice notes. The moderately broad-shouldered flavors possess excellent precision on the quite firm and dusty finish that displays outstanding length and focus. This is also worth considering. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2019+
6-Bottle 2009 Tasting Pack Why not try all of the Christian Clerget 2009 Reds?
Usual Price $714.99 Pre-Arrival Price $610.00
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Chantal Lescure 2009 Burgundy Offer “Stylish wines that speak of their terroir” Darren Harris Domaine Chantal Lescure was established in 1975 by Chantal Lescure and her husband, Xavier Machard de Gramont. It is a family estate, currently owned by their children: Aymeric and Thibault Machard de Gramont. The Domaine Chantal Lescure owns 18 hectares of vineyard, from Chambolle-Musigny on the Côte de Nuits to Volnay, on the Côte de Beaune. In 1996, following death of Chantal Lescure, Aymeric Machard de Gramont decided to manage the Domaine. Previously wines had been sold to Maison Laboure-Roi. The decision was made to vinify and bottle the estate wines. and François Chavériat was hired as maître de chai. The new team work now to the respect of the vine and look for the best expression of each terroir. In 2001 François Chavériat took over the running of the domaine. Today, the domain is certified BIO (qualité France). The wines of Domaine Chantal Lescure, like many other small domaines, have slipped under the radar of the major English-speaking wine writers. However, the domaines wines are tasted frequently by the French critics. Bettane and Desseauve in Les Grand Guide des Vins de France describe the domaine as “Now here is a serious domaine, which owns vineyards in several quality appellations in the southern part of the Cote du Nuits, where the precise vinifications have found a successful balance between tradition and modernity. The wines have body, vigour and fairly powerful tannins but lack aggressiveness. But above all, its the naturalness and clarity of the terroir that speaks. A trustworthy source”. I tasted at the domaine in June 2011. The 2008’s, which were very well reviewed by Bettane and Desseauve, were for me outshone by a lovely group of 2009 reds.
2009 Cote de Beaune Rouge Clos des Topes Bizot Usual Price $44.00 Pre-Arrival Price $37.50 The Cote de Beaune appellation is seldom seen. It comprises a group of sites situated above some of the best Beaune 1er Crus on la Montage de Beaune. The only real difference from Beaune Villages is that the grapes are grown at a higher altitude. The Lescure wine is from Clos des Topes Bizot and is made from vines planted in 1950-1958. The old vine character is obvious providing a rich, creamy texture on the palate. A pleasing wine that really is a big step up from the average Bourgogne.
2009 Beaune 1er Cru Les Chouacheux Usual Price $64.00 Pre-Arrival Price $55.00 Les Chouacheux is located towards the south of the appellation. The name is thought to be a corruption the local patois of a place where willows used to be planted. the exposition is south-east and Lescure's vines are over 40 years of age. Bettane and Desseauve: Lots of fruit, cocoa character, excellent volume in the mouth. The sun in a bottle! 15.5/20 Light and bright with medium weight ripe 2009 fruit. Finishes long and fine. An attractive drinking style at a sensible price.
2009 Pommard Les Vignots Usual Price $75.00 Pre-Arrival Price $64.00 Les Vignots is located high above the 1er Cru La Chaniere on the north-west edge of Pommard. The vineyard is steep and well exposed but subject to the cool night air. It is a popular and respected lieu-dit which is bottled by a number of domaines including Leroy. Bettane and Desseauve: A superb Pommard from the slopes, unctuous, harnonious, long and natural. 17/20 A finer style of Pommard well suited to the 2009 vintage. Lescure’s vines are 40 years old.
2009 Nuits-St-Georges Les Damodes Usual Price $88.00 Pre-Arrival Price $75.00 Located right on the Vosne-Romanee border, higher up the slope than Les Boudots, so it is no surprise that this is a NuitsSt-Georges with more delicacy and finesse than usual. The soil consists of a layer of fine gravel over pink marble of Premeaux. Lescure’s vines are over 40 years old. A really bright, lifted nose. Liquorice and currants with some spicy notes. The palate feel is more Vosne-Romanee than Nuits - mineral and fresh with a lot of style. The fruit weight provides lovely mouthfeel and the wine finishes with tannins that are something of a combination of Vosne and Nuits. A smart wine indeed that I like very much. And a great drink that I am sure will please almost everyone.
2009 Pommard 1er Cru Les Bertins Usual Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $85.00 The section of Pommard heading west produces wines of a lighter style. That is not surprising as Volnay is just across the border. The soil is more limestone than in the east where clay produces the bigger, meatier wines of Pommard. Lescure’s vines are up to 65 years old. Bettane and Desseauve: rather intense, very cacao on the nose, good tanins, not as elegants as the Vignot. A suave wine with attractively ripe fruit. Excellent length and fine in style.
2009 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots Usual Price $175.00 Pre-Arrival Price $149.00 (LOW) Lescure’s vineyard holdings in the superb appellation comprises three parcels totalling just 42 ares. Suchots is located in the centre of the commune with Grand Crus galore alongside. To the north are the Echezeaux lieu-dits of Les Cruots/Vignes Blanche and Clos Saint-Denis which were where Henri Jayer’s and Emmanuel Rouget’s Echezeaux was/is sourced. Were it not for the slight change in the lie of the land this vineyard could easily have been classified as a Grand Cru. Classic, elegant, spicy Vosne-Romanee nose. Lots of style here. Very limited availability.
2009 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Usual Price $225.00 Pre-Arrival Price $195.00 (LOW) Only 4 barrels are produced from Lescure’s 30 ares holding in the section of Les Montiotes Hautes. The vine age is serious at over 60 years. This part of the Clos Vougeot is unusual as the vines run north-south, unlike most of the vineyard. The vines are well sited being further up the hill than Chateau de la Tour and just below plots belonging to Meo-Camuzet, MugneretGibourg and Hudelot-Noellat. Bettane and Desseauve: Super fine, smooth with breed, terrific ageing potential. 100% new oak here. Cherry and spice on the nose. More serious depth. Not a ponderous Clos Vougeot but one with vivacity and style. An excellent wine from this often overly firm appellation.
7-Bottle 2009 Tasting Pack Why not try all of the Chantal Lescure 2009 Reds?
Usual Price $770.00 Pre-Arrival Price $660.00
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine du Clos Frantin Grand Crus Galore from the 2009 Vintage! “An outstanding array of Grand Crus from a domaine on the rise” Albert Bichot owns four estates set at the heart of four great viticultural regions that make up Burgundy; Chablis, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune and Cote Chalonaise. The jewel in the crown, at least for me, is the Domaine du Frantin in the Cote du Nuits. The Domaine du Frantin owns 13 hectares in some of the finest appellations including an unsurpassed selection of Grand Crus. It was purchased by Bichot in 1969 and since then a constant program of improvement has been undertaken. As Burghound says “...the Clos Frantin wines have made huge strides in the last few years and the comments and scores reflect this progress.” Fertilisers and weed killers have been replaced by compost and ploughing. The respect of the soils, rigorous pruning and green harvesting when necessary help to obtain good quality fruit in limited quantities. The wines are made in a historical building located at the entrance to Nuits-Saint-Georges. As is the case through much of Burgundy the new generation has brought renewed enthusiam and a level of skill that has resulted in a rapid rise in quality. The modern methods, combined with a superb vintage like 2009, sees an array of wines that have received excellent reviews in the wine press. The nice news is that not only have I secured a substantial array of Grand Crus (and a few prestigious 1er Crus), but that the wines are available at a very reasonable price. All wines will be shipped late August-early September.
2009 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Malconsorts Usual Price $159.00 Pre-Arrival Price $135.00 (SOLD, MORE COMING IN DECEMBER CONTAINER)
Decanter Magazine’s Red Burgundy of the Year! Les Malconsorts is an exceptional 1er Cru. It is located alongside La Tache and is less than 400 metres from Romanee-Conti. Domaine du Frantin owns a substantial 1.76 ha parcel with a vine age of 35 to 40 years. Jasper Morris MW says “Aux Malconsorts was first taken out of scrubland and planted with vines in 1610, relatively late for this part of the Cote. Nonetheless it is an exceptional vineyard, one of my three favourite premier crus along with Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses and Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St-Jacques.”. Decanter: Perfumed, soft and full bodied with fresh blackberries, cherries and spice. Opulent, fiull texture. Modern, supple, generous wine. Still very youthful - needs time.” GOLD MEDAL Burghound: This is also wonderfully spicy with a densely fruit nose of cassis and plum that is cut with distinct floral notes. The big-bodied flavors are rich and supple yet quite serious and this too is loaded with dry extract that confers a seductive texture to the firmly structured and lingering finish. It's clear that this is at another level altogether. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2019+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: Very deep colour. The aromas are dense without becoming overwhelming, hints of ginger too. Very fine grain tannin and there is a dark depth to the sweet fruit – but no reduction. Long into the finish. This will be excellent.
2009 Clos-de-Vougeot Grand Cru Usual Price $235.00 Pre-Arrival Price $199.00 (SOLD OUT) The Domaine’s vines are in the southern part of the vineyard and occupy a long, narrow strip which, uncommonly, stretches from the bottom to the top of the vineyard. The variations in soil, slope and vine age throughout the vineyard make for a complex Clos-de-Vougeot. Burghound: A very ripe nose combines black cherry, plum and much more prominent earth aromas that are also reflected by the rich, fullbodied and obviously well-concentrated broad-shouldered flavors that possess excellent mid-palate fat that buffers the natural tendency of young Clos de Vougeot towards austerity as here the finish conveys only a trace along with a touch of warmth. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2021+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: Deep fruit – there is so much depth and slightly earthy dimension too. Full, absolutely mouth-filling. There’s plenty of well-covered structure – plenty of lingering flavour too. The initially huge nose is becoming finer and more complex – excellent.
2009 Echezeaux Grand Cru Usual Price $219.00 Pre-Arrival Price $185.00 (VERY LOW) The Domaine du Clos Frantin owns 0.91 ha in the climat of of Les Champs Traversins, at mid slope just above Grands Echezeaux. The
climat has just 15-20 cm of topsoil with fractured bedrock below. Both Burghound and Jasper Morris consider this site to produce finer and more elegant expressions of Echezeaux and wines that are beautifully perfumed. Dujac’s Echezeaux vines are also in this climat. Burghound: A highly spiced nose features notes of blue berry, plum, warm earth and a hint of the sauvage that complements well the ripe, mouth coating and delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent length. This is really quite stylish and delivers both elegance and power. 90-93 Points. Drink: 2021+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: Medium, medium-plus colour. Understated but fine aromas that today major on cassis. Super texture, wide and mineral. Despite no lack of concentration I’d call this a wine of finesse – it’s very detailed. A very good Echézeaux.
2009 Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru Usual Price $309.00 Pre-Arrival Price $262.00 (VERY LOW) From a small 0.25 ha parcel. Burghound: A deft touch of wood frames a restrained and pure nose of hoisin, clove and cinnamon, rose petal and cassis that gives way to velvety, round and utterly seductive large-scaled flavors brimming with dry extract on the mouth coating and quite serious finish that possesses outstanding length. The Echézeaux is a fine effort but this adds yet another dimension of depth. 91-94 Points. Drink: 2021+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: Deep, but reduced aromas. Less ‘super-smooth’ than the Echézeaux, but wider and more complex – a super wine.
2009 Chambertin Grand Cru Usual Price $315.00 Pre-Arrival Price $269.00 (VERY LOW) This comes from a tiny 0.17 ha parcel! This Chambertin has a lovely ruby red robe. The nose is elegant, racy and complex and develops notes of green tea, cigar tobacco, prunes, dates and rosemary. Fat, ample and powerful, this wine is balanced and velvety. The finale is persistent and aromatic. Not reviewed by Burghound or Nanson.
Domaine du Pavillon 2009’s from the Cote du Beaune The Domaine du Pavillon is Bichot’s Domaine in the Cote du Beaune. It is located in Pommard and comprises of 17.4 ha of vines of which 8 ha are white. I have selected a few of the most prestigious wines from this domaine to offer.
2009 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Usual Price $175.00 Pre-Arrival Price $150.00 (SOLD OUT OUT FROM THIS CONTAINER, MORE AVAILABLE ON ORDER) From a 1.09 ha holding in the climat of Les Languettes, high on the slope of the Corton hill. With an attractive pale golden robe embellished with green reflections, our Corton Charlemagne takes on more amber yellow shades with aging. Of infinite delicateness, the bouquet expresses buttery notes, oven-baked apple, citrus fruit, pineapple, limewood, juniper, cinnamon and flint. Hints of honey are also frequent. The concentration, distinction and balance of the chardonnay here is pleasantly surprising. The finale is complex and intense. Burghound: By contrast to the expressiveness of the (Meursault) Charmes, this is much more aromatically restrained with floral, yellow orchard fruit and wet stone aromas that introduce exceptionally rich and concentrated big-bodied flavors that brim with mouth coating and acid-buffering dry extract, all wrapped in an explosively long and dynamic finish. This is quite a dramatic yet well-balanced effort that should age well. 93 Points. Drink: 2016+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: From a parcel in Les Languettes. High toned aromas with some background herbs. A really mineral concentration here that narrows into a long, long finish – this is a (fast) racehorse.
2008 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Usual Price $159.00 Pre-Arrival Price $135.00(SOLD OUT OUT FROM THIS CONTAINER, MORE AVAILABLE ON ORDER) Burghound: Here too there is a trace of sulfur that should also be successfully integrated shortly. A classic Corton-Charlemagne nose of fresh and cool green fruit trimmed in stone and white flower aromas complement the generous and broad-scaled flavors that also possess fine levels of dry extract and excellent length. At present, this is no more complex than the Charmes and while it may develop more depth in time, for the moment I see these as rough qualitative equals. 91-93 Points. Drink: 2014+ Wine Spectator: Shows intense mineral, with lime blossom, chalk and apple flavors swirling around the stony core. Lean but well-muscled, with plenty of ripeness and beautiful harmony. The lingering, tensile finish offers citrus and mineral. Best from 2014 through 2030. 93 Points
2007 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Usual Price $159.00 Pre-Arrival Price $135.00 (VERY LOW) From that classic year! Grand Cru at a Premier Cru price! Burghound: A hint of wood frames extremely fresh notes of rose petal, green apple and white pear as well as subtle spice hints that lead to intensely stony, precise and classy big-bodied flavors that possess excellent definition and a wonderfully sappy finish that really coats the palate while lingering admirably. There is much better than average power here and if this adds greater complexity with time, it should merit the top of the range. 91-93 Points. Drink: 2014+ Wine Spectator: This white is full of floral, lime, peach and gravel dust aromas and flavors, all allied to a lean, sinewy frame. Firmly structured, with fine balance ending in a long aftertaste of saline and mineral. Fine length. Best from 2013 through 2030. 93 Points
2009 Pommard Clos Les Ursulines MONOPOLE Usual Price $69.00 Pre-Arrival Price $59.00 (VERY LOW) The Clos des Ursulines, a peaceful haven dotted with centuries-old pine trees, is located at the heart of Pommard. It is undoubtedly this tranquillity that once enchanted the nuns from the Ursuline convent who were the first owners of the estate. This walled vineyard is now the favourite spot for the current generation of Bichot children to play at hide-and-seek when the family gets together for one of their grand reunions. This 4-hectare monopole is located at the southern end of the Pommard appellation toward Volnay. At the foot of the slope, clayey calcic brown soil overlies hard Middle Jurassic limestone. Facing east/south-east, this vineyard benefits from excellent exposure to the sun which yields quality fruit. The high proportion of clay in the soil lends both structure and depth to the wine. Endowed with beautiful, deep garnet red colour, this Pommard Clos des Ursulines reveals a fruity nose with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and fig. Over the years these aromas will evolve toward notes of coffee and leather. Full and round on the palate with ripe tannins and rich, but not heavy, substance. This wine is powerful and well-structured
yet remains subtle, elegant, silky and almost "feminine" due to the vineyard's proximity to Volnay. The finish is silky and velvety. Burghound: A somber and pungently earthy dark berry fruit nose introduces the admirably pure, rich, suave and generous flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel, all wrapped in an intense finish that is supported by moderately rustic tannin and excellent length. This is very Pommard in character with fine depth and overall, it is a very good villages. A Sweet Spot wine. 89 Points. Drink: 2016+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: There’s a dense core of sweet fruit on the nose. Very fine, velvet tannin is understudy to perfectly balanced fruit and acidity. It’s a mineral finish. I often find this wine better than an average premier cru – this vintage is just the same. Very good.
2009 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens Usual Price $115.00 Pre-Arrival Price $99.00 (VERY LOW) From a 0.33 ha plot in the most sought-after of all the Pommard vineyards. Rugiens, named after the red soil, is built to age. There has been talk of proposing Rugiens for Grand Cru status. The Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens has a beautiful deep ruby red colour with raspberry nuances. The nose is fine yet powerful with a dominant of red fruits followed by a very well-blended smoky oak. Lovely persistence, this wine has density and racy tannins. Burghound: This is also notably elegant and admirably pure with ripe red berry fruit, wet stone and subtle earth aromas leading to rich, full-bodied and suave medium-bodied flavors that possess a velvety mouth feel on the serious, long and clearly built-to-age finish. A terrific Rugiens and worth consideration. A Sweet Spot wine. 93 Points. Drink: 2019+
2009 Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Clos des Marechaudes MONOPOLE Usual Price $78.00 Pre-Arrival Price $67.00 (SOLD OUT) A 1.41 ha Clos belonging solely to the Domaine du Pavillon. The 1er Cru Marchaudes, not surprisingly, adjoins the Grand Cru below. An interesting comparison! Burghound: Mild reduction knocks down the expressiveness of the nose though the aromas are overtly ripe and carry the expected hint of the sauvage as well. The earth-inflected, rich and suave middle weight flavors possess good phenolic maturity as the tannins are well-integrated on the moderately rustic but lengthy finish. This delicious effort should amply reward mid-term cellaring. 90 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Corton Clos de Marechaudes Grand Cru MONOPOLE Usual Price $139.00 Pre-Arrival Price $119.00 (LOW) This Monopole is 0.55 ha in size and faces directly east on the Corton hill. At this price this Grand Cru is less than many Premier Crus from other makers. Burghound: Very ripe, indeed even slightly roasted aromas of plum and
prune introduce big-bodied and exceptionally rich flavors that seem fresher and more energetic in the mouth. This is quite a serious effort with fine concentration and my score offers the benefit of the doubt on the nose because it's too ripe for me to appreciate. 92 Points. Drink: 2021+ Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report�: After the Aloxe this is a fine and rather understated nose, fresh too. Again petillant so all I will say is that the fruit flavour lasts very well in the finish – and the acid balance is fine.
Maison Albert Bichot Lots more 2009 Grand Crus The Bichot family traces its origins back to 1214. From 1350 the family was established in Burgundy. In 1831 Bernard Bichot founded a wine brokerage that bore his name and after 180 years the business is headed by sixth generation to run the house, Alberic. In addition to the estates owned by the company, Bichot also acts as a negociant, bottling parcels selected from across Burgundy. We feature a small selection of the most interesting wines from Maison Albert Bichot.
2009 Montrachet Grand Cru Usual Price $695.00 Pre-Arrival Price $590.00 (VERY LOW) From the Puligny side. Burghound: In contrast to the expressiveness of the prior wines, this is really very reserved and only aggressive swirling manages to coax reluctant aromas of toasty oak, lemon, apricot, peach and mango hints to reveal themselves. The incredibly rich, opulent and palate drenching flavors brim with seemingly buckets of dry extract that confers a textured mouth feel as it buffers the firm acid spine on the explosive and hugely long finish. This is a very impressive effort that should age for years. 95 Points. Drink: 2019+
2008 Montrachet Grand Cru Usual Price $625.00 Pre-Arrival Price $535.00 (SOLD OUT OUT FROM THIS CONTAINER, MORE AVAILABLE ON ORDER) From the Puligny side. Burghound: An expressive and mildly toasty nose of lemon zest, anise, clove, white flower and ripe white and yellow orchard fruit complements the rich, full and equally ripe broad-shouldered flavors that possess plenty of taut muscularity and real verve, all wrapped in a powerful, palate staining and stunningly long but still linear finish. An explosive wine of obvious class and grace that should mature slowly over the next decade. 93 Points. Drink: 2018+
2007 Montrachet Grand Cru Usual Price $625.00 Pre-Arrival Price $535.00 (VERY LOW) From the Puligny side. Burghound: A more elegant and more restrained nose offers both class and a distinct stoniness on the rose petal, pear and green apple-infused nose that stylishly precedes the detailed and highly energetic big-bodied flavors that are gorgeously textured, delineated and almost painfully intense before culminating in an explosive, palate staining and strikingly long finish. This is a serious Montrachet of superb intensity that should age beautifully for years to come. 94 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St-Jacques Usual Price $119.00 Pre-Arrival Price $102.00 (SOLD OUT) From Bichot: With a beautiful garnet red robe, this Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques has aromas of ripe fruit, jam, mild spices and leather, with a delicate touch of oak. The mouth is powerfully concentrated and robust, tannic and well-balanced with a lovely long finish. Burghound: This is notably riper with notes of plum, cassis and a hint of mocha that merges into rich and full-bodied flavors that retain a fine sense of precision on the minerally, serious and linear finish that is sufficiently firm to require 8 to 10 years to arrive at full its full maturity. 89-91 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru Usual Price $225.00 Pre-Arrival Price $192.00 (LOW) From Bichot: This red Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has an attractive bright red robe. Fruity and refreshing, the nose has aromatic aromas of red fruit, aniseed, tobacco, cherry and menthol notes. Rich and wellbalanced in the mouth, this wine is robust and yet crisp. The finale is
intense and flavoured with notes of crystallised fruit and spices. Bill Nanson “The Burgundy Report”: Shows and a hint of reduction, plenty of depth though. There is super texture and an insinuating, mineralbacked flavour that clings and clings – a beauty.
2009 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru Usual Price $250.00 Pre-Arrival Price $215.00 (LOW) From Bichot: On tasting this Bonnes Mares Grand Cru we can truly appreciate the combination of a great terroir with a great varietal: intense red robe which on aging will turn more orange. The nose is superb, with notes of cooked fruit, woodland and acacia honey. The mouth is fleshy and full with silky tannins. Very, very persistent finale... Burghound: Noticeable but not dominant new wood aromas still allow the very ripe red berry fruit liqueur notes to gracefully introduce the rich, supple and almost soft flavors that firm up quickly on the linear and impressively complex and persistent finish. This is not an especially big or structured wine by the typical standards of a classic Bonnes Mares but there is enough muscle present that this should benefit from up to a decade of bottle age. 89-92 Points. Drink: 2017+
2009 Romanee-St-Vivant Grand Cru Usual Price $395.00 Pre-Arrival Price $335.00 (LOW) From Bichot: Following several years' laying, this wine will open up to reveal its most exquisite nuances. A nose composed of stewed fruit, nutmeg and leather illustrate the extraordinary results which Pinot Noir can offer us when cultivated on Burgundy's best vineyards. A mastered powerfulness. Suave, delicate and complex and very elegant. The finish is long, very long..... a grand wine.
2009 Richebourg Grand Cru Usual Price $699.00 Pre-Arrival Price $595.00 (VERY LOW)
Sorry no label available
From Bichot: Following several years' laying, this wine will open up to reveal its most exquisite nuances. A nose composed of stewed fruit, nutmeg and leather illustrate the extraordinary results which Pinot Noir can offer us when cultivated on Burgundy's best vineyards. A mastered powerfulness. Suave, delicate and complex and very elegant. The finish is long, very long..... a grand wine. Burghound: Mild reduction hides much of the nose though it's clear that this isn't quite as ripe as the preceding wines as this is noticeably cool. By contrast, there is excellent freshness and energy to the detailed, intense and quite mineral-driven big-boned flavors that are underpinned by ripe, firm and mouth coating tannins, all wrapped in a linear and impressively long and complex finish. This is a classy and very stylish effort that is worth considering and I particularly like the dried rose petal character of the finish. 92-94 Point. Drink 2021+
Domaine Fernand and Laurent Pillot comprises just 15 hectares of vines located primarily in Chassagne-Montrachet. In addition to the vines in Chassagne the domaine has holdings in Pommard and Volnay as a result of of the marriage of Laurent to Marie-Anne. Domaine Fernand and Laurent Pillot is a traditionally run domaine that specializes in whites although today Laurent acknowledges the domaine has a high proportion of red appellations which he works with the same zeal. The Domaine is included in Remington Norman’s tome “The Great Domaines of Burgundy”. Norman says “The cream of the cellar is undoubtedly the splendid range of Chassagnes. Lightest of the premier crus is Vergers, a crisp fresh wine for a vineyard with little soil and hard rock underneath. In such an extended, diverse vineyard as Morgeot, location has an important bearing on quality. Laurent has plots in Petit Clos and Fairendes, both with relatively fine soils, in contrast to the heavier, richer ground of low-lying sectors. The wines in Petit Clos give a wine of richness but also vivacity whereas the older plants in Fairendes contribute depth and finesse. Denser and richer is Vide-Bourse, a tiny premier cru adjoining Batard-Montrachet, which gives a fine wine, a little more backward when young but with excellent ageing potential. Noblest of all is the Grandes Ruchottes. To Laurent’s surprise, every year, whatever the weather conditions, the vines give little bunches of s,mall berries. The wine is ripe and powerful with mouth-filling substance and considerable length, yet greater finesse than the other premier crus. It essence, this is Laurent’s grand cru and a worthy testament to his skill. I tasted through the 2009 whites and reds on Monday 27 June 2011. This is a fine domaine and the quality is reflected in strong reviews from Burghound. The combination of the domaine’s style and the 2009 vintage make these excellent wines for drinking in the next 5-7 years. At our Pre-Arrival prices these wines represent tremendous value - Chassagne Premier Cru for $65.00 must be a bargain! Burghound’s Producer note: Laurent Pillot describes 2009 as an "easy vintage as there was really only one thing to worry about and that one thing was yields. You really had to control them as the vintage was naturally abundant. But if you managed to do that, you obtained superb raw materials. We began picking on the 8th of September and brought in impeccably clean fruit that averaged between 13 and 13.8% in potential alcohols. I used between zero and 20% whole clusters in the vinification and did very little punching down as the extractions happened quickly and easily. I like the vintage and expect that it will be quite popular." The Pillot '09s are the most interesting reds that I have seen him make in the 11 years that I have been visiting.
WHITE WINES 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers Regular Price $75.00 Pre-Arrival Price $65.00 (LOW) Pillot’s holding is 105 rows totalling 0.87 ha. Vine age is between 27 and 61 years. The soil is very stony, mixed with shallow red earth. The grapes are hand picked and fermented in oak barrels of which 40% are new. Burghound: Here too there is a trace of reduction though not really enough to knock down the mostly ripe pear and resin suffused nose. The rich, punchy and solidly complex middle weight flavors possess good energy and detail on the extract-rich and delicious finish. This generous effort is attractively harmonious and should drink well almost immediately. 90 Points
2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Regular Price $75.00 Pre-Arrival Price $65.00 From 0.50 ha in the climates of Fairandes and Petit Clos. Part of the holding was planted in 1954. Also sees 40% new oak. Burghound: A discreet application of oak sets off ripe and mildly exotic yellow fruits that include apricot and mango before sliding seamlessly into full-bodied and relatively powerful medium-bodied flavors that brim with dry extract and fine length. This is not especially refined but it is delicious and a classic Morgeot. 90 Points
2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Vide Bourse Regular Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $85.00 Vide Bourse is located immediately below Batard-Montrachet. A 0.45 ha plot planted in 1967 and 1975. The parcel is literally metres from Batard. The soil is clay-limestone with little stone providing excellent drainage. Burghound: This is actually a bit less ripe than I would have normally imagined as there is more citrus influence than is typical on the mostly yellow orchard fruit infused nose. There is excellent size, weight and richness to the full-bodied and relatively powerful flavors that possess a suave, even velvety mouth feel as the abundant dry extract very much coats the palate on the admirably persistent finish. A Sweet Spot Wine 91 Points
2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Grandes-Ruchottes Regular Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $85.00 The most complex white in their range. This is a serious vineyard! Just 0.37 ha of 38 year old vines in the middle of the appellation. The wine is fermented in 50% new oak. Burghound: A broad-based nose of citrus, pear, white peach and apricot hints where the citrus character carries over to the pure, delineated and sappy medium-bodied flavors that possess good midpalate concentration and solid dry extract levels that buffer the firm acidity on the long, energetic and impressively deep finish that is given added lift by the evident minerality. The backend is presently rather linear but I suspect that it will not require much time for it to flesh out. A Sweet Spot Wine 92 Points
2009 Meursault 1er Cru Caillerets Regular Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $85.00 Just 0.28 ha! Caillerets is a strange little vineyard that looks like it should be in Volnay. The soil is very stony and the grapes ripen early. Not bottled by many but Coche-Dury is another source of this appellation. Burghound: A background touch of wood frames a very fresh hazelnut, pear and citrus-infused nose that complements rich, full and beautifully intense middle weight flavors that possess ample minerality that carries over to the delicious, persistent and solidly dry finish. This should age well as the balance is impeccably good. A Sweet Spot Wine 92 Points
RED WINES 2009 Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots Regular Price $79.00 Pre-Arrival Price $69.00 Pillot has a 0.31 ha holding split between two parcels. They were planted in 1952 and 1989. It is ideally situated at mid-slope facing east and south. Charmots, as the name suggests, is a more approachable style of Pommard. Burghound: There is also a discreet touch of wood that highlights the ripe aromas of plum, earth and cassis while complementing the textured, firm and suave middle weight flavors that exude a fine minerality on the delicious, serious and impressively persistent finish. This is not quite as complex as the Clos de Vergers but it's much finer. 89-92 Points
2009 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens Regular Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $89.00 Rugiens is the most keenly sought vineyard in Pommard. The soil is rich in iron which is where the vineyard name originates. From three separate parcels totalling 0.66 ha, all of which are 30 years plus in age. Two in the lower section and one in the top. The grapes are de-stemmed and wine is aged in 100% new oak. Burghound: Here too there is a deft touch of wood that sets off very ripe mocha and cassis-infused aromas that lead to mineral-inflected, precise and quite firm medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent depth and length. This will need at least a decade in the cellar and perhaps more but it should be more than worth the wait. A Sweet Spot Wine 91-93 Points
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Long-D Depaquit Chablis from the Legendary 2008 Vintage
The History of Domaine Long-Depaquit from A Guide to the Wines of Chablis by Austen Biss (highly recommended) The French revolution hit Chablis at a time when a certain Jean Depaquy was the Abbot of Pontigny and his brother Simon Depaquy was public prosecutor. ln 1790, both of them retired from public life 'for their health' - a wise decision. Simon retired to Chablis and on 3 1st March 1791 at the sale of National assets confiscated by the new Revolutionary Assembly bought the vines of the Abbey which included the famous 'Moutonne en Vaudesirs'. Simon's son, Benjamin, had no children, but adopted a nephew Francois Auguste Long, thus creating the new family name of Long-Depaquit. ln 1927 Louis, son of Francois and blind since the age of 25 due to a car crash, sold the property that Simon Depaquy had built, a fine house on the outskirts of Chablis, and acquired the eighteenth century chateau situated on the Route d'Auxerre. This is today the Chateau Long-Depaquit with its 15,000 square metres, its park and its cellars. Louis died without issue in 1967 at the age of 77. His legacy was a vignoble in excess of 10 hectares of the best crus in Chablis, and it was at this time that the Bichot family from Beaune who had moved into Chablis, took an interest in the domaine. It was not until 1970 that the acquisition was completed, and two years later with the arrival of GĂŠrard Vullien as RĂŠgisseur, Bichot decided that the estate should be run completely autonomously. After which there started a long period of development, the estate growing to its present size of 62 hectares by 1987. This development was rightly accompanied by improvements and new additions to the buildings including the restoration of the chateau in 1975 and the construction of a new chai in 1991. Vullien retired in 2002 and consequently attitudes changed at top level in the Bichot board room.
Gérard Vullien's reign at the helm can be described as the Golden years. He was succeeded by Jean-Didier Basch who was responsible for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages. The new regisseur is Matthieu Mangenot, a competent young vigneron, and things are on the up and up again. One of Basch's innovations completed by Matthieu was the introduction to the vineyards of Fils Chauffants to combat two irritating worms called Eudemis and Cochylis that feed off the grapes causing significant damage. This electrical system causes "sexual confusion" in the worms, and destroys their ability to reproduce. The domaine is very particular in its practices today. The grapes are hand picked in the Grand Crus and Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre and part mechanically for the Chablis Village. Vinification and élevage are in stainless steel vats, almost 100%, with strict temperature control. Included in the domaine is a small but revered Grand Cru Monopole named La Moutonne with an area of 2.35 hectares. La Moutonne is situated at the heart of the amphitheatre which forms the valley of Vaudesir, straddling both the Grand Crus of Vaudesir and Les Preuses, its steep slope and Kimmeridgian outcrops protected from the cold north wind. We are delighted to offer a super range of Grand Crus and serious Premier Crus from the legendary 2008 vintage.
2008 Chablis 1er Cru Vaucopins Usual Price $53.00 Pre-Arrival Price $45.00 "Les Vaucopins" is a premier cru which is quite unique within the wide range of the Long-Depaquit Estate wines. Located on the right bank of the Serein river, this plot of vineyard is on the ChichĂŠe commune, 3 kilometres east of Chablis. They are lucky enough to possess a remarkable 4.8 ha parcel of vineyard from a total of 40 hectares of the Vaucopins appellation (or Vaucoupins as it is often found spelt). Its terroir has an uncanny resemblance to the grand crus: south exposure, pronounced slopes (which require all work by hand) and numerous Kimmeridgian outcrops. Consequently, the subsoil provides a very specific character of expression to these wines. Burghound: Noticeable if not invasive wood frames the layered, pure and stylish high-toned aromas of sea water, iodine and white fruits that merge into round and rich flavors that are perhaps not quite as obviously concentrated, all wrapped in a persistent and bone dry finish of solid intensity and balance. A Sweet Spot Wine. 91 Points. Drink: 2014+ Tanzer: (this vintage brought a small crop from these 35-year-old vines planted on a steep slope) Pale yellow. Pure, expressive aromas of ripe yellow fruits, spices, hazelnut and honey. A step up in texture over the foregoing 2008s, offering fat, sweet flavors of stone fruits and spices with a biscuity nuance. Nicely enrobed oak element here. Finishes broad, sweet and long. This can be enjoyed now but should show deeper apricot, quince and honeyed notes with a few years of additional bottle aging. 91 Points
2008 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Usual Price $53.00 Pre-Arrival Price $45.00 Vaillons lies between two valleys with slopes of varying orientation and steepness. The wines is typically spicy with a flint character. Over time it develops honey, butter, almonds, and some say truffle characters. Domaine Long-Depaquit own 4 ha in the climat of Les Epinotts. Burghound: A very subtle hint of oak sets off notes of spice, white orchard fruit, acacia and tidal pool notes that are also picked up by the rich and full mineral-infused flavors that possess good volume on the almost painfully intense, tangy and punchy finish. This is relatively open and highly complex already and should be approachable young but age beautifully. In short, this is a knockout. A Sweet Spot Wine. 92 Points. Drink: 2014+ Austen Biss: Prominent mineral and fruit nose echoed on the palate by luscious sweet fruit and loads of fabulous flavours rapidly changing from apricots to peach to citrus fruit, long aftertaste, intense, depth and even richness, delicious tongue curling acidity, complex even at this stage really really gorgeous. For drinking for 2011. Excellent (his highest rating)
2008 Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Usual Price $79.00 Pre-Arrival Price $67.00 (LOW) Enjoying good south-western exposure under the rays of the afternoon sun, Long-Depaquit’s Grand Cru Bougros vineyard, the westernmost of the Grand Crus, has an above-average planting density of 8,000 vines/ha. This encourages competition between the vine stocks and forces their roots to go further down into the earth (up to 10 metres). It also helps limit yields to approximately 45 hl/ha. The end result is very expressive wines from an exceptional terroir. The clay-limestone soil contains a higher proportion of clay than in other Grand Crus, meaning it retains water better, and yields expressive, structured wines with good ageing potential. Burghound: No note David Schildknecht erobertparker.com: Vinified entirely in barrels of mixed ages, the Long-Depaquit 2008 Chablis Bougros succeeds in integrating its oak element much more successfully than did the corresponding Le Clos (30% of which had been aged in barriques). Yellow plum, white currant, and grapefruit in the nose are suffused with salt and chalk on a subtly, ingratiatingly creamy palate yet the wine doesn’t lack brightness or refreshment. Slightly toasty, smoky, and spicy notes from barrel complement the fruit and mineral in a persistent finish. I would expect to follow this with fascination for at least 6-8 years. 91 Points
2008 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru Usual Price $89.00 Pre-Arrival Price $76.00 (LOW) Les Preuses enjoys an excellent south facing orientation and has very steep, and consequently well drained slopes. The wines tend to be earlier drinkers than some of the other Grand Crus. Burghound: no note David Schildknecht erobertparker.com: Long-Depaquit’s 2008
Chablis Preuses displays a warmer, richer personality than their other grand crus of the vintage, offering a sitetypically elusive and alluring sense of savory scallop as well as salt, iodine, and alkali. Lusciously juicy mixed citrus offers a perfect medium for the mineral mysteries to present themselves, along with fruit pit bitterness on a waxentextured palate. The youthfulness of vines may partly be betrayed in a finish whose bitter element tends to dominate; still, one can’t argue with this wine’s intrigue or its sheer persistence, and there is a certain sense of levity that I miss in its stable mates. I would anticipate following it for 6-8 years. 90 Points
2008 Chablis Les Blanchots Grand Cru Usual Price $89.00 Pre-Arrival Price $76.00 Located on the extreme east side of Chablis, Les Blanchots is a parcel of vineyard quite unique among the Chablis Grands Crus. Its clay and limestone soil together with the presence of ferrous clay and predominant morning sunlight give "Les Blanchots" a very distinctive and dominating floral character with remarkable finesse. It is the last vineyard parcel to be harvested by Long-Depaquit. With an East South-east exposure, this strongly-steeped parcel of vineyard is particular in that the sun does not reach it as from mid-afternoon. Its clay and limestone soil originating from upper Jurassic sedimentary strata (Kimmeridgian) make this a rather special and fragile terroir. Austen Biss: Blanchot...is the smallest of the Grand Crus and produces a wine of elegance and finesse, intensely perfumed spring flowers, and with lovely fruit. Burghound: A wonderfully elegant and refined nose that displays airy and pure aromas of lemon zest, white flower and wet stone that are trimmed in a discreet application of wood before being followed by intense and chiseled flavors that are beautifully concentrated and blessed with excellent dry extract levels on the sappy, balanced and tension-filled finish. This is an exercise in purity and is really quite impressive. 93 Points Drink: 2014+ Tanzer: Knockout nose combines apricot, smoke, marzipan and sweet nuts. Fat, supple and sweet, with a surprisingly open-knit feel to its sweet yellow fruit and almond flavors. In spite of its firm acidity this seems easier to taste today than the young 2009. Finishes broad, lush and long, with an almost exotic nutty quality and very good palate coverage. 92 Points Austen Biss: Super concentrated, tongue curling acidity showing that we are in for the long haul, softening up on the go, wall flowers and hyacinths, soft fruits. This will be a wine of supreme elegance, long and rich. Powerful mouthful and delicious. Drink from 2015 for many a year. Excellent
2008 Chablis Les Vaudesirs Grand Cru Usual Price $89.00 Pre-Arrival Price $76.00 Vaudesirs is on the heart of the Grand Cru section. It enjoys a similar excellent slope and orientation to Les Preuses. The wines are floral with spicy fruit that develops nutty characteristics with time. The wines can be drunk young, but they also age gracefully and beautifully. Austen Biss asks “Is this the best Grand Cru. Possibly”. Not everyone gravitates to Les Clos! Domaine Long-Depaquit have about 2.6 ha with vines over 40 years of age. The steep slopes require a winch to pull the plough through the vineyards.
Burghound: A ripe, cool and pure nose of wet stone, sea water, oyster shell and floral aromas is also set off by enough wood to be visible. The dense, serious and concentrated medium plus weight flavors are blessed with fine mid-palate fat and plenty of extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the attractively persistent and linear finish. This is certainly very good but it lacks the same level of complexity as the best of these grands crus. 92 Points Drink: 2014+ Tanzer: A ripe, cool and pure nose of wet stone, sea water, oyster shell and floral aromas is also set off by enough wood to be visible. The dense, serious and concentrated medium plus weight flavors are blessed with fine mid-palate fat and plenty of extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the attractively persistent and linear finish. This is certainly very good but it lacks the same level of complexity as the best of these grands crus. 91 Points
2008 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru Usual Price $98.00 Pre-Arrival Price $84.00 The best known and most loved wine of Chablis. It is the largest of the Grand Crus and the epitome of Grand Cru Chablis. The wine is powerful, yet gentle with great depth and appeal. It is mineral and full and capable of extended cellaring. Long-Depaquit own two parcels, one mid slope, the other at the top, totalling about 2.5 ha. The wine mid slope provides more richness, the top more acidity. The two plots are blended. Burghound: Here the wood treatment is a bit more obvious, highlighting very fresh floral aromas nuanced by iodine and tidal pool notes that can also be found on the rich, full and relatively powerful sleekly muscled flavors underpinned by almost aggressive minerality on the textured, tension-filled and hugely long finish. Like the '09 version, this isn't especially refined but the intensity is really something. 93 Points Drink: 2014+
2008 Chablis La Moutonne Grand Cru MONOPOLE Usual Price $135.00 Pre-Arrival Price $115.00 (LOW) La Moutonne is a very steep area situated in Vaudesir and Preuses (95% in Vaudesir). It is a monopole of Domaine Long-Depaquit who farm the 2.34 ha and bottle it as their flagship Chablis. With a Southsoutheast exposure, its pronounced central slope (almost 40%) protects this vineyard from north winds. The soil is soft and crumbly with a rather pale colour. Great care is taken to deal with winter freezing in this vineyard, in the most durable way from an ecological aspect. An installation of heated electric wires allows the prevention of spring frost in an innovative and environmentally-friendly manner. Burghound: A discreet hint of pain grillĂŠ does not significantly interfere with the clear expression of the lemon, floral and quinine aromas that precede textured, concentrated and attractively fresh and impressively scaled flavors that possess a seductive mouth feel on the precise, tangy and very powerful finish. A potential knock-out as the underlying material is most impressive and overall, this is the most complete wine in the range. 94 Points Drink: 2015+ Tanzer: Knockout nose combines citrus and stone fruits, nutmeats, white truffle and a suggestion of grilled oak. Silky, broad, ripe and rich; this really envelops the palate in sheer sappy extract. Wonderfully sweet and elegant wine with superb volume and length. The suave finish features terrific lift. These very old vines always give a yield in the
low 35 hectoliters-per-hectare range, noted Mangenot. I'd give this at least a few years in the cellar before pulling the cork. 93 Points Austen Biss: The intensity and length here are amazing as are the concentrated fruit and brilliantly balanced acidity. The elegance is already showing through. This will be a great wine. Probably drinking from 2015 for many years. Excellent
Domaine Long-Depaquit 8-Bottle Tasting Pack Comprises 1 bottle of each of the eight wines. All wine have excellent reviews and high scores.
Usual Price $685.00 Pre-Arrival Price $584.00
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine de Vauroux Classically styled Chablis that is sure to please Domaine de Vauroux was created in 1956 by the Tricon family. It is located about 4 km from the town on the top of a hill. The majority of the domaine’s holdings are in the Chablis appellation and are all ideally oriented south. The vineyards can be viewed across the valley from the buildings of the domaine. Most of the vines were planted over 25 years ago. In addition to the Villages Chablis the domaine has small holdings in the Premier Crus Montee de Tonnerre and Montmains as well as 0.6 ha in the Grand Cru Bougros. The Bougros and Montee de Tonnerre are harvested manually, the remainder by machine. Vinification is in enamel and stainless steel except for the Bougros which is partly vinified and eleve in old wood. Austen Biss in “A Guide to the Wines of Chablis” rates the domaine 2 stars (out of 3). For comparison other 2 Star estates include Domaine Laroche, Domaine William Fevre and Domaine Defaix. There were two things I particularly liked about the wines of Domaine de Vauroux. Firstly, the wines screamed Chablis. One of my tests for Chablis is “How good is the villages wine?” If the maker can produce a classic, mineral, oyster-shell style of wine, I think the battle is virtually won. The 2010 Chablis Villages passes with flying colours. The second plus with Domaine Vauroux is the price. The wines are very reasonably priced for the quality. Domaine de Vauroux is not a name that is well known. No wines have been reviewed by Burghound. It is not fancy, does not use new oak and simply makes wines that are true to the region. I think many of our clients will find great pleasure in drinking these appealing and classic wines. Don’t under-estimate the Villages Chablis - it is a classic example and great drinking at the price.
2010 Chablis Usual Price $39.00 Pre-Arrival Price $33.00 Aromatic with clean mineral notes and hints of citrus. The palate is medium bodied with crisp, appley acidity, tight, pure fruit flavours of white peach and pears finished with a classic, steely, dry finish. A super Chablis that exhibits all the positive characteristics that make the region popular.
2008 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains Usual Price $53.00 Pre-Arrival Price $45.00 From the legendary 2008 vintage. Montmains is located on the left bank. The wines are typically mineral, fresh, clean and perfumed with steely acidity. This is the most mineral cru in Chablis. Austen Biss: Elegant nose, lovely fruit and acidity, floral minerals, typicite, a clean finish with lovely aftertaste. Very Good.
2008 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre Usual Price $53.00 Pre-Arrival Price $45.00 From the legendary 2008 vintage. Considered by many to be the best Premier Cru of Chablis. The name comes from hill that in earlier times had to be crossed to travel from Chablis to Tonnerre. No easy task! The vineyard produces more masculine wines with typical Chablis flavours of nuts, honey, fruit and flint. The wines have a great spine of acid. Brilliant wine, mineral and frank in taste. Although its nose is a little closed, the wine has an important richness and enough of complexity. Due to its acidity, it is very good for ageing. Its suppleness and freshness go along with a powerful bouquet of citrus fruits. A wine to drink in 2 or 3 years, but which can age almost a decade.
2008 Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $81.00 From the legendary 2008 vintage. Bougros is at the norther end of the Grand Cru and is aligned south to south-east. The wines are usually big and powerful.
Clear and bright. Expressive bouquet, supple and fresh body a rich and powerful wine. With flint and oyster shell. Needs time to express itself fully.
2006 Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $81.00 (LOW) The 2006 vintage in Chablis threatened to be very difficult following a very dry July. High humidity, a little rain warm days saw the grapes arrive at the winery in a fine state. The challenge for winemakers was to balance the superb acidity and ripe spicy fruit. I tasted this wine, and all others in this offer, whilst in Burgundy in June 2011. The 2006 Bougros is still fresh and fine with years ahead of it. Austen Biss: Complex rich perfumed beauty. Delicately perfumed, elegant, lovely concentrated fruit, pronounced acidity, and well structured. Rich potential. Excellent
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Domaine Loew Great value Riesling and Gewurztraminer Terrific Wines from Alsace. Where else can you buy a Grand Cru for under $40.00? One of the tasks I set myself whilst in France mid-year was to find some Alsatian wine to add to our portfolio. I am a big fan of Riesling when it is very dry. I also like Gewurztraminer when the fruit is complex and balanced by fine acidity. And I love the late picked styles when they are sweet but mineral and fresh. One of the big issues with Alsatian wines over the last decade or two has been the amount of residual sugar. A large part of this has been the desire to produce wines that appeal to certain markets. The other issue, which is becoming more of a problem, is the effects of global warming. Unlike traditional German wines which have low alcohol, the wines of Alsace typically have alcohol of around 13%. In hot years, sugar levels can soar, and creating a dry wine can become an issue. Much work is required in the vineyard to restrict potential alcohol, yet attain properly ripened grapes. Too much sugar (without the effects of botrytis to make a late harvest style) in theoretically dry styles has two effects. The fermentation either stops or is stopped and the wine retains a level of residual sugar. For Riesling anything above 10 grams per litre is very noticeable. Or you continue the fermentation and end up with a high alcohol and frequently coarse wine. My job was to find a maker or two that made dry wines that reflected their terroir, were mineral and fresh, and also had some outstanding Vendanges Tardive and Selection Grains Nobles wines. I tasted at about ten carefully researched domaines spread right across Alsace and am please to present Domaine Loew. Domaine Loew is run by Etienne Loew. He took over the 8 hectare family estate in Westhoffen, at the northern end of Alsace, in 1986. As it the case right across France, the new, educated, generation has changed and improved many aspects of wine production.
Westhoffen is situated in surroundings shaped like in an amphitheater. The geography causes clouds carrying rain to take routes either north or south of the village. The area is warm and dry and the exact exposition of a vineyard is, unlike further south, not decisive for the maturation of the grapes. The geology in and around Westhoffen is very complex. For example, several types of marl add to the diversity of the wines of Etienne Loew. I was shown the variety of rocks and soils that make up the vineyards. The Muschelkalck, made up of large fossilized mussels is very impressive! The wines are matured on lees for as long as possible to produce vins de terroir with exceptional concentration. He has a variety of lieu-dits and two Grand Crus. Per Warfvinge, on the excellent site www.alsace-wine.net says “Etienne Loew has not a single wine that can be considered a standard product. All wines are very individual and form a collection of small masterpieces.” These superb wines are well worth trying. Where else can you buy a Grand Cru for less than $40.00?
2010 Riesling Muschelkalck Usual Price $29.95 Pre-Arrival Price $26.00 The 2010 vintage will be an outstanding one for those who did not pick too early. The start of September saw grapes with great acidity but lacking ripeness. The serious growers managed to retain healthy grapes and mid month the weather turned, becoming sunny but not too hot. This allowed the grapes to fully ripen yet still retain the fine spine of acidity, which for me is the key to great Alsatian wines, particularly Riesling. The only problem with 2010 is quantity which is considerably lower than usual. The Muschelkalck Riesling comes from a low-yielding vineyard whose soil contains a substantial amount of large and impressive fossilized mussels. La Review du Vin de France: The wines has a very pretty mineral nose. The palate is elegant with good weight and a long, citric finish. Great quality for the price!
2010 Riesling BRUDERBACH “Clos des Freres” Usual Price $34.95 Pre-Arrival Price $30.00 This south-facing vineyard on dolomitic sandstone has all the microclimate features required for a truly great Riesling, producing a wine that is lively, fresh, with citrus notes. The Romans were the first to produce exceptional wine here, followed by the Bruderbach hermits. There was a charter for production as early as 1260. The wine’s subtle, ripe nose opens up to mineral touches from the sandstone soil. A rich wine with scents of eucalyptus, peppermint and bitter orange. It is a harmonious wine with good body balanced by fine acidity.
2010 Riesling OSTENBERG Usual Price $37.95 Pre-Arrival Price $33.00 Formerly the property of Marmoutier Abbey, this south-facing slope is on a sub-Vosgian fault of oolythic limestone and Muschelkalck. The wine is reminiscent of the wonderful freshness of the grape. Well-structured and lively, with unequalled persistence. Ostenberg is a little more powerful than Bruderberg Clos des Freres.
2009 Riesling OSTENBERG Usual Price $37.95 Pre-Arrival Price $33.00 Following an early spring, early summer was cool and the flowering was uneven and long-lasting. The summer became increasingly hot, which caused concern with respect to decreasing levels of acidity. The harvest period was beautiful with warm days and cool nights which preserved enough acidity in the grapes. The sanitary state of the grapes was perfect, as there was no trace of rot. One could draw a few parallels with 2009 White Burgundy. The vintage was riper than 2008 or 2007 but the best makers retained acid and made outstanding wines with delicious flavours. The 2009 Riesling Ostenberg is a little fuller than the 2010. It is a powerful wine with deep flavours and a firm acid finish. eRobertParker: Etienne Loew began harvesting in mid-September, 2009 - on account of rapidly rising sugars, as he familiarly explained - and finished already October 7, coincidentally, the day on which had begun picking in 2008. The resulting 2009s display acidity, cut, and mineral character that you won’t find in many places from this vintage although, tellingly, you will amid the trocken Rieslings of the southern Pfalz from fifty or so miles north of Westhalten. Unfortunately, like many of those German cousins to which I just alluded, the 2009 vintage Loewen Rieslings were quite tight and in most instances downright austere when I tasted them. Having as mentioned begun harvesting in 2008 on October 7, Loew says he then quickly called a halt to the proceedings for one week because his Riesling in particular was simply not ripe enough. But he claims that the difference after mid-October was dramatic. As was also the case when I visited Loew in November, 2008, he had - in striking contrast to most of his fellow Alsace vignerons - sold out many wines of his vintage-before-last (in this case, 2008) to the point where not even a bottle could be found of several. Loew’s tiny-berried selection massale vines in this site made for a 2009 Riesling Ostenberg Chablis-like in its bright shimmering interaction of lemon, lime, grapefruit, pear, cassis, chicken stock, chalk, and salt, all allied to considerable textural richness. This invigorates the palate while staining it, and its high energy and no-prisoners intensity suggest to me a performance that will still be worth taking-in a decade from now. By the way, this harbors 14.25% alcohol, though you would never guess it. 91 Points
2009 Riesling ALTENBERG DE BERGBIETEN Grand Cru Usual Price $46.95 Pre-Arrival Price $39.95 This wine comes from stony soil of Muschelkalck underlying red marl, with a southern exposition. The vines are more than 25 years old, sending their roots down into the mother rock to extract the purest character typical of the soil. An elegant mineral nose opening into notes of elderflower and liquorice. This is a rich but fine wine, with aromas of eucalyptus and camomile. White flower and vineyard peach flavours combine in the mouth before a dry, clean finish. From his most famous site, Loew’s 2009 Riesling Altenberg de Bergbieten is uncompromisingly dry at a mere three grams residual sugar and almost impenetrably dense in its impression of stoniness and sheer extract. Citrus and pit fruits really packing their pips and pits, and a striking smokiness hangs over the entire proceedings.
2010 Gewurztraminer CORMIER Usual Price $35.95 Pre-Arrival Price $31.00 I have to admit a liking for Gewurztraminer. The wine is always made with some residual sugar and it is a matter of how the sugar is balanced by acid that is one of the features of serious gewurztraminer. The grape variety is very aromatic and I like to see spice and fruit on the nose, not an thick, artificial hair-oil character. This Gewurztraminer grows on the black gypsum marl of the “Cormier” vineyard, which has an exceptional micro-climate. The wine exudes scents of pepper, cloves and bayleaf. The 2010 has a restrained nose of smoke and fruit. On the palate the spice comes through culminating in a long and complex finish that is fresh and lively. Very attractive.
2009 Riesling Vendange Tardive ALTENBERG DE BERGBIETEN Grand Cru Usual Price $69.95 Pre-Arrival Price $59.95 The late harvest wines of Alsace are amongst the finest in the world. With no oak present they rely on the fruit and acidity of the grapes and the mineral character of the soil. Vendanges Tardive (VT) means late harvest in France. The grapes must be left on the vines to concentrate and may or may not develop botrytis. The process entails some risk and the loss of moisture means the quantity of juice is small. The great wines have tremendous concentration balanced by serious acidity.
Alsace wines were the first to be described as vendange tardive but the term is now used in other regions of France. Since 1984, the term has been legally defined in Alsace and may only be applied to wines that exceed a minimum must weight and pass blind tasting by the INAO. On the nose there is ripe citrus fruit and flowers, typical of this Grand Cru site, with some exotic notes. There is lovely mouthfeel which finishes clean from the healthy acidity. This wine is a stunner.
2009 Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive OSTENBERG Usual Price $69.95 Pre-Arrival Price $59.95 A tight nose of smoke, spice and ripe fruit opens out on the palate to display more complex spices and rich exotic fruit. The powerful character of the palate is reigned in by terrific acidity giving the wine a dry and crisp finish. Very smart indeed. Not expensive at all for a 750ml bottle of serious sweet wine.
2007 Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Noble OSTENBERG (500ml) Usual Price $90.00 Pre-Arrival Price $77.00 (LOW) Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) is French for "selection of noble berries" and refers to wines made from grapes affected by noble rot. SGN wines are sweet dessert wines with rich, concentrated flavours that are only produced when weather conditions allow the formation of botrytis. Individual berries may be picked from a bunch and several passes through the vineyard may be required. The resulting wines are very sweet and concentrated from their high residual sugar. For me Gewurztraminer makes the finest of Alsace’s SGN’s. The 2007 weather conditions saw a small but ripe and healthy vintage. The harvest was very long allowing production of great sweet wines that still retained acidity and verve. 2007 is regarded as an exceptional year for sweet Gewurztraminer. A refined, even restrained nose of ripe fruits and smoke. The palate explodes with all sorts of exotic notes and spices. And like all great sweet wines the finish is driven by acidity so the wine finished clean. If you are not familiar with the SGN style you should try this wine.
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
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Domaine de la Janasse Serious Chateauneuf! Overall, you can’t go wrong here and these are brilliant wines worth seeking out! The Rhone Report “This estate continues to go from strength to strength and consistently produces some of the top wines in any vintage. Run by the Sabon family, with the wines made by Isabelle and Christophe, the estate has recently added a bevy of new concrete tanks to their arsenal, with the intent to age all of the Grenache in this new format. While 2009 was a hot year and yielded more red fruited and streamlined wines, with some tannin issues, you wouldn’t know it by tasting through these wines. The estate’s ‘09s possess primarily dark fruit-driven personalities, as well as beautiful concentration and sweet tannin that is hard to come by in the vintage. In addition to the ‘09s, the 2010s appear to be even better and possibly approach the estate.s utterly profound ‘07s. Overall, you can’t go wrong here and these are brilliant wines worth seeking out!” Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhone Report Domaine de la Janasse has quickly become one of the Superstar estates of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Led by the dynamic Christophe Sabon, the estate combines the best of both traditional and modern techniques to craft a collection of truly riveting wines from “simple” value-priced VDP’s to benchmark Châteauneufs. The estate was founded in 1976 by Aimé Sabon, Christophe’s father, who still oversees the vineyards and farms organically. The property consists of 15 hectares in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, spread over many different parcels. The soil types vary from clay and round pebbles in La Crau, to sand and clay soil in the northeastern plots where most of the vines are located Lieu-dits such as La Janasse, Chapouin, and Barnouine, all of which are close to Beaucastel). The domaine is named after the eponymous lieu-dit “La Janasse” in the extreme north of the appellation, east of Beaucastel.
While Aime works in the vineyards, his son, Christophe Sabon, is in charge of wine production. Christophe, who studied winemaking and oenology in Beaune, is a self-proclaimed “great defender of Grenache,” which still represents 75% of their vines. He manages the common rusticity of Grenache-based wines through meticulous work in the vineyards and cellar. The result is a wide range of Châteauneuf-du-Papes and Cotes-du-Rhônes that are complex and yet balanced with acidity - often in contradiction to an appellation better known for sheer exuberance and power. As Robert Parker points out: “The young and talented Christophe Sabon continues to display the surehanded touch of a veteran winemaker”. I have long been a fan of the Janasse wines which combine tradition with modern skills, utilizing the best features of both. So I was certainly very pleased to be offered the wines, including a small allocation of the highly regarded and rare Vieilles Vignes. The wines have received superb reviews from everyone. I have listed a selection below. We have incorporated new tasting notes from The Rhone Report Issue 9.
Stop Press! New Tasting Notes and Massive scores from Robert Parkers’s Wine Advocate. 2009 Cotes du Rhone Usual Price $25.95 Pre-Arrival Price $21.95 Tremendous value for the quality. Robert Parker: This impeccably run estate, in the capable hands of Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father, is one of the superstars of the southern Rhone Valley. Over the last 12-15 years, the quality of the wines has gone from strength to strength, with brilliant wines being produced in all price categories. They make sumptuous, complex, world-class red, white and rose Cotes du Rhones, and year-in and year-out, their Chateauneuf du Papes are among the top three or four wines of the vintage. Tasting two great vintages (2009 and 2010) from the Sabons was one of the most thrilling tastings I have had this year. My tasting began with some unbelievable Cotes du Rhones. The Rhone Report: 89 Points Drink Rhone - John Livingston-Learmonth: 50-70% Grenache, 10-20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10-15% old Carignan, Cinsault at Courthézon, 80% destemmed, 12-15 day vinification, cap punching, pumping overs, aged 80% large barrel, 20% used 228-litre oak casks 8 months, then vat raised 1-5 months, 3 bottlings a year – June, September, December, fined, filtered. Red, black, mauve tints at the top of the robe. Has a really wide travelling, broad and rather muscular nose – herbs, prune, grated chocolate. The palate flows well – there is richness in both bouquet and palate, which is wide and sustained, ending on chunky, deep set power and flavour. The tannins need until late 2011 to settle in further. There is a lot of wine in the glass. This gives definite bang for the buck. It is overtly powerful, but not overdone. It will be most interesting around 2014-17. 14.5°. 2019-21. 50% Gren, 20% Syr, 15% Cari, 10% Mourv, 5% Cinsault this year. Oct 2010. 3 1/2 Stars Wine Spectator: Racy and dark, featuring a beam of crushed currant, blackberry and graphite notes that pushes through the toast-tinged finish. Good acidity keeps it going. 89 Points Robert Parker: The 2009 Cotes du Rhone, which is 50% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan, offers up a lively nose of sweet strawberry jam intermixed with blacker cherries. This wine has admirable purity and loads of spice, glycerin and body, as this is a lower-acid vintage with slightly more alcohol. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years. 87 Points
2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Usual Price $89.95 Pre-Arrival Price $76.50 A very high quality Chateauneuf from vines over 40 years of age. Huge scores for a “standard” wine! Robert Parker: The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is probably one of the strongest “regular” efforts I have ever tasted from Sabon. This dense purple blend of 75 to 80% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre and Syrah, aged in truncated wood cuves and foudres, has a beautiful, sweet nose of black cherry jam intermixed with roasted herbs, black currants, forest floor and a hint of charcoal. The wine has great intensity, fullbodied opulence, and a striking seductiveness that is already irresistible. It should continue to drink well for 12-15 years. 94 Points The Rhone Report: brilliant bottle of wine (the best base cuvee out there?), the 2009 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a mostly destemmed blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre that.s aged 80% in vat, and 20% in 1/3 new French oak. It delivers straight-up gorgeous aromas of blackberry and raspberry jam, creamy licorice, spice, and underbrush to go with a full-bodied, awesomely textured and yet focused palate. This beautifully fresh, balanced Chateauneuf-du-Pape is well built and loaded with sweet tannin on the finish; while approachable now due to the wealth of fruit, it should age effortlessly for 15+ years. 94 Points Drink Rhone - John Livingston-Learmonth: 70-80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 80% destemmed, 15-18 day vinification, daily manual cap punchings, aged 80% large barrel (Grenache), 20% new-1-2 year oak (Syrah, Mourvèdre) 12 months, raised vat 6 months, fined, unfiltered. (cask/vat) quite dark robe; dark, slightly scorched airs due to its oak seasoning – presents a front of chocolate-cocoa, raisin, prune - is sunny, ripe within. The palate has ample depth, a juicy early showing, then it tightens and brings in biscuity tannins with oak in them. It is unfurnished for now, and needs to grow into its oak frame. The flavour resembles prune. There is a likeable quality of rather fine fruit, and this can become varied and interesting. From 2013, but especially around 2016. 2023-25 Oct 2010. 4 Stars Wine Spectator: Powerfully rendered, with a large core of fig sauce, plum preserves and dark cassis notes that course along, pushed by anise and roasted apple wood flavors and a muscular, graphite-filled finish. Still quite densely packed on the finish, this needs time to stretch out. Best from 2013 through 2023. 93 Points
2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Chaupin” Usual Price $129.95 Pre-Arrival Price $110.00 (not available individually. Only available as part of our Janasse Mixed Case, see below) 100% Grenache (does 100% Grenache make the greatest Chateauneufs? - very possibly!). Vine age: 70 years to almost 100 years. Elevage: 12-14 months. 75% in tank, 25% in small oak barrels. Approx 40% of the oak barrels are new. So roughly speaking about 10% of the wine sees new oak. Robert Parker: One of my favorites was already the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin (which is always aged in foudres and 600-liter demi-muids, two-thirds in the former and one-third in the latter) and this wine has really put on richness and intensity since I tasted it last year. An absolutely magnificent wine, it scored a good four points higher this year, and it is unusual for me to vary that much from one tasting to the next. Tipping the scales at 15% natural alcohol, this dense purple wine has noble sweetness and an extraordinary concentration of lavender, black cherry liqueur, licorice, and minerality. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, a multi-dimensional, unctuously textured, voluptuous palate and a stunning finish, this wine is outrageously delicious and a phenomenal expression of old-vine Grenache. It should drink well for up to 20+ years. 98 Points
Decanter: Sunny, local feel. Soft and shapely. (Whatever that all means!). Drink: 2015-2031. 5 Stars, 19.5 Points (Equal highest ranked 2009 Chateauneuf) The Rhone Report: One of my favorite wines, the single vineyard 2009 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin comes from a cooler terroir in the northeastern part of the appellation. Offering kirsch and framboise aromas intermixed with black olive, spice and a touch of meatiness, the wine is medium to full bodied and shows a fresh, harmonious character. The texture firms up noticeably on the finish and the wine shows solid structure and loads of ripe tannin. Another candidate for short to mid-term cellaring, it should drink beautifully for two decades. 94-96 Points. The Rhone Report has upgraded the score for the finished wine to 96 Points but has not published a tasting note Drink Rhone - John Livingston-Learmonth: 100% Grenache (1912-1940s), from 80% Chapouin, 8% La Gardiole, 2% La Janasse, all sandy soils, 10% Coudoulet (stony), 80% destemmed, 3+week vinification, cap punchings, aged 12 months in 70-80% large barrel, 20% new-3 year oak, then raised vat 6 months, fined, unfiltered. (barrel) full robe; soaked red fruits with air of sweet fruit pastilles and red jam – a round bouquet. The palate is similarly round of shape and soft of texture. This holds deep-seated red fruit such as raspberry, is a sunny vintage wine – no doubt about that. The tannins are shapely and the Grenache has been well captured. STGT wine. From 2015. It will live well because of its balance. 2028-31. 5 Stars Wine Spectator: Mouthfilling from the start, with loads of plum sauce, linzer and crushed cherry flavors backed by mouthwatering licorice and roasted spice notes. There's plenty of grip on the finish, with plum skin, pepper, pastis and graphite all chiming in. Best from 2013 through 2023. 94 Points
2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes” Usual Price $179.95 Pre-Arrival Price $153.00 (One bottle available for each bottle of 2008 Vieilles Vignes purchased) Vine age: 60-100 plus years. Elevage in wood which includes some new small oak. An outstandingly concentrated wine. Robert Parker: The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is considered by many observers in Chateauneuf du Pape to be the wine of the vintage, and it can most certainly be counted among the finest. A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre tipping the scales at 15.5% natural alcohol (which is slightly less than the Chaupin), the wine has an inky black/purple color as well as incredible density and richness, with notes of soy, blackberry, and blueberry liqueur, incense, acacia flowers and licorice. The layered, full-bodied mouthfeel displays no heat, but the wine has massive concentration and a silky, smooth finish. Because of the low acidity in the 2009s, and sweet tannins, this has turned out to be a glorious example of Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the next two decades. 99 Points The Rhone Report: More smoky and dark fruited than the Cuvee Chaupin, the 2009 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, from four separate parcels of varying soil types, possesses the same level of freshness and purity. A blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre, and 2% assorted varieties, with 25% of the blend aged in small barrels (40% of which are new) and the rest in vat, it exhibits an absolutely thrilling array of blackberry, licorice, roasted meats, dark chocolate, and smoke aromas on the nose. While there.s serious ripeness here, it stays amazingly fresh and vibrant, never seeming thick of heavy. Every bit as solid on the palate, this fullbodied, powerful, yet elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape is unctuously textured and possesses a seamless, silky profile, with masses of sweet tannin on the finish. Unquestionably one of the top 2 or 3 wines in ‘09, this can be consumed now, or cellared for a decade or longer. Thrilling stuff and hats off to Sabon family! 97 Points Drink Rhone - John Livingston-Learmonth: 85-90% Grenache (1900s-1940s), 4-10% Syrah, 2-3% Mourvèdre, 2% various varieties, from Chapouin and Coudoulet (60%), La Crau de Courthézon and Les Saumades (40%), 80% destemmed, 4 week vinification, daily manual cap punching, aged 75% large barrel, 25% new-3 year oak 12 months,
plus 6 months vat, fined, unfiltered. (casks) big robe; full, raisin top air bouquet which exudes its late season ripeness, while the black fruits have a soaked air. The palate is rich all through, offers depth of flavour which has an inherent sweetness. Plenty on offer here – it is wide and has a surge of raspberry liqueur and tannin towards the finish. Good length and balance. From 2014 or so. 2027-29 Oct 2010. 5 Stars Wine Spectator: Very tightly wound, with cassis, black licorice and plum sauce notes held in check by velvety but copious tannins. Plenty of spice, graphite and tar flesh out the finish, which is racy and very long, with a great buried black tea note. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2014 through 2024. 95 Points erobertparker.com: Made from a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and 5% Syrah, the dense purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes achieved 15.5% natural alcohol. A candidate for the wine of the vintage in this appellation, it offers abundant notes of blackberries, boysenberries, truffles and incense as well as a layered, multidimensional personality and an exceptionally long finish. This is a brilliant wine to drink over the next two decades. (95-97 Points)
2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes” Usual Price $159.95 Pre-Arrival Price $136.00 The Rhone Report: One of the few domaines to produce a special cuvee in ‘08, the Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is medium weight with spicy dark fruits framing subtle graphite and mineral aromatics. Medium bodied and fresh on the palate, the wine displays good acidity, a straight, compact texture, ripe tannin and a classy, long finish. While this lacks the depth that this cuvee normally delivers, the elegance and class on the finish are superb. Drink over the next 10 to 12 years. 93 Points Wine Spectator: This is pure, driven and well-rounded, with a beam of kirsch, crushed plum and bright red currant fruit coursing through, backed by lingering red licorice, violet and sweet tobacco notes. The long finish is still tightly wound. Best from 2011 through 2025. 94 Points erobertparker.com: The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a 1,000-case blend of 70% old vine Grenache (60- to 100-year-old vines) and 30% Mourvedre (a much higher percentage than normal). One of the top half-dozen Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage, it boasts a dark plum/ruby/purple color, full body, light to moderate tannin and lots of white chocolate, licorice, black currant, kirsch, incense and jus de viande characteristics. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for a decade. It is a remarkable achievement for a vintage such as 2008. 92 Points Anticipated delivery: late November 2011
Janasse Mixed Dozen Usual Price $1167.40 Pre-Arrival Price $990.85 Get a selection of all of these high rated wines! Stock is limited. The Mixed Dozen comprises 3 bottles 2009 Cotes du Rhone 4 bottles 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 3 bottles 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Chaupin” 1 bottle 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes” 1 bottle 2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes”
eRobertParker.com Domaine de la Janasse: “Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father operate one of the great Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking estates. They continue to invest in new vineyards as well as state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. Moreover, they never seem to be satisfied with the status quo, and are constantly challenging their past performances. Their 2007s were unbelievably good wines, the 2008s were among the finest wines of the appellation, and the 2009 vintage is another resounding success for them. The style is progressive, combining the best of traditional winemaking with the finest of a more modern approach. The wines all reflect their Provencal origins, only tiny quantities of new oak are used, and then only with the two grape varietals that can benefit from it (such as Syrah and Mourvedre). This is also a fabulous source for top wine values as the following tasting notes demonstrate.�
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In 1859 Christophe Ogier established his business in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The company built over the years before merging with the firm Bessac Caves to des Papes to become Ogier Caves du Papes. In 2000 Ogier became associated with Leone Amouroux and added Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes to the portfolio. Today Ogier produces a range of Rhone wines including a fascinating selection of Chateauneuf-du-Papes. They make the “standard” wine named “Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes”, a prestige cuvee “Les Choregies”and most interesting of all the “Expression de Terroir” wines. These are a set of 4 Chateauneuf-du-Papes made from grapes grown on the four different terroirs of the appellation.
2009 Chateauneuf du Pape “Expression de Terroir” Set of 4 Usual Price $278.60 the Set of 4 Pre-Arrival Price $239.80 the Set of 4 I have to say I love the concept of tasting Chateauneufs from distinct terroirs. I guess it is what Burgundy is all about and why we love it so much. But as most Chateauneufs are blends of both vineyards and grape varieties it is hard to get any idea what the effect of terroir is on the wine produced. The “Expression de Terroir” Set comprises four wines, all with the same blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault, made from grapes grown on the four different soil types of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. All wines are made the same; vinification is traditional with a long maceration, frequent pigeage and pumping over. The wines are aged for 12-14 months in large truncated oak vats.
The soil types are:
Eclats Calcaires: Limestone Rock Safres: Marl Gres Rouges: Degraded Red Sandstone Galets Roules: Glacier Pebbles Naturally each has an effect on the taste of the wine. Following are a mixed bag of notes. No one seems to have reviewed everything.
Eclats Calcaires The Rhone Report: All from broken limestone soils, the 2009 Ogier Caves des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Terroir Eclats Calcaires is darker in color than the Galets Roules and shows an earthy, smoky, mineral-driven profile (not far from the Galets Roules in character) with ripe black cherry and pit styled fruits. The minerality is what sets it apart, and this medium-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape has good acidity, a concentrated mid-palate, and a dry finish. Tanzer: Opaque ruby. An expressive, smoky bouquet evokes blackberry and cherry-vanilla, supported by complicating notes of cola, allspice and woodsmoke. Sappy, sweet dark fruit flavors show a refreshingly bitter quality that buffers the sweetness. The vanilla note repeats on the gently tannic finish, which features a note of tangy berry skin.
Safres Drink Rhone, John Livingstone-Learmonth: (perhaps not in bottle yet) even red robe; gently curved red fruit aroma with mineral outcrops, flint and ash notes – this bouquet is quite thorough. Early juice on the palate, still in a very primary state; I note some acidity hanging in there. It runs steadily to the finish, is accessible now. Has a round and tasty aftertaste. Reflects safre soils pretty correctly. Tasted blind in London, not sure is in bottle yet. 2023-24 Sept 2011. 4 Stars Rhone: Report: The 2009 Ogier Caves des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Terroir Safres, all from sandy soils, is the most elegant and silky of the lot, showing loads of raspberry and cherry fruits, flowers, and licorice aromas, a medium to full-bodied, creamy mouth feel, and fine tannin on the long finish. A perfect example of the elegance and more finesse driven characteristics imparted by sandy soils, this delicious Châteauneuf-du-Pape should drink well for 8-10 years. Decanter: Clove, raspberry and soft rose perfume with spicy top notes lead to a juicy, blueberry-laden palate with violets, hints of pepper, firm tannins and a medium finish. ‘Exceptional,’ Susanna Forbes Jancis Robinson: Rich liquorice notes on the nose and great opulence of fruit. Unlike some of the wines that have been fighting the 2009 character, this wine is utterly recognisable as a Châteauneuf. It finishes a little gamey but should satisfy the traditional Châteauneuf lover.
Gres Rouge Bettane and Desseauve: A very classic Chateauneuf, generous and round, great length.
Galets Roules Drink Rhone, John Livingstone-Learmonth: (perhaps not in bottle yet) steady red robe; raisin-date air in a wide bouquet with smoky notes – a good start, with a Grenache red fruit jelly style. True Grenache of floral and calm expression on the palate, has an appealing serenity, good style. Good length, balance. All very ensemble. STGT wine. 2026-28 Sept 2011 5 Stars The Rhone Report: My favorite in the lineup, the 2009 Ogier Caves des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Terroir Galets Roules is a muscular, meaty wine that displays loads of spice, iron, crushed stone, and spice aromatics. Very mineral-
driven, even more so than the Eclats Calcaires, this medium+ bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape has fresh, pure texture, sound structure, and loads of ripe tannin on the finish. Playing in the classic and textbook stylistic range, this beauty should drink well for a decade. Decanter: Silky and elegant, with fine tannins, complexity, spiciness, good acidity and evidence of some new oak. ‘A lovely long, delicate finish,’ Sergio Benito Jancis Robinson: Dark and rich with spicy notes. Lots of tannin on the end. Cool overall with real interest though no obvious heat at all. Quite a bit of extract and interest.
2009 Chateauneuf du Pape “Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes” Usual Price $77.50 Pre-Arrival Price $66.00 This old estate was acquired by Edouard Amouroux in the 1880’s and enjoyed considerable success. In 1920 Leone Amouroux expanded the estate and officially established the name Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes, named after an oratory located in the vineyards. In 2000 the estate was purchased by Ogier. The wine is a primarily Grenache blend from three lieu-dits at different corners of the appellation. The vineyards feature basically all the soil types vinified separately in the “Expression de Terroirs” and as such provide an extremely interesting comparison. Does the blend make the best wine? Try them all and see for yourself! The grapes are destemmed with traditional vinification. It is aged for 10-12 mostly in foudres, but some of the Syrah and Mouvedre age in small barrels, some of which are new. The Rhone Report: A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault and Mourvèdre, that sees a traditional elevage of 12 months in demi-muid and cask, the 2009 Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a solid mix of the upfront, perfumed nature of the vintage with the masculine, traditional profile of the estate. Showing brambly aromas of red fruits, meat juice, black olive, garrigue, and an almost saline, oyster shell-like minerality on the nose, the wine is old school and classic on the palate, with a focused, edgy feel and solid length. Give bottles 2-3 years of bottle age, and then drink over the following decade. Jancis Robinson: Intense, opulent nose. High toned and very fleshy with lots of savoury undertow. Lots of integrity here. Polished but not vapid. The alcohol is well handled too. Bettane and Desseauve: With the addition of a beautiful parcel situated on the plateau de la Crau, the wines has gained another dimension. rich, unctuous, long, fresh and intense. It is now in the big league. 17.5/20
2009 Chateauneuf du Pape “Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Les Choregies” Usual Price $135.00 Pre-Arrival Price $115.00 The prestige cuvee is typically a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Mouvedre from 60 year old vines. Vinification is much the same as for the regular cuvee except that the wine is left longer on skins. It is aged for 14 months, 80% in demi-muids and 20% in partly new
300 litre barrels before assemblage and bottling unfiltered. The Rhone Report: Better than the straight cuvee and a smoking good Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the limited production 2009 Les Choregies possesses a stunningly traditional bouquet of garrigue, crushed stone, licorice, and spice, a fullbodied, concentrated mid-palate, beautiful freshness and purity, and a classic, long and structured finish. Impressive and this classic red should be give 4-6 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following decade or longer Bettane and Desseauve: This wine enters a new league: full bodied, lively, persistant, modern, long and subtle
2009 Cotes-du-Rhone “Oratorio” Usual Price $27.00 Pre-Arrival Price $23.00 Pre-Arrival Case Price $253.00 A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mouvedre from 60+ year old vines. Bettane and Desseauve: Rich, full and pure, offering a perfect balance of weight, freshness and fruit. Remarkable! 16/20 Sommelier Wines Awards 2011: Rich, plump and complex, this easily won over its fans. “Incredible nose - herbaceous, savoury, smoky bacon with hints of berries.” “The tannins are gorgeously plump, with spicy plum and cherry fruit flavours, and a great white pepper finish.” “Still young with good potential” Gold Medal Concours des vins d’Orange: Gold Medal
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Domaine Rouge-Bleu Great value reds from serious old vines In 2006 Jean-Marc Espinasse purchased a 400 year old provençal farm. The 8 ha belonging to the farm are planted with old vines - Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. As the grapes had previously been sold to a co-operative the property had no name. Jean-Marc chose the name Domaine Rouge-Bleu. Jean-Marc Espinasse was schooled as an accountant. In 1989, when his uncle Jean-Claude Vidal became the owner of Domaine du Banneret in Chateauneuf du Pape, Jean-Marc became more and more involved in helping his uncle during harvest and bottling. Jean-Marc’s wife Kristen is American and at the time lived in California. He was also helping (with success) his uncle to market his wines in US and this was the starting point for the decision to switch the professional career to embrace the wine world. With the assistance of his uncle and the oenologist at Domaine du Banneret the Espinasse’s set out to find a suitable property. They purchased three parcels: in the Vin du Pays area, in AOC Cotes du Rhone and in AOC Cotes du Rhone Village. As Espinasse wants to be able to blend the wines from the different parcels he just calls the red wines Vin du Pays de Méditerranée or Cotes du Rhone. Jean-Marc Espinasse uses organic methods in the vineyard. "What I learned is that winemaking happens naturally when you harvest a mature grape in a good sanitary state. I also learned that you can’t make a great wine if you don’t have a great terroir and that what happens in the cellar is the continuation of what you harvest. In other words, you may have the very best equipment, but you will never make a great wine if you don’t harvest a great grape." I have selected thetop two red wines from the excellent vintage of 2009. These are full and powerful wines, not lacking in complexity or texture due to the old vines. They are not over-ripe monsters. I’d like to think they are a good cut above other mass produced Cote du Rhone wines.
2009 Cotes du Rhone ”Mistral” Usual Price $29.50 Pre-Arrival Price $25.00 Pre-Arrival Case Price $275.00 The mistral is a strong, cold and usually dry regional wind in France, coming from the north or northwest, which accelerates when it passes through the valleys of the Rhone and the Durance Rivers to the coast of the Mediterranean around the Camargue region. The mistral is usually accompanied by clear and fresh weather, and it plays an important role in creating the climate of Provence. It can reach speeds of more than ninety kilometers an hour, particularly in the Rhone Valley. Its average speed during the day can reach about fifty kilometers an hour, calming noticeably at night. The mistral is a regional wind, which usually blows during the winter and spring, though it occurs in all seasons. It sometimes lasts only one or two days, frequently lasts several days, and can last more than a week. I can understand why Jean-Marc chose Mistral as the name for this cuvee. Made from 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 3% Mouvedre and 2% Rousanne it is an interesting and powerful blend. With the exception of the Syrah, the vines are 75 years old. 25% of the wines is aged in barrels of 3-5 years to add structure. This is a full bodied, flavoursome wine with all the character you would expect from old vines and Grenache. Alcohol is 14.5% which is ideal for producing a balanced Rhone wine. The 2009 Mistral rivals many Chateauneuf-du-Papes yet is a third of their price. Wine Spectator: Rich and smoky, with mouthfilling charcoal, roasted fig, tobacco and plum sauce notes all rolling through the broad finish. This has muscle, but stays accessible and balanced. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Roussanne. 90 Points
2009 “Lunatique” Usual Price $59.00 Pre-Arrival Price $50.00 Sorry, due to the tiny production and allocation, this wine is only available on the basis of one bottle per case of Mistral purchased Another interesting name! This, the domaines top cuvee, is made from 100% Grenache from 77 year old vines. It is aged in barriques for 15 months. This is the first vintage of this exciting wine. Only 100 cases produced! Jean-Marc Espinasse says “The story and the name of this wine come from this tiny rocky block located inside a prehistoric river bed. This parcel is the last harvested and definitely the most qualitative even if located officially in an "Vin de Table" area. The "lunar" soil in which our dear old vines are planted, is only composed of bleached pebbles and our farming-winemaking methods linked to moon influence are also explaining this "Lunatique" name. Winemaking took place in small porous concrete tanks in order to respect “terroir”
diversity and allow air exchange during the fermentation, eventually permitting life and expressions of aromas. Our mature stems have been treasured in order to aerate naturally the must during the winemaking, bringing sediments and natural acidity to balance alcohol and tannins. In order to keep its natural qualities, we have not filtered this wine and a deposit is quite normal. This natural fine wine is complex, rich with hints of coconut, blackberry, anise and kirsch.� Wine Spectator: Ripe and mouthfilling, but also fresh, with delicious dark plum, blueberry, anise and tobacco character backed by a tarry edge. This really stretch out, with more mulled spice and dark cocoa flavors and a lingering roasted mesquite note on the finish. 91 Points
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Burgundians in Minervois! Domaine Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot “When two highly respected Burgundian Winemakers venture into the Languedoc you know there must be something going on!� North of the River Aude, between the towns of Carcassone and Narbonne, lies an appellation known as Minervois. It is in the Languedoc, an area invaded and settled by the Romans who planted vines and named the area after Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. When the Romans departed the vineyards came under the control of the church. Through troubled times of the middle ages the vineyards managed to thrive reaching their heyday in the nineteenth century. The Minervois vineyard may be imagined at as giant amphitheatre with Canal du Midi as the stage and Carcassone and Narbonne as the wings. The northern terraces rise to create the rear of the auditorium. Across such an area it is logical that the terroir varies. There are polished stones, sandstone, schist, chalk and white marble. Each produces a different wine. It is an area best known for its red wines which are made primarily from the most famous grapes of the Rhone Valley - Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, Carignan, Cinsault and a few more including some local varieties. Vine age is often extremely old. Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot are husband and wife and are both well known and respected wine makers in Burgundy - Anne at her Domaine Anne Gros and Jean-Paul at Domaine Tollot-Beaut. They wanted to make wine together and considered sites in the south and south-west of France before settling on a property in the hills outside the hamlet of Cazelles. It was a five hour drive from Burgundy and planning permission was required to build a new cellar which was competed in 2008.
The vineyards have grown from 8 to 12 hectares over the last few years which are planted to Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Some vines are over a century old. The plots are beautifully tended and whilst they are not organic they use many of the techniques. Everything is hand-picked and three lieu-dits are bottled independently. We have secured wines from two of these plots which certainly rate amongst the most exciting wines of the Minervois.
2009 Minervois Les Fontanilles Usual Price $49.00 Pre-Arrival Price $42.00 Pre-Arrival by the Case $480.00 This cuvee is made of 4 cepages, coming from soils dominated by Assignan sandstone, facing north and west.These small plots, surrounded by scrubland, pines, thyme, rosemary and cistus, comprising: 2.50 Ha of 20 year old Grenache 1.60 Ha of 20 year old Syrah 1.45 Ha of 45 year old Carignan 1.20 Ha of 40 year old Cinsault Each cepage is complete, and brings to the cuvee its own characteristics. One fruitiness and freshness, another sweetness, another depth and length, the other distinction and energy. Robert Parker: A shrubby, resinous and pungently herbal overtone suggestive of marjoram and rosemary, along with notes of blond tobacco compliment the scents and flavors of ripe, diverse black fruits in Gros and Tollot's 2009 Fontanilles, which offers a seamlessly ripe, texturally-refined,and luscious intensity all the way through to an invigoratingly pungent, saliva-inducingly saline finish. This ought to perform well for at least 5/7 years. 90 Points Rosemary George MW: Fontanilles is a place where there is water, maybe a spring or fountain. A quarter each of Cinsaut, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. All the Syrah is aged in wood, and most of the Carignan, which amounts to about 30 per cent of the cuvée. The vines for this are north facing and there is a definite freshness to the wine, with some tannin and an elegant lift on the finish. It is very harmonious and rounded. Jancis Robinson: Les Fontanilles is the freshest, fruitiest and arguably most burgundian, from north facing plots on mainly the flaky grey sediments known as grès.
2009 Minervois La Ciaude Usual Price $59.00 Pre-Arrival Price $51.00 Pre-Arrival by the Case $590.00 Three cepages which complement each other to give us this wonderful cuvée. On this great terroir consisting of limestone and clay soils, facing south, the white blinding limestone of Agel gave us some wines full or great energy. These fine wines, which benefit from careful maturing in barrels, represent a cuvée superbly silky, combined with concentration and a mineral persistence full of finesse. It is the magical combination of a burning sun and cool soil, from where, deep within, the wine draws the water it needs. Early and steady maturity, lovely acidity... A great Terroir consisting of: 1.30 Ha of 25 year old Syrah
0.80 Ha of 104 year old Carignan 0.50 Ha of 42 year old Carignan 0.50 Ha of 8 year old Grenache Robert Parker: Suggestions of toasted walnut and hickory along with violets, lilac, and hints of vanilla and resin from toasted oak all compliment the rich dark berries displayed in Gros and Tollot's 2009 Minervois La Ciaude. This is another example of plush texture and seamless ripeness allied to a welcome sense of finishing levity and energy such as can by no means be taken for granted from the vintage in question. I suspect this will merit the better part of a decade's attention, though of course a track record for the wines of this domaine is not yet established. 91 Points Rosemary George MW: This is a south-facing plot, on clay and limestone, including Syrah, old Carignan and young Grenache. The stones give heat, while the clay stays fresh, so although, as the name implies, it is very hot, the vines do not suffer from water stress. The Carignan and Syrah all go into wood, making a total of about 60% oak ĂŠlevage. There is a hint of vanilla on the nose, with some firm fruit, with a rounded palate, with firm tannins. Youthful and fresh, with fine potential. Anne mused: perhaps la Ciaude could be a monopole, as in Burgundy, 'mon petit Clos Vougeot'. There is more clay in Clos Vougeot, and more limestone here. Jancis Robinson: La Ciaude comes from hotter terrain with some clay and limestone and incorporates the produce of the extraordinary tree like 104 year old carignan.
Interesting background from Robert Parker Anne Gros of the eponymous Vosne-Romanee domaine and her partner Jean-Paul Tollot (of Domaine Tollot-Beaut) happened on the site of their new estate not long after they conceived the possibility of working vineyards in the South, and Anne says that as soon as she grasped the diversity of soils and glimpsed the several substantial parcels on offer around tiny Cazelles - 14 hectares at the high, northern edge of appellation Minervois just before it gives way to Saint-Chinian (at the same elevation as Vosne-Romanee's crus), where nights are generally cool even in midsummer - she was smitten. Gros and Tollot have since taken to the task of preserving the ancient vines and vineyard ecosystems in this neighborhood with born-again zeal. The Gros-Tollot family of four now lives and works here most weekends, although during the protracted picking of these sites so dramatically different in soil, exposure, and cepage - a harvest which overlaps that of the Cote d'Or - they can literally be pulled in two directions. Given this couple's background and well-known talents, it comes as no surprise to learn that they are rendering wines unlike any others in Minervois, or indeed anywhere else in the Languedoc. Their aims are inter alia to showcase each of their principle grape varieties - very much including unjustly-slighted Cinsault and Carignan; each of their soil types - sandstone and iron-rich chalk-clay; and elegance, levity, and refinement, vinous virtues that, yes, might well be dubbed Burgundian. The prices of top cuvees emanating from Gros and Tollot's new, extremely sophisticated facility (much of its equipment mirroring that at Domaine Anne Gros in Vosne) also set them apart from all but a handful of Languedoc collections, in which respect Gros openly expresses her disappointment that trade resistance has forced her to lower her sights a bit, quite possibly beneath price levels that will be sustainable long-term given the low yields and innovative, labor-and capital-intensive viticultural efforts that characterize the Gros-Tollot regimen. (Example: there are three different tractors to accommodate the widths of rows and method of vine-training in different parcels.) One might argue that Gros was naive about consumers' expectations of Minervois vis-a-vis famous-name Burgundy. But it is the trade and consumers who ultimately must shed prejudice and recognize good value, unique personalities, and exciting innovations in wine when they taste them - otherwise the market will dictate that quality like that of these wines no longer issues from the Languedoc, notwithstanding their eloquent testimony to what is possible. The Gros-Tollot La 50/50 represents tank-vinified fruits of old vines Carignan and Cinsault with those of some younger Grenache. Les Fontanilles is from a north- and west-facing, densely garrigue-rimmed bowl of predominantly ultra-friable sandstone but at places stony calcaire, planted with Grenache (in the majority), Cinsault, Syrah, and centenarian Carignan, fruits of the latter two sorts being matured in aged barriques. From south-facing but water-retentive limestone and all four cepages - though Syrah is dominant - La Ciaude is raised entirely in barrel; as is Les Carretals, from largely centenarian, dominantly Carignan vines in a near-clos whose lime-, iron-, and clayrich soil reminds Gros of her parcel of Richebourg - except that this site is extraordinarily rocky by any standards
whatsoever. After three years of rigorous de-budding, notes Gros, her younger vines seem now to have begun regulating themselves and producing a smaller, balanced crop. Incidentally, the inaugural 2008 collection here gained in charm and complexity during the nearly 12 month interval between the two occasions when I tasted it. Whereas the 2009s - harvested on average two weeks later than the 2008s and bottled last November - kicked into malo directly out of their primary fermentations, malo-lactic transformation of the 2010s was - in typically Burgundian fashion - delayed until spring, so my notes on wines of that vintage encompass the occasional lot with residual malic acid or significant residual CO2. I did however deem my note on one wine representative enough to be worth publishing as a foretaste of what is to come. Although there was no drought stress or desiccation here in 2010, Gros reports that she and Tollot were nonetheless amazed on pressing to realize how low was the juice-to-skin ratio as well as the pH, all of which one tastes as vibrant concentration, not to mention sees in wines whose deep colors belie their sense of levity and elegance.
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Chateau Tirecul la Graviere Stunning S weet W ines from M onbazillac Chateau Tirecul la Graviere MADAME Unquestionably one of the great sweet wines of the world - have you tried it? Part of the process for finding great “undiscovered� wines is doing your research. Also of great assistance is a little knowledge of the local area. Over the years I have spent quite a bit of time holidaying in the south-west of France. I love the area. Castles, caves with prehistoric art, watersports for the summer crowd. And then there are the truffles, foie gras, prunes, walnuts, duck - who can resist? Whilst situated not far from Bordeaux the area produces a plethora of its own wines from noble and local varieties. What to drink with the foie gras or lavish local deserts was always a consideration. It did not take long to realize that the sweet wines of Monbazillac were perfect. They were similar to Sauternes, but without the overt oak, and far less challenging to consume when young. From tasting a good number I soon realized the best was the wine produced by Domaine Tirecul la Graviere. That was at least a decade ago. When Grand Millesime was established we concentrated solely on Burgundy. As the business has grown I have looked for serious wines from other regions and high on my list was seeing what Domaine Tirecul la Graviere was doing. I made contact in April and was invited not just to taste but to stay at the domaine and enjoy the hospitality of Bruno and Claudie Bilancini. After attending Vinexpo in Bordeaux I made my way to Monbazillac where I was warmly greeted and shown a substantial array of wines in bottle and cask. The wines were even better than I remembered, sweet, complex, harmonious with terrific fresh acid, not oak, driven finishes. A superb meal prepared by Claudie showcased the wines with some classic food matches and some innovative choices exhibiting how versatile the wine (like most wines with minerality and balance) can be.
Grand Millesime is delighted to be the Australian importers for this special domaine. Monbazillac is unquestionably the most famous wine of the Dordogne department. It is thought that vines were first planted in the 3rd century. The complex AOC restrictions allows Monbazillac to plant only semillon, muscadelle and sauvignon. All vines must be hand picked and several passes must be made through the vineyard to achieve maximum quality. The idea is that every grape should be harvested at maximum ripeness. The maximum yields are set at a modest 30 hl/ha, although Chateau Tirecul la Graviere is well below that.
Story of the Domaine In 1992 Bruno and Claudie Bilancini rented a 9 ha vineyard known at the time as the Cru de Tirecul, one of the ancient premier crus of Monbazillac. The domaine was in poor state. The roofs of the cellars had fallen in, vines badly maintained and the land uncared for. They did, however, recognize the huge potential. In 1997 the Bilancinis purchased the property and restored the cellars. The terroir of the vineyards is extraordinary: two slopes each draining perfectly and naturally into a central stream. The soil is chalky limestone at the top with increasing amounts of clay as you progress down the hill. The north slope also has some sandy clay. The vines face north and east creating a mini valley which traps the autumn mists enabling the regular formation of botrytis which is required to create these magic wines. Apart from the superb site, one feature that makes the domaine special is the use of a large proportion of Muscadelle. The grape is fickle and very prone to disease. Today, there is only one clone available which is not liked by vignerons. However, the vines at the domaine are very old and not from the new clone so when vines must be replanted Bruno does so by selection massale, without recourse to the modern clone. Botrytis also affects muscadelle differently to other grapes. Often only some of the grapes in a bunch will be affected necessitating very careful picking. The relatively easy semillon provides most of the balance of the fruit. The attention to detail is fanatical and results in tiny yields, sometimes as low as 2 hl/ha and never more than 12. The aim is not to produce the richest and sweetest wine but the best balanced of wines, and here again the muscadelle plays a vital role adding its minerality and fruit flavours to the fat of the semillon.
The Wines Chateau Tirecul La Graviere produces wine loyal to the history and AOC requirements of Monbazillac. The wines feature an high proportion of Muscadelle (50%) completed by Semillon (45%) and Sauvigon (5%). The richness and opulence of th semillon is perfectly complemented by the aromatic palette of the muscadelle which brings freshness and lightness to the wine. This is the secret of the domaine and the reason its wines are superior to all others. All grapes are hand picked and in order to obtain perfect grapes a large number of passes are made through the vineyard. Sometimes this means picking grape by grape to obtain highly botrytised berries! The harvest lasts for several weeks! The grapes are lightly pressed for several hours to extract the juice in th best condition. After a natural decanting the juice is fermented for several months in oak. Following fermentation ageing is carried out in barrels.
Chateau Tirecul La Graviere typically produces two sweet wines - the domaine wine “Chateau Tirecul la Graviere” and the super cuvee “Madame”. About one year in five they produce a wine from young vines named “Les Pins”. All wines are in 500ml bottles - in my opinion the perfect size for sweet wine. The quality of the wines is extremely high. The “Madame” is often very favourably compared to Chateau d’Yquem.
Monbazillac Chateau Tirecul La Graviere (500ml) Usual Price $69.95 per bottle Pre-Arrival Price $58.95 This is the domaine’s “standard” cuvee. But it is by no means ordinary or average! The wine is made from perfectly botrytised grapes. The aim is to produce of wine of intensity, complexity and balance where the sweetness is balanced by minerality and acid. The style is Sauternes-like but with more minerality and life, less oak and better balance. A terrific wine, particularly at the price. I tasted a large number of vintages at the domaine. The quality was universally very high, but each vintage exhibited unique characters.
Some information on the 2005 Monbazillac Tirecul La Graviere A period of mist and showers with generally warm days were ideal for the development of botrytis. Two passes through the vineyard were made between 17 October and 2 November. The resulting grapes had a potential alcohol of 21.5 degrees. Production was about 9 hl/ha (compare that to Burgundy!). Fermentation was slow and did not finish until July of 2006. The wine then spent 30 months in French oak barrels of which 15% were new.
FOUR GREAT VINTAGES AVAILABLE! ALL THE SAME PRICE. I have purchased four vintages of this wine but my favourite was the 2005. It was simply stunning! Here is a brief summary of my notes: 2003. Exotic nose. A big powerful wine and very mouthfilling. Savoury notes add an interesting complexity. Guide Gault et Millau 18/20. (LOW) 2004. Toffee, bitter oranges. Thick and viscous with spicy notes creating a very alluring finish. Guide Gault et Millau 17/20. Guide RVF 17.5 (LOW) 2005. Not the biggest wine but one that is both sweet and sublimely balanced. Very complex and spicy - the flavours come in waves. One of the best wines of my trip. This is a stunner. Forget Sauternes and buy this! Guide Bettane and Desseauve 19/20. Half a point behind 2005 d’Yquem at a fraction of the price! And this is the “standard” wine of Tirecul la Graviere! 2006. Sweet and fresh, the youngest wine available. Spices, apricots and prunes. Perfect balance and great style. Guide Bettane and Desseauve 17.5/20. (LOW)
Not sure what to try - my tip - you can’t go wrong with the 2005! Better still try them all!
Monbazillac Chateau Tirecul La Graviere MADAME (500ml) Usual Price $199.95 per bottle Pre-Arrival Price $175.00 Serious competition for Chateau d’Yquem! This exceptional cuvee, not always produced, represents the fullest expression of pure Noble Rot. Each grape is harvested with extreme care, very often grape by grape. It delivers an extraordinary complexity of aromas, but its splendour reveals itself in the mouth, with a creaminess and a rare power, yet never with heaviness. This cuvee is known by everyone, from Robert Parker with his note of 100/100 to Michel Bettane, not forgetting Jancis Robinson. It is one of the world references of our time. The vines used for this super cuvee are 50 years old. The yield an astonishingly low 2 to 6 hl/ha. That is crazy! Up to eleven passes through the vineyard are made. This is a labour of love! The wines is fermented in new French oak and then aged in new oak for 20 to 30 months. The quality and style are not unlike Coutet’s Cuvee Madame as the name suggests. Incredibly intense and powerful but always finishing clean. The wines are truly superb. I think the wine copares very favourably with Chateau d’Yquem!
Some information on the 2001 Monbazillac Tirecul La Graviere MADAME In 2001 harvest has began on October 16th to end on November 6th. Three passages in the vineyard were done to obtain grapes at about 24.7 potential degrees, with a yield of 7 hl/ha. The selection, mostly berry by berry, happened under perfect weather. A majority of the first passage, with very well balanced berries, and the rest from the second, with very concentrated grapes, gave the blend for one of the best Cuvee Madame de Tirecul La Gravière.
FIVE GREAT VINTAGES AVAILABLE! ALL THE SAME PRICE. It was hard to select which vintages to import. Bruno has small reserve stocks of some earlier vintages which I snapped up. The quantities available of this wine is very small as annual production is generally around 1000 bottles! 2001. Tasted over dinner. A monumental effort. Citrus, quince and spice. An explosion of flavours in the mouth and regarded as one of the greatest. One of the 1000 wines to drink before you die. (VERY LOW) 2003. Exotic, yet precise and very aromatic without the heaviness this vintage can bring. Les Meilleurs Vins de France 18.5/20. Guide Gault et Millau 18/20. (VERY LOW) 2004. Perhaps slightly lighter with more spice and citrus and a little oak. an interesting contrast to the other vintages and none the worse for that. Tast No.53 18/20. Guide Bettane and Desseauve 17.5/20. (VERY LOW) 2005. A show stopper again! 2005 was just a magic vintage for the domaine. This has everything the standard wine has but in larger quantities, but never forgetting the need for balance. That is what makes the 2005 wines so impressive for me. Tast No.53 20/20. Guide Bettane and Desseauve 19.5/20 (the same as d’Yquem). If you want taste something very special buy a bottle of this! 2006. A supercharged version of the standard wine. Guide Bettane and Desseauve 18.5/20 (d’Yquem scored 19.0, Coutet 18.0). Treat yourself! (VERY LOW)
Not sure what to try - once again go with the 2005 - it is stunning! Robert Parker and Chateau Tirecul la Graviere Robert Parker was one of the people who bought these wines to the world. He scored the 1993 Madame 95 Points: The 1993 Cuvee Madame is a formidable effort. Like its two younger siblings, it is syrupy and honeyed, with penetrating aromas, in addition to a majestic level of flavor intensity, and a finish that lasts for 45 seconds. Only 20 cases were produced. Monbazillac is well-known in French history, but my experience in tasting through the appellation's wines has unearthed few gems. Leave it to Eric Solomon to discover this remarkable estate. The vineyard is planted with a high percentage of Muscadelle (50%), along with Semillon (45%), and Sauvignon (5%). There are two cuvees produced. The young vine cuvee (the vines are 45-years old) produced only 8.5 hectoliters per hectare in 1994 (less than one-quarter ton of fruit per acre). Additionally, these grapes are picked grape by grape (as they develop the noble rot), not by bunch. The proprietors, Claudia and Bruno Bilancini, actually pass through the vineyard a minimum of four to five times a day. Given the fact that it is a manual harvest, the 1994 was harvested between October 20 and November 25. Fasten your seat belts, as these wines are remarkable. 95 Points He went one better in 1994: The 1994 Cuvee Madame may be one of the two or three greatest sweet wines I have ever tasted. Only 20 cases of this wine, harvested grape by grape from five to six passes in the vineyard per day, were made from yields of 5 hectoliters per hectare (approximately one-fifth ton of fruit per acre). It tastes like the essence of orange marmalade infused with honey, and some flowery, fruit cocktail concoction. The wine boasts extraordinary purity, and exceptional sweetness, all buttressed by refreshing acidity. Aged in 100% new oak, the wine reveals no evidence of wood, no doubt because of its phenomenal extract. These wines will be nearly impossible to find, but I hope those few lucky enough to latch onto a few 500 ml bottles will lay some away and taste them against the greatest vintages of Chateau d'Yquem or Climens. An astonishing discovery! (99-100 Points) And then in 1995 the ultimate: I have applauded recent efforts of this estate, which goes to unprecedented lengths as well as labor to produce the most amazing sweet wines I have ever tasted. Their two new vintages include a perfect 1995 Cuvee Madame and a totally profound regular cuvee of 1995 Monbazillac. I recently had the 1993 Cuvee Madame next to an exceptional bottle of 1989 Chateau d'Yquem. Everyone at the table went ballistic over the 1993 Cuvee Madame. They loved the Yquem, but thought Tirecul la Graviere's 1993 Cuvee Madame to be the superior wine. Perhaps the tasting should be repeated in 20-30 years to determine if the results would be similar. That being said, there is no doubt in my mind that the 1995 Cuvee Madame is as profound a sweet wine as I have ever tasted. Made from 80-year old vines, harvested grape by grape, and with yields of 12 hectoliters per hectare (under one ton of fruit per acre), this wine boasts a glorious nose of apricot jam, tangerine essence, and subtle spicy oak. With its profound richness, blazingly vivid definition, huge body, viscous thickness (with no heaviness), and finish that lasts for nearly a minute, this nectar constitutes one of the most extraordinary sweet wines I have ever tasted. As is the case with so many of the world's greatest wines, the production is insignificant. 100 Points But changes of staff have meant that the area is not longer visited by Parker or his team. What a shame! If anything the quality has improved over the last decade. On the positive side this oversight almost certainly means the wine is available in Australia today.
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Altesino Outstanding Brunello di Montalcino from the Magnificent 2006 Vintage “The 2006 vintage for Brunello di Montalcino is the new benchmark for this famous Tuscan appellation and the Sangiovese grape.” James Suckling The winery Altesino, in Brunello de Montalcino, was established in 1970 by entrepreneur Giulio Consonno from Milan. Since 2002 been the property of the Gnudi-Angelini family, which relies on the collaboration of winemaker Claudio Basla. Altesino has its base in the 15th century Palazzo Altesi, formerly owned by the Tricerchi family of Tuscany. Over the past 30 years, the estate has set trends in the production of Brunello di Montalcino, introducing many important innovations. In 1979, Altesino became the first winery in the area to make use of French Oak “barriques” or casks. Likewise, the concept of “Cru” was used for the first time to refer to the Montosoli vineyard on the property in 1975. In 1985, the first Futures (i.e. purchasing wine before its release) were printed and introduced on the market for 1985 Brunello and - last but not least - in 1977, the first Grappa di Fattoria was produced,thanks to a partnership with master distiller, Gioacchino Nannoni. Wine production comes from the 42.5 hectares of vineyards across the region. There are two plantings in the north-eastern part of Montalcino (Altesino 17 ha and Macina 8ha), one in the north-western part (Montosoli 4.5ha), another in San Angelo in Colle (Pianezzine 6.5ha) and lastly in Castelnuovo dell'Abate (Velona 6.5 ha). The premium red wines from Montalcino are made from 100% Sangiovese. These wines, from Sangiovese Grosso, express the unique terroir of the region.
The estate also produces a quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil that I am sure will be of interest to everyone. We are delighted to introduce Altesino to our portfolio. Most of you will realize it is the first non-French estate so we had to be very happy with the quality and character of the wines. A particularly nice aspect is that we launch with the magnificent 2006 vintage - the greatest year for a long time.
James Suckling Tasting Report: Brunello 2006 January 15th, 2011 The 2006 vintage for Brunello di Montalcino is the new benchmark for this famous Tuscan appellation and the Sangiovese grape. I can’t think of a better expression of Tuscan wines than the best 2006 Brunello di Montalcinos. What excites me about the wines is their metamorphic character. They seem to change all the time in the glass. First they seem elegant and shy, with delicate enticing aromas of flowers and cherries alongside refined and silky palates, but then with time in the glass, they grow in color, aromatic strength, and sheer power. I have rarely discovered such energy in a Sangiovese. As I have blogged before, I have only seen great red Burgundy react like that in the glass – and I am talking about grand cru or premiere cru Pinot Noirs from top producers. It’s a sign of a great vintage. Brunello makers agree 2006 is their best effort ever – although 2007 is going to be very close in quality as well. I think the 2007s are a little more fleshy and fruity than the 2006s. But it’s the quality of their amazing tannins and their freshness of acidity that makes the 2006 my slight preference. But what’s wrong with having two great vintages in a row for Brunello? “I can’t think of two back-to-back great vintages of Brunello,” said Sirio Pacenti, whose 2006 Sirio Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino was one of my top wines of the tasting. “It is a very special moment for Brunello di Montalcino.” However, I think 2006 is THE greatest modern vintage for Sangiovese, and many of the 2006s are setting a new quality standard for Brunello producers, as well as their region at large. Most of the wines below need two to four more years of bottle age before drinking, but if you decant them two or three hours before drinking, you can enjoy them now. They will improve with age for decades to come.
James Suckling Tasting Report: Brunello 2006, 2005 II July 18th, 2011 I still think that 2006 is a superb vintage for Brunello di Montalcino, perhaps the greatest to date in bottle. What I love about the wines is their amazing tannins and bright acidity along with ripe fruit. The wines have wonderful length and balance. They are very approachable now to drink but will improve with age for decades ahead. The vintage is the new 1997 – a legend for Brunello and other Tuscan reds. As I have written in the past, the growing season in Tuscany was beautiful. It was hot and sunny during the day and cool during the night. No real heat spikes happened as well. This let the Sangiovese ripen to near perfect, maintaining freshness as well as exhibiting ripeness of fruit. The tannins are strong yet balanced and polished. These Brunellos will give great pleasure when young as well as when mature. Most will be better in another three to four years.
erobertparker.com on 2006 Brunello by Antonio Galloni Interest in the 2006 Brunelli vintage is by far the highest I have seen for any Italian wine since I joined The Wine Advocate, coincidentally that same year. Many of the 2006s were highly promising from the moment I began following them in barrel. Now that the wines are in bottle, it is clear most producers captured the full potential of
this great harvest. ....At its best, though, 2006 is a benchmark vintage for Brunello di Montalcino. Readers will not want to miss these fabulous wines. In general the best 2006s are big, powerful Brunelli with beautifully delineated aromatics, great concentration of fruit and plenty of structure. There are significant differences between the northern and southern parts of the zone, once again demonstrating that Montalcino really must be considered as a group of smaller appellations. The wines of the north are generally more linear, focused and aromatic, while the wines of the south tend to favor a riper, warmer expression of fruit. Vintage 2006 will be remembered for intense, rich wines. At the same time, the best Brunelli possess striking aromatics, plenty of nuance and the structure to develop positively for many years. The summer was hot, but temperatures did not reach the extremes of years such as 2003. Spells of rain in late August and early September refreshed the grapes and slowed down their maturation cycle, always a positive for Montalcino. Growers picked under gorgeous fall weather. And now, the wines!
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Usual Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival Price $84.00 Case of 12 Bottles Pre-Arrival Price $924.00 100% Sangiovese. Aged for 4 years in barrels (minimum 2 years in Slavonian oak barrels). With two tasters stating that the wines reminds them of Burgundy you have to give it a try! Tanzer: Medium red. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, blood orange, minerals, mocha and cocoa powder: I was reminded of Burgundy. Wonderfully tight and perfumed in the mouth, with superb youthful definition to the raspberry and floral flavors. Perfumed and light on its feet. Finishes sharply delineated, firmly tannic and impressively long. With three full days in the recorked bottle, this wine became denser and more minerallly, offering a leathery hint and terrific sexy breadth. 94 Points jamesuckling.com: Amazing aromas of freshly picked flowers and black cherries. Full to medium bodied, with medium tannins and a fruity finish. Coffee and cigar box undertones. More forward and red to drink than some. Why wait? 92 Points Wine Spectator: Smells like red Burgundy, with floral, cherry, woodsy and graphite aromas and flavors. Sweet and silky, underscored by firm, integrated tannins. Distinctive and delicious. Best from 2013 through 2022. 91 Points
2006 Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” DOCG Usual Price $185.00 Pre-Arrival Price $157.00 Case of 12 Bottles Pre-Arrival Price $1727.00 Super cuvee! 100% Sangiovese from the hill of “Montosoli”. Aged for 4 years in barrels (minimum 2 years in Slavonian oak barrels) and 3-4 months in medium toasted allier barrels.
Tanzer: Medium red. Cherry, nectarine and orange peel on the nose, lifted by flowers. Intensely flavored and penetrating, boasting terrific energy and purity to its reticent middle palate. Denser and chewier than the classico, but at the same time a bit more high-pitched and exotic. A wine of terrific focus and verve, finishing with palatestaining, reverberating length. I initially scored this a half step behind the regular bottling, but this really exploded after 72 hours in the recorked bottle, while magically retaining its freshness. Easily the best vintage since 1999 for this beautiful estate on the northern edge of the appellation. 94(+?) Points jamesuckling.com: Perfumed and fruity, with dried cherries and citrus fruit. Wow. It really opens on the nose giving so much gorgeous fruit. Full body and very dense, with dried cherries, cedar and hints of coffee bean. Powerful and rich. Try it after 2015. 96 Points Wine Enthusiast: Opens with a big, bold style and enormous depth, intensity and concentration. This is a massive Brunello on every front. 95 Point Wine Spectator: Sage, rosemary and tar aromas complement the sweet black cherry fruit in this red. Though supple and almost opulent, there's an elegance and freshness about this, too. The long aftertaste features spice and tobacco notes. Best from 2012 through 2024. 93 Points
2009 Rosso di Montalcino DOC Usual Price $49.00 Pre-Arrival Price $41.50 Case of 12 Bottles Pre-Arrival Price $456.50 100% Sangiovese. Spends 7 months in Slavonian oak barrels. Wine Spectator: A mix of cherry, licorice, iron and sweet spice flavors makes this Rosso appealing. This is round and open, with a touch of chocolate on the finish. 87 Points erobertparker.com: Altesino’s 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a pretty, soft wine laced with dried red cherries, flowers and hints of tobacco. The fruit shows a lovely, open radiance, while the mid-weight structure suggests the wine is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.
2009 Rosso Toscana IGT Usual Price $33.00 Pre-Arrival Price $28.00 Case of 12 Bottles Pre-Arrival Price $308.00 A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 6-8 months in stainless steel tanks and 3 months in French barriques. The quality of this “base� wine was one of the reasons I opted for Altesino. This is a terrific drink with lovely fruit and enough enough to place it above the pack. Available at a very reasonable price. Great for the coming year or two. Perhaps a summer bbq or two? erobertparker.com: The 2009 Rosso di Altesino is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in stainless steel. It is a tasty entry-level wine laced with sweet red cherries, tobacco and spices well-suited to near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013.
2001 Vin Santo D’Altesi Usual Price 375ml bottle $65.00 Pre-Arrival Price $55.00 Case of 12 Bottles Pre-Arrival Price $605.00 A blend of 70% Trebbiano Toscano and 30% Malvasia Toscana. Aged 5-7 years in 55 litre oak barrels. Info from Altesino: The Vin Santo which is a DOC Val d’Arbia has “a long story”, it was hand harvested in September nine years ago hereafter the grapes where hanged to dry from late summer until the end of January. According to tradition the drying takes place in Altesino’s Vinsantaia, where the branches will hang creating walls of grapes. Today, after a eight years aging period in small traditional Tuscan oak barrels, the Vin Santo is released after refinement in the bottles. "From the tastings we conducted with our company panel the quality was confirmed as expected. The Vin Santo is lively due to good acidity, although it is very dense and highly impact on both the nose and palate, which gives it a good finish with flavour and harmony; overall pleasing product. " erobertparker.com: The 2001 Vin Santo is another big success for the house. This medium-bodied Vin Santo, with 117 grams of residual sugar, showcases ethereal plums, cloves, dried flowers and licorice, all backed up by considerable richness that leads to an impeccable, creamy finish. The level of detail, clarity and precision are firstclass. This is a strong vintage for the estate’s Vin Santo. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. 94 Points
Grappa di Brunello Usual Price 1 litre bottle $115.00 Pre-Arrival Price 1 litre bottle $95.00 A distillate made from the fermented must of Sangiovese (Brunello). Aged for 6 months in various types of oak barrels. Intense, delicate, fruity, with elegance and complexity.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Usual Price 750 ml bottle $39.95 Pre-Arrival Price 750 ml bottle $33.95 Case of 12 bottles $373.45 We have been enjoying a bottle of this forwarded as a trade sample alongside some other Italian oils and a couple of highly regarded Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oils. The Altesino is green and bright with a lovely peppery finish and quite simply nails the Aussie oils. We want you to try it so we have priced it very competitively. With no extra middle-man margin this EVOO is a bargain. Stock up and save!
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au
Pre-Arrival Orderform Name..........................................................................................................Date................................. Delivery Address................................................................................................................................. City/Town.........................................................State...................................Postcode......................... Phone number.................................................Email address............................................................ Wines in Blue are Low - 24 or fewer bottles remaining Wines in Red are Very Low - 12 or fewer bottles remaining Wines in Green have sold out from this shipment but can be ordered for future delivery
DOMAINE GEORGES LIGNIER .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Morey-St-Denis Gevrey-Chambertin Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes Clos-St-Denis Grand Cru Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
59.95 75.00 87.00 162.00 199.00 199.00 249.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
DOMAINE GEORGES LIGNIER BACK VINTAGES .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2005 2002 2003 2005 2002 2003 2006 2002 2005 2006 2006 2002 2006 2004 2006
Gevrey-Chambertin Volnay 1er Cru Volnay 1er Cru Volnay 1er Cru Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Combottes Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Combottes Clos-St-Denis Grand Cru Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
65.00 58.00 58.00 58.00 74.00 74.00 74.00 111.00 111.00 134.00 153.00 171.00 149.00 179.00 194.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
DOMAINE PHILIPPE LECLERC .......... 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin “La Platiere” .......... 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers .......... 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Combe Aux Moines
$ 79.95 $...................... $ 149.00 $...................... $ 165.00 $......................
DOMAINE JEAN CHAUVENET .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Bourgogne Rouge Nuits-St-Georges Vosne-Romanee Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Aux Argillas Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Rue de Chaux Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Poulettes Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Perrieres Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains 6-Bottle Nuits-St-Georges Tasting Pack
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
35.00 65.00 65.00 90.00 90.00 105.00 112.00 135.00 597.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
$ 43.99 $ 67.00 $ 72.00 $ 69.50 $ 83.00 $ 85.00 $ 420.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
$ 50.00 $ 67.00 $ 67.00 $ 67.00 $ 69.50 $ 69.50 $ 69.50 $ 459.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
DOMAINE BITOUZET-PRIEUR .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Volnay Volnay 1er Cru Les Aussy Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds Volnay 1er Cru Pitures Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets 6-Bottle Tasting Pack
DOMAINE ALBERT MOROT .......... 2009 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru La Batailere Aux Vergelesses .......... 2009 Beaune 1er Cru Cents-Vignes .......... 2009 Beaune 1er Cru Toussaints .......... 2009 Beaune 1er Cru Aigrots .......... 2009 Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes .......... 2009 Beaune 1er Cru Marconnets .......... 2009 Beaune 1er Cru Teurons .......... 2009 7-Bottle Tasting Pack
DOMAINE CHRISTIAN CLERGET .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Morey-St-Denis Les Crais Chambolle-Musigny Vosne-Romanee Les Violettes Vougeots 1er Cru Les Petits Vougeots Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes Echezeaux Grand Cru 6-Bottle Tasting Pack
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
69.00 69.00 85.00 115.00 115.00 157.00 610.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
DOMAINE CHANTAL LESCURE .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Cote de Beaune Rouge Clos des Topes Bizot Beaune 1er Cru Les Choucheaux Pommard Les Vignots Nuits-St-Georges Les Damodes Pommard 1er Cru Les Bertins Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 7-Bottles Tasting Pack
$ 37.50 $...................... $ 55.00 $...................... $ 64.00 $...................... $ 75.00 $...................... $ 85.00 $...................... $ 149.00 $...................... $ 195.00 $...................... $ 660.00 $......................
DOMAINE DU CLOS FRANTIN .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Malconsorts Clos-de-Vougeot Grand Cru Echezeaux Grand Cru Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru Chambertin Grand Cru
$ 135.00 $...................... SOLD OUT $...................... $ 185.00 $...................... $ 262.00 $...................... $ 269.00 $......................
DOMAINE DU PAVILLON .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2008 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2007 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2009 Pommard Clos des Ursulines Monopole 2009 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens 2009 Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Clos des Marachaudes Monopole .......... 2009 Corton Clos des Marachaudes Grand Cru Monopole
$ 150.00 $...................... $ 135.00 $...................... $ 135.00 $...................... $ 59.00 $...................... $ 99.00 $...................... SOLD OUT $...................... $ 119.00 $......................
MAISON ALBERT BICHOT .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2008 2007 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
Montrachet Grand Cru Montrachet Grand Cru Montrachet Grand Cru Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St-Jacques Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru Romanee-St-Vivant Grand Cru Richebourg Grand Cru
$ 590.00 $...................... $ 535.00 $...................... $ 535.00 $...................... SOLD OUT $...................... $ 192.00 $...................... $ 215.00 $...................... $ 335.00 $...................... $ 595.00 $......................
DOMAINE FERNAND and LAURENT PILLOT .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Vide Bourse 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Grandes-Ruchottes .......... 2009 Meursault 1er Cru Caillerets .......... 2009 Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots .......... 2009 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens
$ $ $
65.00 $...................... 65.00 $...................... 85.00 $......................
$ $ $ $
85.00 85.00 69.00 89.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
$ $ $ $
795.00 495.00 359.00 149.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
$ $ $ $
139.00 130.00 130.00 125.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
HENRI BOILLOT .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 Montrachet 2009 Batard-Montrachet 2009 Criots-Batard-Montrachet 2009 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2009 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchere Monopole .......... 2009 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Folatieres .......... 2009 Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres .......... 2009 Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes
DOMAINE LONG-DEPAQUIT .......... 2008 Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaucopains
$
45.00 $......................
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008
Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru Chablis Les Blanchots Grand Cru Chablis Les Vaudesirs Grand Cru Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru Chablis La Moutonne Grand Cru Monopole 8-Bottle Tasting Pack
$ 45.00 $...................... $ 67.00 $...................... $ 76.00 $...................... $ 76.00 $...................... $ 76.00 $...................... $ 84.00 $...................... $ 115.00 $...................... $ 584.00 $......................
DOMAINE DE VAUROUX .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2010 2008 2008 2008 2006
Chablis Chablis Chablis Chablis Chablis
1er Cru Montmains 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre Bougros Grand Cru Bougros Grand Cru
$ $ $ $ $
33.00 45.00 45.00 81.00 81.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
$ $ $ $ $ $
26.00 30.00 33.00 33.00 39.95 31.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
$ $
59.95 $...................... 59.95 $......................
$
77.00 $......................
DOMAINE LOEW .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2010 Riesling Muschelkalck 2010 Riesling Bruderbach Clos des Freres 2010 Riesling Ostenberg 2009 Riesling Ostenberg 2009 Riesling Altenberg de Bergbeiten Grand Cru 2010 Gewurtraminer Cormier 2009 Riesling Vendange Tardive Altenberg de Bergbieten Grand Cru .......... 2009 Gewurtraminer Vendange Tardive Ostenberg .......... 2007 Gewurtraminer Selection de Grains Noble Ostenberg
DOMAINE DE LA JANASSE .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 2009 2009 2009 2008
Cotes du Rhone Chateauneuf-du-Pape Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Chaupin” Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes”* Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes”
$ 21.95 $...................... $ 76.50 $...................... $ 110.00 $...................... $ 153.00 $...................... $ 136.00 $......................
OGIER .......... 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Expression de Terroir” Set of 4 .......... 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes” .......... 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Les Choregies” .......... 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone “Oratorio” .......... Case Price
$ 239.80 $...................... $
66.00 $......................
$ 115.00 $...................... $ 23.00 $...................... $ 253.00 $......................
DOMAINE ROUGE-BLEU .......... 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone “Mistral” .......... Case Price .......... 2009 “Lunatique”*
$ 25.00 $...................... $ 275.00 $...................... $ 50.00 $......................
DOMAINE ANNE GROS and JEAN-PAUL TOLLOT .......... .......... .......... ..........
2009 Minervois Les Fontanilles Case Price 2009 Minervois La Ciaude Case Price
$ 42.00 $...................... $ 480.00 $...................... $ 51.00 $...................... $ 590.00 $......................
CHATEAU TIRECUL LA GRAVIERE .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
2003 2004 2005 2006 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006
Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac Monbazillac
Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul Chateau Tirecul
La La La La La La La La La
Graviere Graviere Graviere Graviere Graviere Graviere Graviere Graviere Graviere
$ $ $ $ Madame $ Madame $ Madame $ Madame $ Madame $
58.95 58.95 58.95 58.95 175.00 175.00 175.00 175.00 175.00
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Case Price 2006 Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” DOCG Case Price 2009 Rosso di Montalcino DOC Case Price 2009 Rosso Toscana Case Price 2001 Vin Santo D’Altesi Case Price Extra Virgin Olive Oil Case Price
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
84.00 924.00 157.00 1727.00 41.50 456.50 28.00 308.00 55.00 605.00 33.95 373.45
$...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $...................... $......................
ALTESINO .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
SUBTOTAL $...................... Shipping per case: Free for 12 bottles or more - otherwise $10.00 in Victoria and $15.00 elsewhere in Australia SHIPPING $...................... TOTAL
$......................
Method of Payment. We accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, Cheque or Direct Deposit. Bank account details: Grand Millesime Pty Ltd Bank: Westpac Account number: 298165
BSB: 033003
For payment by Credit Card: Name on Card.................................................Expiry Date............/.............CCV............. Card Number __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Signature ...............................................................................................
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au