Chilean Wine Tasting at Café Maxx

“[I]t is the wine that leads me on,
the wild wine that sets the wisest man to sing at the top of his lungs,
laugh like a fool – it drives the man to dancing...
it even tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.”
― Homer, The Odyssey

Yes- it is the wine!!! And next week is a busy one here with four chances to drink with us!  That's how I like it!! All this good wine to drink keeps me from getting in trouble…

Two Chilean tastings back to back, Tuesday night at the Edge on Brickell and Wednesday night Café Maxx, then a cooking class at Cafe Maxx Thursday  featuring the southern side of master Chef Oliver Saucy as he dives into some Creole cooking.  The menu looks fantastic and this is one of the best values that we do at Café Maxx for $65 + Tax + Gratuity.

Southern Comfort Cooking Class at Cafe Maxx
Thursday, August 23, 2012
5:00 PM

Saucy’s Southern Comfort! We’re Creole Cookin’ Menu

Jumbo shrimp and stone ground grits with Creole remoulade & blue corn meal fried green tomatoes
Crab & Andouille stuffed swordfish tasso & vegetable Etouffe sauce with sweet pepper corn bread
Seared jumbo sea scallop Jambalaya with okra and hoppin’ John Basmati rice
Grilled B & E chicken with bourbon & molasses BBQ

All this along with professional cooking instruction and four wines to sample for $65 + tax + Gratuity, for reservations call 954-782-0606.

But back to our focus on Chile and we have two wineries that we are focusing on this evening, Vina Carmen and Casa Lapostolle.

Founded over 160 years ago, Carmen is the wine producer with most experience in Chile. Combined with the variety of its holdings of vineyards in the country's best growing zones, this allows it to produce a wide range of fine Chilean wines. It was also Carmen that promoted the development of Carmenére variety in the country.

Lapostolle was founded by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet in 1994. The Marnier Lapostolle family, founders and owners of the world-renowned liqueur Grand Marnier, is famous for producing spirits and liqueurs, but the family has also been involved in winemaking for generations.

Carmen has been known for its value oriented wines while Casa Lapostolle has branded their wines as one of the top producers especially after winning the illustrious "wine of the Year" title for its 2005 Clos Apalta, but the other wines from their Apalta vineyard are also outstanding at 1/3 of the price of the Clos Apalta!! These are the real values in this line-up of outstanding wines from one of Chile’s landmark producers.

Chef Oliver Saucy will be sending out a few small courses to accompany the tasting wines. The fee for this tasting event is $35 + tax, for reservations call 954-782-0606.

Chilean Wine Tasting at Café Maxx
Wednesday Aug 22, 2012
630pm

Tasting Line-up

Vina Carmen Chardonnay Grand Reserve Casablanca Valley 2010
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52          Case $168

Winery Notes: A very fine chardonnay with a complex bouquet of fruits, wood, vanilla, and butter; pleasant in the mouth, with great body and length.

Vina Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2009
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52          Case $168

Winery Notes: A red wine with strong aromas of cherry and black plum. Complex aromas and flavours from prolonged aging in barrels, giving notes of vanilla, toast, a smoky edge, and traces of fruits such as raspberry and plum; great body and length, balanced acidity, and pleasant, rounded tannins.

Vina Carmen Carmenere Apalta Vineyard Gran Reserva 2009
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52          Case $168

A red wine with an intense, violet-ruby colour. The bouquet is fruity with strong plum, cherry, and mulberry notes. The aroma also has a vegetable edge of ripe red pepper, and the flavour is complex, with jams, spinach, and chocolate. Barrel aging lends this wine pleasant smoky and toast notes, bringing out its spices; texture is soft, with rounded tannins and medium body.

Vina Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Gold Reserve 2007
Price: $52.50       Sale $46.20          Case $536

Winery Notes: This single vineyard, ultra premium Cabernet is brimming with ripe berries, espresso, chocolate syrup and cassis with sweet, exotic spice aromas. Velvety on the palate with dense berry and mocha flavours, the tannins are powerful but ripe and the linger is substantial.

Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay Cuvee Alexander 2009
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $298

Winery Notes: Bright light yellow with subtle lime notes. The nose contains elegant aromas of sweet citrus fruit, sweet flowers, tropical fruits and subtle spices. On the palate, the wine is very round with an elegant mouth feel, good volume, lively acidity and a long persistent finish.

Casa Lapostolle Merlot Cuvee Alexander 2008
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $298

Winery Notes: Intense dark purple ruby color. Elegant, complex and bold nose, full of spices, black and fresh red fruit that enhances its complexity. Very good volume with elegant and juicy tannins with a long and pleasant finish.

Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee Alexander 2010
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $298

Winery Notes:  Intense mouth feel with a broad tannic structure, lingering towards fresh red fruit flavors. A concentrated body, which will enable a long bottle ageing.

Casa Lapostolle Syrah Cuvee Alexander 2007
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $298

Winery Notes: 'Color: Deep purple with notes of black red hints. Nose: Attractive, elegant and mineral nose, with floral and black fruit hints, with black and white spices and some meaty tones. Palate: Very good structure with round and juicy tannins, pleasant and persistent.

Some older vintage wines from Casa Lapostolle Available in the store:

I have been a big fan of Casa Lapostolle ever since my visit to the winery and even have a few bottles of the 2005 vintage Clos Apalta “Wine of the Year” in my stash.

We also have a nice stash of older vintage wines from the Apalta vineyard as well as a small stash of Clos Apalta here at the store.  These wines will not be tasted at the event but they are available for purchase at our 12% discounted price on this offering.

2002 Casa Lapostolle Merlot Cuvee Alexandra
Price: $27.50       Sale $23.38
Quantity in Stock: 2

2006 Casa Lapostolle Merlot Cuvee Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Colchagua
Price: $27.75       Sale $24.42
Quantity in Stock: 11

60 year old non irrigated vines 15% Carmeneiere Excellent color very plummy and jammy fine herbs and a bit green and typically red cherry and plum berry fruit. Very polished and rich on the palate with a good amount of spice toasty oak spice very rich ripe with good spice and dark coco notes through the finish. finish 45+ EXCELLENT +

2006 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Rapel Valley Chile
Price: $17.25       Sale $15.18
Quantity in Stock: 12

Cassis and black currant berry fruit dark coco spice black earth a good amount of fine herbs and earthy notes to the black berry fruit. Smooth and ripe round tannins a good amount of black currant cherry berry fruit, very balance and fresh with good length through the finish echoing the spice on the nose through the finish. Finish 40+ VERY GOOD +

2007 Casa Lapostolle Merlot Cuvee Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Colchagua
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74
Quantity in Stock: 16

(89 Points) Very solid, with dark briar, raspberry and blackberry notes laced with spice and toast. A tobacco hint adds freshness to the finish. Drink now. 17,423 cases made. –JM Wine Spectator Issue: Jul 31, 2010

2005 Casa Lapostolle Syrah Cuvee Alexandre Las Kuras Vineyard Requinoa Cachapoal
Price: $42.00       Sale $36.96
Quantity in Stock: 6

A good amount of animal and black spice violet floral aromas and a good amount of fresh black earth very complex bouquet of aromas, black plum and black cherry fruit. A good amount black plum fruit and dark spices and notes of that savage and dark spices, excellent freshness and rich dark chocolate spice. finish 45+ MOST EXCELLENT

2007 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Colchagua
Price: $27.00       Sale $23.76         
Quantity in Stock: 19

A fair amount of fresh plowed earth, roasted coffee, dark coco and black cherry and plum like fruit on the nose with a light touch of that Chilean herbaciousness. Smooth black cherry and black currant berry fruit on the tongue with sweet tobacco spice, roasted coffee notes and fine herbs showing up on the finish, notes of dark coco and fairly smooth and drinkable right out of the bottle, a very well balanced wine with excellent concentration and depth for a wine under $20. Finish 40 Excellent

2004 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Chile
Price: $82.50       Sale $72.60
Quantity in Stock: 2

(93 Points) Offers gorgeous aromas of crushed plum and boysenberry fruit, with notes of sweet tobacco, mocha and vanilla. Delivers a plush, silky texture through the fruit-filled finish, with a fine, buried minerality. Carmenère, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. 3,000 cases imported. –JM Wine Spectator Issue: Jul 31, 2007

2007 Clos Apalta Casa Lapostolle Colchagua Valley
Price: $95.75       Sale $84.26
Quantity in Stock: 1

(93 Points) This is a rich and enticing red, with alluring aromas of warm cocoa and roasted vanilla bean giving way to lush plum sauce, cassis and raspberry ganache flavors. The long, smoldering finish is velvety and dripping with pure fruit, all of it backed by a suave tobacco note. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2011 through 2017. 4,538 cases made. –JM  Wine Spectator Jun 30, 2010

2008 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley
Price: $81.00       Sale $71.28
Quantity in Stock: 2

(92 points) Fine-tuned and expressive, yet focused, this red has terrific display of dark, racy blackberry, boysenberry and braised fig flavors finely woven with spice, mesquite and cured olive hints. Silky tannins frame the long finish, with an aftertaste of fruit and mocha. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,771 cases made. –JM Issue: Feb 29, 2012

What I drank Yesterday- Southern Rhone Tasting at Wine Watch

I am so glad that I put this event on the calendar last minute as these wines will not be around very long in the market.  The 2010 vintage may be even better than 2009 in many parts of France but in the Southern Rhone it’s a toss-up for me, both of these vintages are hitting on all cylinders with the top producers like Chateau Beaucastel and Domaine de la Janasse showing at another level. 

Three KILLER wines on the table and this tasting was one of the best values that we have done all year at $55 per person with two 100 point wines and Toni’s Lamb shepherd’s Pie was unreal!!   ALL of the wines are still available…well, there are only two bottles of the Janasse Chaupin 2010 on the shelf - oops sorry those just sold out.  IF YOU LOVE THE SOUTHERN RHONE – YOU WANT SOME OF THESE 2009 AND 2010 WINES IN YOUR CELLAR!!!

2009/2010 Southern Rhone Tasting Review:

2009 Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone Terre D'Argile       
Price: $29.75       Sale $26.18
Quantity in Stock: 5

A blend of 55% Grenache and the rest mostly Mourvedre with a touch of Carignan. Aged completely in foudres and older small barrels. Lots of sweet ripe black cherry and black raspberry coulis like fruit on the nose with and array of fresh flowers and an array of soy and brown spices on the nose. Juicy fruit on the tongue with ripe round tannins and good freshness through the finish along with that perfumed floral nuance and a fresh floral garrigue character, sweet herbs and a tangy finish big but still quite fresh. Finish 40+ Excellent +          Excellent +

2009 Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee        
Price: $46.75       Sale $41.14
Quantity in Stock: 8

A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault from nearly 70-year-old vines.  This wine has a complex bouquet of roasted game, wild berry pie like fruit and a dried herb and floral nuance.  Very smooth and round on the palate with plump ripe red berry fruit, a bit of that animal character and wild herbs and dried floral incense notes through the finish, very forward but also well built with a long savory finish.  Finish 45+         Most Excellent

2009 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf Du Pape Vielles Vignes          
Price: $49.00       Sale $43.12
Quantity in Stock: 52

A blend of 75% old vine Grenache, 15% Syrah, and the balance a mix of Cinsault, Mourvèdre. Spiced black kirsch and mango fruit on the nose with hints of espresso, licorice spice, animal, sweet herbs and bright floral nuance to the bouquet very complex. Thick and viscous on the tongue with ripe tannins and lots of spice to sweet herb and floral nuance on the finish, big but still has nice freshness and a long finish. Finish 50               Most Excellent

2009 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape               
Price: $121.50    Sale $106.92
Quantity in Stock: 24

This is one of the few houses that still uses all 13 varietals that are allowed in the Rhone:  the blend is usually predominantly Grenache. Other red grapes include Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Syrah, Terret Noir, and Vaccarèse. White grapes include Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picardan, Roussanne, and Picpoul. This wine has an incredible bouquet of dried flowers, exotic spices and dried meats, herbs very rustic with a good amount of red and black berry fruit, smooth and round on the tongue with a long layered finish, very savory and ripe round tannins, very approachable.  Finish 50+         KILLER

2010 Chateau de St Cosme Gigondas     
Price: $37.00       Sale $32.56
Quantity in Stock: 7

a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault.  Lavender floral notes to the blackberry and blueberry fruit, licorice spice, a very pretty and nuanced bouquet of aromas.  A very perfumed wine on the tongue with that lavender floral nuance showing through the long finish firm tannins and very well endowed with acidity, a spectacular effort that is classic in style.  Finish 40+   Excellent +

2010 Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige          
Price: $71.00       Sale $62.48
Quantity in Stock: 3

Grenache is predominant. It is blended with the range of red grapes typical of the appellation: Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Terret, Counoise, Vaccarese and Muscardin. A good amount of exotic spice and floral perfume to the cherry pie like fruit on the nose.  Wow just exploding on the palate with a firm hand of acidity, tannins and lots of fruit this wine is jam packed in a classic style that will last for another 20 years it seems or longer.  Finish 45+         Most Excellent

2010 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin       
NA - SOLD OUT!!

A very rich and well endowed wine on the nose black raspberry, kirsch, licorice and a bouquet of fresh flowers and exotic spice.  Wow an explosion of black raspberry like fruit coulis, jammy and a long finish with tannins firm acidity and a long layered finish.  Finish 50+             KILLER

2010 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes           
Price: $107.50    Sale $94.60
Quantity in Stock: 23

Wow a very complex bouquet of aromas with brown spice, soy and incense, blackberry liqueur and very complex, thick and chewy with many layers of exotic spices liqueur like fruit blackberry jam like fruit with excellent freshness and a long layered finish.  Finish 50+             KILLER

Other 2009 and 2010 vintage Southern Rhones available:

We have a great selection of wines from the Southern Rhone in the store from the 2009 and 2010 vintage

2009 Domaine de Janasse Cotes Du Rhone
Price: $18.00       Sale $15.84
Quantity in Stock: 4

2009 Domaine De La Janasse Principauté d'Orange Terre de Bussière Vin de Pays
Price: $15.75       Sale $13.86
Quantity in Stock: 6

(88 Points)The 2009 Vin de Pays Terre de Bussiere, which is 60% Merlot, 20% Syrah and the rest Grenache, is really a sleeper of the vintage, and given how inexpensive it is, it just might be the best example of this wine I have tasted from Sabon. Black raspberry, cassis, licorice, spice box and new saddle leather notes are all present in this wine, which displays an unctuous texture in a big, jammy, fruit bomb sort of style. It is a pretty wine to drink over the next few years.

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. Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011 Reviewer: Robert Parker

2009 Domaine Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape
Price: $73.50       Sale $64.68
Quantity in Stock: 12

(92 points) The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is showing slightly better out of bottle than it did last year. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, the wine has a deep plum/purple color and a sweet nose of raspberries, ground pepper, white flowers and licorice. It is full-bodied, opulent, and difficult to resist. It should drink well for 15 or more years.

Given the fact that the Armenier family can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to 1344, one could say that they may have even more experience than the Chaves up in the northern Rhone, which only go back to the late 15th century! Run for well over a decade now by sisters, Sophie and Catherine, this biodynamically administered estate of 42 acres produces some of the very finest, complex, and most natural wines not only in France, but anywhere in the world. Perhaps the wine that is most under the radar for consumers is their brilliant white Chateauneuf du Pape. Wine Advocate #197, Oct 2011

2010 Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee
Price: $47.00       Sale $41.36
Quantity in Stock: 6

(91-93 Points) The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve exhibits an inky purple color followed by notes of melted licorice, creosote, Provencal herbs, black currants and black cherries. It is an impressive, concentrated, vibrant rich wine that is more vibrant and focused than its 2009 counterpart. Wine Advocate #197, Oct 2011

2010 Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf du Pape les Olivets
Price: $42.75       Sale $37.62
Quantity in Stock: 6

(90-92 Points) The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets reveals a dense purple color, crisp acids, greater delineation and freshness than the heavier 2009, and plenty of full-bodied cherry fruit intermixed with garrigue and loamy soil notes.

This estate has been at the top of its game for many years and any partisan of Rhone Valley wines (especially the southern Rhone) who has not yet tried a wine from Domaine Roger Sabon should make every effort to do so. They produce four separate Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees and have hit home runs in both 2009 and 2010, the finest back-to-back vintages I have ever tasted from this 42-acre estate run by the large Sabon family, in this case, Jean-Jacques, Julien, Gilbert and Denis. They own 15 parcels spread throughout the appellation, most of them concentrated in the western and eastern sectors north of the village. The brilliant 2009s are among the finest of the vintage. Wine Advocate #197, Oct 2011

2009 Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf Du Pape
Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60
Quantity in Stock: 9

(91 Points) The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (65% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault) is a beauty. Aged completely in foudre, it reveals classic Provencal notes of garrigue, red and black currants, pepper and black cherries. Full-bodied, luscious and supple textured with silky tannins and low acidity, it should drink well for a decade.

This low-profile, superb, organically run Chateauneuf du Pape estate has long been owned by the Chastan family, who has about 35 acres of vines, all located in the northernmost sector of the appellation in two highly respected lieux-dits, Palestor and Cabrieres. Wine Advocate #197, Oct 2011

2009 Domaine Du Veiux Telegraph Chateaunuef Du Pape
Price: $84.00       Sale $73.92
Quantity in Stock: 9

(92 points) This 135-acre estate (all in the famed La Crau) has produced a 2009 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape composed of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and the rest other authorized varietals (from vines that average 60 years of age). The wine is aged 18 months in foudres and concrete tanks. This classic offering had just been bottled before my visit, so it was probably tighter than it will be in 6-12 months. Deep ruby/purple-colored with notes of garrigue, seaweed, licorice, plums, black cherries and raspberries, it typically reveals a Mediterranean sea breeze-like character that is difficult to articulate. The sweetness of the tannin, full-bodied mouthfeel, and evolved style remind me somewhat of the 1983, which is still drinking beautifully. The 2009 can be consumed now or cellared for two decades.  Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011

2010 Domaine Durban Gigondas
Price: $30.00       Sale $26.40
Quantity in Stock: 11

Domaine de Durban is to walk through an astounding span of history. On the site of a former Roman healing springs destination, a mere handful of soil reveals well-preserved, ancient Roman roof tiles and medieval pot shards. The domaine and its vineyards sit atop a picturesque plateau in the Vaucluse, sheltered by the Dentelles de Montmirail, just above of the village of Beaumes-de-Venise. The scenic views put one at pause considering the timelessness—wine has been a part of the culture here for millennia, and ancient philosopher Pliny the Elder was the first known to praise the Muscat from this place. During the Middle Ages, it was a fortified farm, where it has run regularly since 1159. Jacques Leydier bought the property in the 1960s when the farm had fallen into disrepair. Today, his grandsons, Henri and Philippe, are running the domaine. This magical spot has assumed a higher purpose today, producing some of the most memorable wines of the Southern Rhône. The Leydiers farm fifty-five hectares of vineyards to make a powerful and aromatic Gigondas, a velvety Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge, and undeniably the most celebrated Muscat in the entire appellation. A constellation of fortune seems to converge at this particular spot. Pine trees protect the area from the intensity of the persistent mistral. The soils are rich and deep, with clay, limestone, and the soft, ochre Trias, lending finesse and freshness to the wines. The high altitude in the vineyards means a slightly cooler microclimate with strong sun exposure, a blessing that the Leydiers credit for the amazing consistency their wines enjoy year after year. (Even The Oxford Companion to Wine takes space to note the terrific concentration that Durban’s vineyards achieve.) The Leydiers are particularly proud of their Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a vin doux naturel, as they are among the last to craft it in the traditional style. Leydier’s old-fashioned vinification keeps the spirits as low as possible, so that they may hold on to the bright freshness in the grapes. One can find more powerful Muscats, but none as tasty and fine.

2010 Domaine Gramenon “L’Elementaire” Cotes du Rhone
Price: $28.75       Sale $26.30
Quantity in Stock: 12

The seemingly reserved façade of Michèle Aubèry-Laurent melts away quickly when she speaks about her wines. As a former nurse (who often favored natural remedies), she has come to treat her vines with the same care, conviction, and passion as she had for her former patients. She and her husband, Philippe, bottled their first vintage at Domaine Gramenon in 1990, in the northern stretches of the Southern Rhône, in the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation of Vinsobres, between Grignan and Nyons. Philippe was a talented vigneron—both creative and edgy—and he loved to push the envelope of the regulations imposed by the I.N.A.O. In 1999, in an unexpected twist of fate, he was killed in a tragic accident. Michèle was suddenly left on her own with their three children, vineyards, and a winery to deal with. Crushed but undaunted, Michèle stepped to the forefront, boldly picking up where Philippe left off. Over the years, Michèle has discovered her own creative voice in her new vocation; in so doing she has catapulted Domaine Gramenon into cult wine status. Today, she works twenty-six hectares with her talented son, Maxime François (a rising star in his own right), farming both young and very old vines alike. They employ organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards, with a strong non-interventionist stance in the cellars. Maxime François has begun flexing his own creative muscle, bottling two cuvées at the domaine under his own name.

2010 Maxime Francois Laurent Cotes du Rhone “Le Pourpre”
Price: $35.00       Sale $30.80
Quantity in Stock: 22

Domaine Gramenon is the authentic embodiment of the philosophies that the Laurents espouse. They do not merely champion organic farming, but they incorporate the concept of sustainability into their daily lives by growing their own food and raising their own animals. Though Michèle and Maxime continue to test the confines of the appellation, the cellars are unsurprisingly old-fashioned. The Laurents use gravity-fed cuves and age their wines in oak demi-muids and foudres. That they take such gutsy risks as bottling old-vine fruit with so little sulfur, without fining or filtration, only demonstrates the lengths they will go to in order to highlight the freshness, purity, and intoxicating aromas of their small, rare production.

2010 Maxime Francois Laurent Cotes du Rhone “Il Fait Soif”
Price: $29.50       Sale $25.96
Quantity in Stock: 3

Domaine Gramenon is the authentic embodiment of the philosophies that the Laurents espouse. They do not merely champion organic farming, but they incorporate the concept of sustainability into their daily lives by growing their own food and raising their own animals. Though Michèle and Maxime continue to test the confines of the appellation, the cellars are unsurprisingly old-fashioned. The Laurents use gravity-fed cuves and age their wines in oak demi-muids and foudres. That they take such gutsy risks as bottling old-vine fruit with so little sulfur, without fining or filtration, only demonstrates the lengths they will go to in order to highlight the freshness, purity, and intoxicating aromas of their small, rare production.

2009 Domaine Joncier Lirac Rouge
Price: $25.50       Sale $22.44
Quantity in Stock: 6

The feisty, vivacious Marine Roussel took her time finding her place in the family domaine. Her father, Pierre, was an agronomist and started Domaine du Joncier in 1964. She joined the domaine in 1989, and has since taken on her new vocation with the zeal that only a true artist could possess. Marine aims to achieve balance, purity, and minerality in her wines—a noble, if not challenging, goal given the sunbaked terroirs she farms. On the right bank of the Southern Rhône, Lirac shares many similarities to both neighboring crus Tavel and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Her terraced vineyards of alluvial soil and galets roulés mirror Chateauneuf’s terraces right across the river. Marine has achieved organic certification in her vineyards and is now seeking biodynamic certification. Her soils are alive with microbiotic activity, lending a hand in both the long-term sustainability of her land and in the mineral expression of her wines.

2009 Kermit Lynch Cypress Cuvee Cotes du Rhone
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52
Quantity in Stock: 7

Louis Barruol is an indefatigable force in the Rhône. He is the fourteenth generation in his family to be making wine in this sixteenth-century domaine in Gigondas. On what was once the site of a Roman villa, Louis’ cellars show spectacular remains of old, Roman vinification vats carved into the limestone. Together, he and Kermit blend our Cypress Cuvée (Rouge) and Sunflower Cuvée (Blanc) from his own vineyards. Louis selects the best parcels he can find, and then Kermit shows up and either has a cuvée bottled unfiltered, or he blends to find the assemblage that satisfies his esthetic criteria. This Vintage is 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache from vineyards mainly around Vinsobre.

2009 Chateau Puech-Haut Cante Lebre Coteaux du Languedoc
Price: $63.00       Sale $55.44
Quantity in Stock: 5

(90 points) Among several wines new to their line-up, Puech-Haut’s 2009 Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Cante Lebre – a Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend – reflects an especially warm as well as galets roules- iron- and clay-rich section of the estate’s holdings by revealing a personality that I am sure would strike many tasters as Chateauneuf-like even if Chateauneuf guru Philippe Cambie had not begun calling the shots here with this vintage and somebody else had instead. Sandalwood; black raspberry, cherry and plum confiture; along with a whiff of leather, combine in a heady aromatic and sumptuously rich palate display. Resin and vanilla notes as well as a catch of tannin can be attributed to the extent of new wood in which the Syrah and Mourvedre portions of this resided. Cocoa powder and marzipan add to the confectionary aspect of this cuvee in a faintly warm finish (from 15% alcohol) whose confitured berries are sweetly persistent yet whose tannins left me chewing air rather than salivating. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, but in lieu of a specific track record I would simply urge owners to monitor it within 3-4 years.  eRobertParker.com #196, Aug 2011

KILLER WHITE 2009 from the Southern Rhone...

2009 Domaine Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
Price: $60.00       Sale $52.80
Quantity in Stock: 10

Notes of beeswax and anise to the pear and tangerine like citrus fruit very pretty nose hibiscus floral notes. A bit of an oily texture on the tongue nice richness on the palate ending a bit flat with a bit of heat showing on the finish also, beeswax like notes. Finish 40+ Most Excellent