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L'Aventure Estate 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: United States - Californie - San Luis Obispo Alc % by Vol: 16% 3 X 750ml 317CHF Robert Parker: 98/100

Description

Stephan Asseo was a winemaker and consultant in France's famed Bordeaux region, and also owned his own winery – Domaine de Courteillac in Entre-Deux-Mers. he purchased 127 acres in 1997 and founded Stephan Vineyards, where “Bordeaux meets the Rhône.” The site, which was not planted, was selected after an extensive study of the area that matched with our long experience in the wine industry. The property covers a total of 127 acres and has many hills of various elevations, complex soils, and excellent drainage. The importance of the terroir is fundamental to obtaining a high quality wine. The vineyard is planted on the western side of the Paso Robles hills, providing maximum daylight exposure. Adopting the notion of terroir means to reject the more fertile soil in favor of leaner ground. This preserves the authenticity of the wine, providing a good balance between alcohol and acidity, thereby enhancing finesse and elegance. The choice of location for each varietal, the irrigation option, the terroir, and the high density emphasizes more complexity and concentration in the fruit. Because of the Paso Robles location, we are convinced that blending is absolutely essential in order to obtain the right balance between tannins, alcohol and acidity, without any one varietal overpowering the others. This insures a superb wine with great originality. The red varietals are 100% de-stemmed and custom crushed. Various small tanks are used to respect the source of each lot through vinification. A thermostat is used on each tank to maintain as close as possible the perfect temperature. The cold control is used for pre-maceration and to develop more fruit. Heat is available for fermentation and post maceration (2 to 4 weeks) to obtain elegant and stable tannins.

Tips on service

• Serve at 17°

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Château Lagrange 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: France - Bordeaux - Médoc - Saint-Julien AOC Alc % by Vol: 12.5% 6 X 750ml 242chf The Wine Spectator: Jean-Michel Deluc: Decanter Magazine: ****

Our opinion

A fine, bright velvety purple colour. A wine of supreme elegance, with ripe black and red fruit notes. With its delicate tannins, the palate reflects the character of the nose with peppery and licorice notes. Delightful!

Description

One of our Favorite Primeurs 2004, ****/* JMD, 89-91/100 Wine Spectator, **** Decanter. A château that has been on the front page of the "Wall Street Journal", a significant achievement! The Suntory Group can be proud of this excellent Bordeaux: the property has regained its panache and its position amongst the greatest Saint-Julien wines whilst remaining affordable. Château rated "excellent" in the Parker Guide.

2004 Château Pesquié Quintessence

12 bottles 0.75l. 288CHF

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Château Charmail 2003 Vintage: 2003 Colour: Red Origin: France - Bordeaux - Médoc - Haut-Medoc AOC Alc % by Vol: 12.5% 3 X 750ml 146chf Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker: 88-91

Our opinion

A wine of a deep ruby color ranging from shades of inky-violet to purple towards the edge of the glass. A very concentrated, fruity nose with notes of barrel-ageing. Initially we detect notes of licorice, coffee, grape-skins, blackcurrants and blackberries, and then these are followed by slightly more vegetal notes. The wine has a superbly round, fruity and supple structure on the palate. Only the tannins on the finish bring power and amplitude to the wine.

Description

Superb value from a Château described as 'excellent' by Parker, who along with many other critics considers these wines worthy of Cru Classé status. For many years owner Olivier Sèze has succeeded in producing tannic and well-structured wines that age well and are truly representative of their Appellation, whilst maintaining very reasonable prices.

Tips on service

• Serve at 16°

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Alain Jaume Les Valats 2005 Vintage: 2005 Colour: Red Origin: France - Côtes du Rhône - Méridionales - Rasteau AOC Alc % by Vol: 14.5% 6 X 750ml 113CHF Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker:

Our opinion

This wine should really be decanted to soften its structure and bring out its superbly fruity and spicy composition. You can also imagine that this wine will keep very nicely in the cellar for a few years to come. And would be perfect served with generous Mediterranean cuisine.

Description

Watch the video of our sommelier's perfect recipe to go with it>>

Odile and Alain Jaume have been at their profession since 1979 with the creation of the "Domaine du Grand Veneur". The plots of land are exposed on hillsides and plateaus and some of the vines 90 years old. In the last few years they have completed their harvest by buying grapes from neighbouring estates in order to create a healthy business-growers relationship which has been hailed by the press for its quality and regularity, that the wine critic Robert Parker has called "very impressive. This Rasteau is made from this mixture of grapes (90% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah from the rocky hillsides). It is then vinified traditionally before being matured in vats.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 2 hours
• Serve at 16°

Food and wine matching

Petits farcis niçois, lamb cooked with anchovies, duck in a black cherry sauce, duck with and olive and fig chutney, side of beef in a béarnaise sauce, and once mature, casseroles and stews will be a perfect match, as well as young cheeses in its youth but ripe ones once mature.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - This wine has a most wonderful velvety and shimmering ruby-like colour with crimson and violet nuances. The cochineal colour towards the rim of the glass shows that the wine has started to mature. Its is glossy, limpid and the current concentration appears to be medium, with a very attractive colour.
Nose - The nose, is above all very elegant but equally has a lot of power. The framework of the wine is very sappy, dominated by the aromas of pitted fruits, black cherries and prunes as well as the black fruits of blackcurrants and blackberries. You can also sense rather than smell on the fist nose the perfumes of the aging process, pepper, tobacco, smoke and gun powder. After having been given a few moments to breathe the wine becomes sunnier, with the same fruity scents but stronger, the peppery minty tones and the liquorice give the character a very fresh feeling. The nose has a wonderful deepness that is much richer than your average Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Palate - The attack is soft, smooth and velvety, carried by the black fruits of the nose. Then the youth of the wine takes over with its lively refreshing structure, based around the flavours of mint and liquorice. These quickly give way to the fine tannins from the ripe grape skins. One gets the impression that the fruitiness of the wine is due to the Grenache with the relief and structure coming from the Mourvedre and the Shiraz. The result is a wonderfully sappy wine with power and amplitude, much as a wine should be from its neighbouring appellation Vallée du Rhône Méridionale.

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Colina Negra Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Vintage: 2002 Colour: Red Origin: Chile - Central Valley - Central Valley Alc % by Vol: 13% 6 X 750ml 176CHF

Description

Spared by Phylloxera, with four century-old wine-making history, with very favourable climatic conditions and amazingly fertile ground, Chile attracts the biggest names in French wine. In the image of the Mouton Rothschild/Concha y Toro partnership (notably to produce the “Almaviva”), in 2002 the Chablis local Michel Laroche created a joint venture with Jorge Coderch: a partnership to explore the qualities of the Chilean terrain. San Rafael, which is situated in the middle of the Talca region, is where Jorge Coderch has planted vines of different grape varieties and an ultra-modern warehouse. It is one of the most reputed Chilean regions.

Tips on service

• Serve at 17°

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Domaine Ferraton Les Dionnières 1998 Vintage: 1998 Colour: Red Origin: France - Côtes du Rhône - Septentrionales - Hermitage AOC Alc % by Vol: 13% 6 X750ml 251CHF GaultMillau: Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker: 90/100

Our opinion

We loved this very generous, lively, full-bodied and complex wine. The aromatic structure tell of the power and strength hidden in this wine. A wonderful job, with huge respect paid to the grapes, that many other houses in the Rhône Valley are incapable of doing. Very tasty today with a great balance and perfect harmony. A hearty Christmas meal would be the perfect accompaniment.

Description

Founded in 1946 by Jean Ferraton, the Ferraton estate has been operated in partnership with the Chapoutier firm since 1998. This synergy has brought new winemaking know how, with the institution of quality controls and the progressive conversion of the estate to bio-dynamic farming.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 2 hours
• Serve at 18°

Food and wine matching

Pheasent foie gras and truffles braised in a port sauce, rabbit a la royale, wild boar casserole, coq au vin, rost beef and marrow, braised beef cooked in wine, duck and olive, strong cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - The intense ruby colour of this wine with nuances of violet and dark red near the edge of the glass. There are also shades that have turned slightly orange due to the evolution of the wine. It is glossy, opaque due to its density and offers a nice visual concentration.
Nose - On the nose we are quickly attracted by the rich and voluptuous fruitiness of this wine. With its scents of cherries, prunes, blackcurrants and blackberries, which become more jam like after a little air. The aeration also brings out the splendid aromas of the aging, soft spices, smoke, light tobacco and chocolate. There are also the slightly fresher notes of mint and liquorice to finish of this already wonderfully complex composition.
Palate - On the palate the wine, just like the nose, has a very fruity attack, which is very rounded and smooth with a velvety texture. The fruity framework is the same as the nose in addition to the acidity of the wine that is very refreshing and offers a relief to the fruit in the middle of you mouth. The finish to the wine is particularly spectacular with the spicy and floral notes coming through, followed by the tannins, which like the acidity melt into the richness of the fruit and give great length to the wine.

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Masia Carreras 2003 Vintage: 2003 Colour: Red Origin: Spain - Catalunya - Emporda-Costa Brava DO Alc % by Vol: 15% 3 X 750ml 98CHF Robert Parker: 94/100 Jean-Michel Deluc: To see the rest of this promotion

Our opinion

This little gem, has a perfect balance between richness and minerality and its fruity aromas support the wonderful floral notes. Grand!

Description

The estate of Marti Fabra Carreras is owned by a family of the same name, and has been present in the region since the 12th Century with document showing their fist acquisition of vines dating back to 1305. However the Bodega itself was only founded in 1900, after the Black Plague had completely changed the face of the region. Joan Carreas and his son initiated a long programme to restore the vineyard and by 1961 the cellar and the winery were completely re-built.
The appellation of Ampurdan Costa Brava is situated to the north of Calalonia (Ampurdan is Emporda in catalan) and it is here that the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean, and Spain meets France. Certain parcels of vines even cross the border! The land is therefore fairly similar to that of Banyuls and Collioure in Roussillon.Like it neighbouring appellation Ampurdan has some very extreme weather conditions with its very hot and dry summers and over 100 days of tramontane, violent winds that protect the vines from disease during the winter and spring.The soil is equally comparable, very poor, with schist that gives the grapes a natural acidity that acts as a perfect counterweight to their extreme maturity. For a long time now this region has been known for its rosé wines but it is becoming more and more known for its reds. Robert Parker has been particularly fond of this Bodega ever since 2001.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2009
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Spare rib of porc, Kidney fricassée, fried foie gras and bacon, steack served in a red wine sauce, beef casserole, powerful ripe cheeses...

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - The intense ruby colour has tints of violet showing it youth with shades of mauve at the rim of the glass, showing that this wine has just started its evolution. The wine has a rich fat concentration in the glass. Glossy and opaque due to its density.
Nose - The nose is superbly complex with a mixture of primary and secondary notes. Firstly you will find the flattering perfumes of smoke, toast, mild tobacco, coffee and cacao. Followed by the jammy fruity notes of blackcurrant, blackberries, blueberries, Morello cherries and prunes. Finally, liquorice, peppermint and cinnamon that all give great dimension to the wine. This wine has a wonderfully powerful velvetiness.
Palate - On the palate the concentration is the first thing to hit you. The fruity Granache grapes are perfectly allied with the virile structure of the Caragnan. The initial roundness of the attack is quickly replaced by a powerful structure, a refreshing acidity and young crunchy tannins Just like on the nose the finish is rounded off by the mild spicy flavours. Magnificent!

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Perrin La Vieille Ferme 2005 Vintage: 2005 Colour: Red Origin: France - Côtes du Rhône - Méridionales - Cotes Du Ventoux AOC Alc % by Vol: 14% (12 X 750ml 92.40 CHF)

Description

The owners of Château Beaucastel created this house several years ago. The wines produced here are for the most part produced under the name Perrin, but for the original Côtes du Ventoux, the name Vieille Ferme is used. Production is completely irreproachable and offers the very rare example of a large range that is still very accessible. The Domain is situated predominantly in the Lubéron national park, 25km east of Orange, on the communes of villages situated on the south-south-eastern side of Mont Ventoux: Mazan, Mormoiron, Villes sur Auzon, Puyméras, Saint Didier. Vieille Ferme is a simple wine, but has been excellent each year for more than 20 years. It composes 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan and 15% Cinsault and is matured in tanks and large barrels for 10 months. Unanimously recognised as one of the best value for money wines on the market.

Tips on service

• Serve at 16°

(6 X 750ml 126CHF)

Les Producteurs du Mont Tauch Les 4 du Pilou 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: France - Languedoc Roussillon - Aude - Fitou AOC Alc % by Vol: 14.5% Jean-Michel Deluc:

Our opinion

This appellation had slipped out of sight but is once again back at center stage thanks to talented winemakers who know that this is first and foremost a great terroir. With help from modern techniques have produced wines of great dimensions. This cuvée, the result of the savoir faire of four winemakers, proves that this appellation is back at it's best.

Description

The celebrated estate's vineyards cover 20 hectares, situated in the heart of the Vacqueyras appellation, and were reworked in 1987 by Martine and Christian Vache. Their special attention to the cultivation of the vineyard is the foundation of their wines' quality and good reputation. The estate's guiding practices include maintaining the estate's old vines, keeping yields low, and using environmentally friendly methods of farming. The grapes are harvested by hand, sorted for quality then separately vinified according to varietal, terroir and age of the vine.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2009
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Food match: Grilled pork with rosemary, stuffed tomatoes and courgettes, rib eye steak with red wine sauce, moussaka, tajine of lamb, steak and kidney pie, strong cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of a ruby color of good intensity with shadings ranging from inky violet to glints of purple at the edge of the glass. The wine is bright and opaque due to its density of color. When the wine is swirled in the glass it reveals a certain fatness indicating fine concentration.
Nose - The nose is the opposite of what you might have imagined from its appearance. Initially it's marked by an aerial aspect and by finesse. The wine retains its primary aromas with notes of cherries or plums, along with hints of blackcurrant and blackberry jam. With aeration the wine displays greater freshness with notes of violets, licorice, peonies roses and pepper. Superbly enticing and attractive.
Palate - On the palate the wine offers a supple, smooth attack with flavours of red and dark fruit predominant. The wine then narrows to reveal lovely acidic and tannic structure that again shows its young age. Overall it is well blended, rich and elegant. The licorice and peppery notes resurface at the finish.