Wine of the Week: Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2008

After 2007 in the Southern Rhone, which has been called “the vintage of a lifetime”, how could anything be better? The truth is that it can only be different. Every vintage has a different profile and it is the great producers that are able to fully express what the vintage has to offer.  Clos Saint Jean is one of those producers.

From the Wine Advocate

This beautiful Chateauneuf du Pape possesses abundant amounts of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and sandal/balsam wood notes, a big, full-bodied mouthfeel, and the best depth and richness of any 2008 I tasted.

It possesses remarkable intensity and depth for a 2008, and has some tannins to be resolved, but it offers a voluptuous, broad swath of blackberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice, garrigue and jus de viande. Drink this stunning effort over the next 12-15+ years.

Wine of the Week: Marc Sorrel Hermitage Blanc “Les Rocoules” 2007

Wine of the Week: Rouvre Saint Leger Blanc 2009

From Laudin, a little known village near Tavel, this expression of Viognier from 25 year old vines is a beautiful, pale yellow color with green glints. A bouquet of apricot, lychee and orange rind. This wine is fresh and creamy on the palate, with hints of exotic flavored candy.

Adrian Borrelly is the twelfth generation at this domaine. This wine comes from a small parcel, 3 ha of the family holdings that he and his partner, Didier Dumont Murzillis are focused on to bring the best expression of the appellation.

Wine of the Week : Domaine Richard Rottiers Moulin à Vent “Climat Champ de Cour” 2008

With all the talk about the 2009 vintage in Beaujolais, which is very well deserved, we had to highlight this 2008 from Richard Rottiers. It is by far the most amazing expression of Moulin a Vent that I have ever tasted. This unique wine comes from 0.80 ha of old vines, which are located in the heart of the renowned ‘Champ de Cour’ terroir. It is surprisingly crisp and complex; it went through a partial CO2 maceration process during 12-15 days, a ten-month aging process in barrels, and is not filtered.

We only imported 25 cases, so and try and get this very limited wine while we still have some.

Wine of the Week: Domaine Testut Chablis “Rive Droit” 2009

Chablis “Rive Droite,” meaning the right side of the Serein river, is actually situated in front of Grand Cru Blanchots and on the side of Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre. This exposition is known to give riper and more powerful wines. The wine is closer to Premier Cru in quality, with a large majority of Massale vines that are over 45 years old. A complex wine with excellent mineral structure permits it to maintain its typical dry mineral and white fruit aromas for a number of years.

Wine of the Week: Ployez-Jacquemart “Passion” NV

A floral wine with lightly toasted notes, very complex, rich and long. A sophisticated nose with a sumptuous finish. 55% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Munier, and 40% Chardonnay, this cuvee sees a third matured in neutral oak with no maloactic fermentation. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays

Wine of the Week: Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox Blanc 2009

From the southern most vineyard in the Rhone Valley, a blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, Rhone Paradox Blanc has an up front nose that reveals fresh fruit aroma that combines with hints of fresh flowers. A great wine to serve with seafood and grilled fish.

Wine of the Week: Domaine De La Paleine Saumur Puy Notre Dame 2008

From the newest AOC, this expression of Cabernet Franc delivers a fullness and flavor that shows why this is an outstanding new AOC. Velvety, supple and well structured, this wine pairs well with Charcuteries, grilled meats and fowl. Farmed organically, Domaine de La Paleine is working to not only preserve the environment, but to best                                                                             express this unique terroir

Wine of the Week: White Cottage RISA 2007

Meaning Laughter in Spanish, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the Howell Mountain Estate, blended with excellent Cabernet from the Napa valley floor. It has intense powerful fruit and a rich smooth texture with flavors of currant, cocoa, black cherry and a hint of maple cream on the finish. Sure to bring a smile when you enjoy this at dinner.

Wine of the Week: Henry Marionnet Premiere Vendange 2009

Continuing our wine ideas for Thanksgiving, we want to suggest Premiere Vendange from Henry Marionnet. What happens when you set out to make wine without the use of modern winemaking techniques? You get an exceptional quality and purity of Gamay fruit. This is the epitome of a natural wine. With aromas of blackberry and black cherry, it is a festive wine that will pair with lighter foods. There’s absolutely nothing added to making this wine. All indigenous yeasts and no sulpher added. Every year we have this wine analyzed, and we do not need to put “Contains Sulphites” on the label. Truly a festive wine for every Bacchanalia.