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Château Pesquié Quintessence 2003 Vintage: 2003 Colour: Red 12 X 750ml (300CHF) Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Southern Rhône - Côtes du Ventoux Alc % by Vol: 14% Guide Hachette: * Jean-Michel Deluc: Revue des Vins de France: 8,5/10 Robert Parker: 90-92 /100

Our opinion

There is no doubt that this wine will be worthy of a five star rating in just a couple of months. Despite its relative discretion today, this wine definitely hides a great deal of potential! You will discover the perfectionist style of this Château, reflecting the style of vinification and plentiful notes of barrel ageing, resulting in a wonderfully enticing wine. Be sure to decant before serving with generous, well-simmered cuisine.

Description

In 1985, Paul and Edith Chaudière, physiotherapist and speech therapist from Avignon, decided to take a step back and rethink their professional lives, in the hope of returning back to the family tradition of wine making. They decided to realise their dream and took up the family vineyard at Château Pesquié, which used to belong to the illustrious Daudet family from Provence. The first few steps came as quite a challenge for the family who, not having much experience in the field of wine making, then found themselves trying to compete in this little known appellation where almost no independent vinegrowers were left, after the appellation had become dominated by co-operative wineries. Over four years, they painstakingly reconstructed and developed the vineyard, in the hope of bringing it back to its former glory. They ripped out the table-grapes and cherry trees, favouring old vines, and planted Syrah and Grenache varieties. In 1989, after an incredible journey of new experiences, acheivements and some important lessons learnt, the Chaudière and Bastide families decided to create the wine cellar at Château Pesquié. Over the last 15 years, the adventure has continued, with the continued expansion of both the wine cellar and Domain at Château Pesquié, resulting in a coveted position as one of the best Domains in the appellation. The Chaudière family chose the name "Quintessence" to emphasize the notion of exceptional wines of outstanding quality. Quintessence from Château Pesquié is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, matured for 12 months in oak barrels (60% new wood, 40% old wood). It is a meaty, ample and spicy wine that displays great power and complexity. It is the result of a double selection process from the oldest vines at the vineyard and the very best cuvées from the Domain.

Tips on service

• Serve at 16°

Food and wine matching

Beef casserole, lamb navarin, young pork chop in a sticky caramel sauce, wild boar casserole, stewed hare, salmi of wood pigeon, strong and well-aged cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of ruby colour and very good intensity, with nuances in colour shading from aubergine to darker purple at the edge of the glass. No signs of maturity are evident in the colour of this wine. The concentration of colour is equally matched by the richness of the wine in the glass. It is bright and rendered opaque due to its density of colour.
Nose - The nose displays lots of finesse, despite its discrete nature. A certain amount of aeration is required before you will discover superb, jammy notes of blackberries, blueberries and morello cherries, followed by notes of barrel ageing; cedar wood, cocoa, coffee, incense, pepper and liquorice. A final note of mint adds freshness and distinction. Despite being slightly reserved, this wine still expresses all the typical notes of the terroir with through its racy and enticing background.
Palate - The attack on the palate is soft and fruity, like a fruity sweet. The first impression on the palate is of an absolutely delicious wine, but one that quickly takes on a more Cartesian nature and a much stronger structure. Fine, silky tannins and a thirstquenching acidity are found towards the finish of this wine that has superb length.

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Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001 Vintage: 2001 Colour: Red Origin: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley AVA Alc % by Vol: 14% 12 X 750 (432CHF) The Wine Spectator: 93/100 Top 100 2004 This product is sold in the following mixed case(s): • World Tour Classic Red Selection (6 Btls)

Our opinion

It's roundness and ripeness combined with fine balance and freshness make it especially appealing. The wine has complex aromas, both in the nose and on the palate. A wine that's ready to enjoy now, after a brief decanting, but can also be kept for a few months more. Meals cooked out of doors will suit it wonderfully. (December 2004)..

Description

Washington State, probably most famous for the eruption of Mount St Helena in the 1980's, is the up and coming wine region in the States. It is at higher altitude than the Napa and therefore has the capacity of producing wines of the same richness of fruit but with more finesse and complexity. Colombia Crest was founded as recently as 1978 and has rapidly become the leader in the area. Huge investment has been made here and the results are stunning : these wines, as well as those of its elder brother Château Ste Michelle, are regularly praised in its native US.

Tips on service

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 16°

Food and wine matching

Serve with gourmand's salad, grilled beef, pork ribs with rosemary, lamb chops with summer savory, rabbit or chicken in peppery mustard sauce, strong flavored cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of a ruby color of good intensity with glints of violet and a fade tending toward a softer mauve tone at the edge of the glass. The wine is bright, limpid and displays good concentration.
Nose - The nose offers an aromatic background dominated by ripeness. You'll detect notes of jammy red and dark fruit including blackcurrants, cherries, blackberries and prunes. Then the wine takes on spicy notes of pepper, cardamom or vanilla, along with empyreumatic notes of smoke, toasted aromas and cacao. Finally, a fresher note of mint rounds out this already rather complex background.
Palate - On the palate the wine has a supple, fruity attack with a fine structure lending freshness in mid palate. The same very ripe fruity notes and notes of spice reappear on the palate, and persist with good length. The finish is licorice and peppery. A balanced wine that's ready to enjoy now.

Folonari Amarone Della Valpolicella 2003

6 X .75L 150 CHF

Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja 1996

6 X .75l 199 CHF

Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva (Rioja) 1999

6 X .75L 179CHF

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Château Moulin Haut-Laroque 2005 Vintage: 2005 Colour: Red Origin: France - Bordeaux - Libournais - Fronsac A.O.C. Alc % by Vol: 12.5% 6 X .75l - 154CHF Decanter Magazine: *** Robert Parker: 90-92/100

Our opinion

*** Decanter, 90-92/100 R.Parker, 17/20 Le Point. This wine has a very intense dark ruby colour turning towards nuances of purple on the edge of the glass. On the nose, one is welcomed by extreme finesse with fruity notes of blackcurrant, blueberries, cranberry, coffee, toasted and smoky scents. The wine already shows great complexity. A more tarry taste shows the concentration of the wine. It has a smooth and rich attack followed by acidity that is made more pronounced by the fine tannins. The structure is very locked and still disassociated with the wine. A wine that we enjoyed for its elegance and class.

Description

*** Decanter, 90-92/100 R.Parker, 17/20 Le Point. This Chateau came from nowhere at the beginning of the 80's. Today Mouilin Haut Laroque produces complex well structured structured wines with a lot of potential at very reasonable prices. One of our best offers in our Primeur selection!! Not to be missed!

Château Fleur Cardinale 2005

Vintage: 2005
Colour: Red
Origin: France - Bordeaux - Libournais - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru A.O.C.
Alc % by Vol: 13%
6 X .75l 254CHF


Robert Parker: 92-94/100
Le Point Magazine: 15.5/20
Decanter Magazine: ***
"Fleur-Cardinale's new owners, Dominique Decosters and his beautiful wife, Florence, of Havilland porcelain fame, assisted admirably by the top oenologist in Michel Rolland's laboratory, Jean-Philippe Fort, have turned this 40 plus acre vineyard into one of St.-Emilion's bright shining stars. There are just under 6,000 cases of this stunning blend of 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dense purple hue is followed by glorious aromas of flowers, black cherries, cassis, new saddle leather, and subtle wood. The wine reveals fabulous purity, beautiful symmetry, an expansive mouthfeel, a multilayered texture, magnificent richness, high tannin, and refreshing acidity. The alcohol is an unusually high 14.5% (a characteristic of many 2005 Right Bank efforts). This superb classic is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025."

Description

17,5/20 GaultMillau, 92-94/100 R.Parker, *** Decanter, 15.5/20 Le Point . Acquired in 2000 by Florence and Dominique Decoster, this property today benefits from the very best of Haviland, former porcelain manufacturer, in Limoges. La Fleur Cardinale extends over 18 hectares, of which 15 are currently in production. Harvesting is done by hand and minute sorting results in wines of an incredible refinement. Today, wines produced here are renowned in the profession and among amateurs as being among the very best Saint-Emilion Grand Cru.

La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux 1 x 6 bottles 0.75l.	66.00 CHF inc VAT

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La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Southern Rhône - Côtes du Ventoux Alc % by Vol: 13% Jean-Michel Deluc:

Our opinion

The dedicated work of the Perrin family is particularly evident in the style of this Côtes du Ventoux that cover the combines the purity of expression of the grape varieties with the minerality of this unique terroir. A mischievous wine, just the way I like them, with an easy-drinking nature and notes of english sweets. The perfect match for dishes from hot, sunny climates.

Description

***** ChateauOnline. Awarded GaultMillau September 2005. 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

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2008
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Grilled pork with rosemary, steak cooked in butter, roast poultry with tarragon, grilled savoury lamb chops, stuffed tomatoes, beef salad, fresh cheeses with herbs.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - An intense ruby coloured wine with youthful glints of purple that shade towards more delicate hues of peony at the edge of the glass. The wine is bright, shimmering, limpid and displays good concentration.
Nose - A wonderfully fine nose with an aromatic framework dominated by intense fruity notes of cherries, blackcurrants, blackberries and sloe berries. These fruity notes are complemented perfectly by the notes of peonies, violets and pepper that are the result of the presence of the Carignan variety rather than of ageing. A fine mineral note is found in the finish, reflecting the quality of this excellent terroir. The nose offers a generous style with hints of English sweets.
Palate - The attack on the palate is smooth and silky, with the same fruity notes that were found on the nose. An acidic presence is still notable, with thirst-quenching liquorice flavours and the impression of English sweets that are evident throughout tasting. Finesse is omnipresent.

Coudoulet de Beaucastel 1 x 12 bottles 0.75l.	259.20 CHF inc VAT

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Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2001 Vintage: 2001 Colour: Red Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Southern Rhône Alc % by Vol: 13% Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker: 91/100 French Sommelier's Guide: 18

Our opinion

An extrordinary wine from this appellation. A Côtes du Rhone which really is as good as some of the best Châteauneuf du Pape.... The Beaucastel estate is out of the ordinary in the Côtes de Rhone. Blind tasted, it was placed above many of the Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2001 vintage is exceptional with a striking aromatic complexity and both a silky and powerful structure. Be sure to not treat it as just another run of the mill Côtes de Rhone, but rather as a ‘cru supérieur' of the region and pair it with simmered dishes. Harmonious, well bred with huge class, this wine will surprise even the most hardened Beaucastel devotees.

Description

Watch the Beaucastel video
We know that the Protestant Beaucastel family were living in Courthezon by the middle of the sixteenth century. In 1549 "Noble Pierre de Beaucastel" bought "a barn with its plot of land extending to 52 saumées at Coudoulet". Two centuries later at the time of the phylloxera, the owner of Beaucastel was Elie Dussaud, companion of Ferdinand de Lesseps who constructed the Suez Canal. At that time the vineyard went out of production and it was not until 1909, when Pierre Tramier bought the property, that planting began again. Beaucastel then passed to his son-in-law Pierre Perrin, a scientist who made great progress with the vineyard. His efforts were built on by Jacques Perrin, who lived until 1978. Today the torch is carried by the sons of Jacques. "We try to place the vine in its universe, that is to say relate it to the earth, the animal life and the stars, by which it is influenced". The methods of culture are clearly not consistent with producing high yields, but with the satisfaction of harvesting healthy, balanced grapes, intrinsically capable of producing a wine of great quality. The 30 hectares Coudoulet de Beaucastel vineyard is found just to the east of Beaucastel on the other side of the busy A7 autoroute. Coudoulet as with Beaucastel, owes its ability to age to the large proportion of Mourvedre - about 30% - that makes up the final cuvée. The other main variety, Grenache, gives Coudoulet the rounded fullness and intense fruit that is typical of Côtes du Rhône. Shiraz and Cinsault represent about 20% each and bring tannins and aromatic complexity to Coudoulet.

Tips on service

• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Roast duck in figs, young wild boar, rabbit stew, pigeon pastilla, fruit confit of lamb tajine, grilled beef in wine sauce, refined and powerful cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A ruby coloured wine of good intensity. The wine seems to have barely begun its development with violet nuances and then shades of mauve at the edge of the glass. Bright, velvety, shimmering and limpid. Good concentration.
Nose - On the nose it has a good intensity with an immediate impression of complexity and a well integrated structure. A superb harmony of red and black fruity notes, strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries. This fruity background deliciously encompasses aromas of barrel-ageing, where you find notes of pepper, vanilla and cinnamon, but also toasted notes, light tobacco and cocoa. With aeration, the wine offers more freshness, with subtle notes of mint and liquorice. A charming wine.
Palate - On the palate the attack is round and supple with superb fruity flavours, identical to those that we found on the nose, with a beautiful acidity in the middle of the palate and very fine, yet well integrated tannins and a good length. A sharper finish with pepper and spicy flavours. A powerful and generous wine. Overall it is harmonious, profound and seductive.

Château Pesquié Les Terrasses

1 x 12 bottles 0.75l.
144.00 CHF inc VAT

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Château Pesquié Les Terrasses 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Southern Rhône - Côtes du Ventoux Alc % by Vol: 14% Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker: 90/100

Our opinion

Absolutely superb! A Côtes-du-Ventoux that puts to shame many of the more exalted names of the Rhone Valley. We were impressed by its modernity, which translates into a wine that's sappy, smooth, forthright, combining strength and elegance, opulence and freshness. Those responsible for its vinification have discovered the key to the future of global winemaking: Wines that respect the nature of the varietals and terroir, have seductiveness of substance, understated structure and are delightfully luscious. Who can ask for more!

Description

In 1985, Paul and Edith Chaudière, physiotherapist and speech therapist from Avignon, decided to take a step back and rethink their professional lives, in the hope of returning back to the family tradition of wine making. They decided to realise their dream and took up the family vineyard at Château Pesquié, which used to belong to the illustrious Daudet family from Provence. The first few steps came as quite a challenge for the family who, not having much experience in the field of wine making, then found themselves trying to compete in this little known appellation where almost no independent vinegrowers were left, after the appellation had become dominated by co-operative wineries. Over four years, they painstakingly reconstructed and developed the vineyard, in the hope of bringing it back to its former glory. They ripped out the table-grapes and cherry trees, favouring old vines, and planted Syrah and Grenache varieties. In 1989, after an incredible journey of new experiences, acheivements and some important lessons learnt, the Chaudière and Bastide families decided to create the wine cellar at Château Pesquié. Over the last 15 years, the adventure has continued, with the continued expansion of both the wine cellar and domain at Château Pesquié, resulting in a coveted position as one of the best domains in the appellation. The Chaudière family chose the name "Quintessence" to emphasize the notion of exceptional wines of outstanding quality. Quintessence from Château Pesquié is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, matured for 12 months in oak barrels (60% new wood, 40% old wood). It is a meaty, ample and spicy wine that displays great power and complexity. It is the result of a double selection process from the oldest vines at the vineyard and the very best cuvées from the Domain.

Tips on service

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 16°

Food and wine matching

Breast of duck with figs, ‘pot au feu' of duck, cold cuts of game meat, beef with pepper sauce, lamb with confit of tomatoes, grilled veal kidneys, creamy and aged cheeses such as Brillat Savarin.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of a ruby color of good intensity. The glints are violet but the fade displays a softer tone. The wine has just begun its development. It is bright, opaque due to its density and displays wonderful concentration of texture in the glass. A nicely attractive and shimmering appearance.
Nose - The nose reveals a very aromatic fruity background, with the Grenache dominant in the assemblage. The wine offers ripe aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries, blueberries and blackberries. The background is initially ripe but takes on greater freshness with aeration. Notes of licorice, mint and pepper come to the fore. The wine is rich and could almost be called opulent, but overall it exudes notable finesse and elegance. With aeration delicate notes of red flower blossoms surface. On the evidence of the nose, we are ready to succumb to its power and its charm and the intricacy of the mineral notes.
Palate - On the palate the straightforward attack is round, smooth and velvety, with fruity flavours totally dominant. The opulence of the substance is balanced by the freshness and finesse of the structure. The feel of the wine in the mouth is a sheer delight, a nearly voluptuous pleasure. The notes of barrel aging, although subdued, mark the wine at the finish on the palate, with flavours of licorice and pepper.

Château du Cèdre Prestige 1 x 6 bottles 0.75l.	132.00 CHF inc VAT

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Château du Cèdre Prestige 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: France - South-West France - Cahors Alc % by Vol: 14% GaultMillau: Jean-Michel Deluc:

Our opinion

Who can fail to be an unquestionable devotee of château le Cèdre? In this 2004 vintage, in addition to the usual sap and power you'll also find an extraordinary tactile delicacy. Its concentration is well matched by finesse, the ripeness of the substance by the elegant structure, the aromatic complexity by an overall freshness. Given our remarks, you'll get the idea that with this wine we're in the realm of the exceptional and the incomparable.

Description

The vineyards of the Château du Cèdre lie on the Bru hillsides situated on the commune of Vire-sur-Lot. The area's traditional varietals are cultivated on the finest wine-growing soils of Cahors: the clay-limestone terrain is very stony, and the vines need to sink their roots deep down into the red, sandy, iron-rich soils that are mixed with pebbles and clay. The harvest undergoes de-stemming and the vatting period is three or four weeks. The wines are aged in wood, after are fined with egg-whites before bottling. Under the direction of the Verhaeghe brothers, the Château du Cèdre makes powerful and deeply colored wines, like the great ‘black' wines of former days; a strong and flavorful ‘liqueur" favored by the poet Clément Marot. This prestige cuvée is derived from 90% Malbec 5% Merlot and 5% Tannat.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2010
• To decant: 2 hours
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Roast wild dove, hare à la royale, stuffed with foie gras and truffles, Charolais beef ribs with marrow, stew of young wild boar, confit of duck with wild mushrooms, aged Cantal, Salers or Laguiole cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of a ruby color of good intensity with a color ranging from bluish-black to shadings of purple and crimson at the edge of the glass. The concentration of color is also apparent in the wine's fat and thick aspect in the glass. The wine is bright and appears opaque due to the density of color.
Nose - The nose reveals a sappy, vinous and very concentrated aromatic background dominated by aromas of purée of dark fruit nearly jam-like in fragrance: There are notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries, sloe berries and cherries. With aeration extremely appealing notes of barrel aging come to the fore, well integrated into the whole; there are hints of cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, cardamom, cedar wood, nutmeg and on and on…. Especially notable are the fresher notes of eucalyptus and mint. All of the above makes this both a massive and delicate wine.
Palate - On the palate the wine has a supple and syrupy attack with a rich, dense substance dominated by flavors of dark fruit and licorice. The wine seems to be more perfumed on the palate with notes of violets that are a bit more evident. In mid-palate the wine offers fine though still youthful acidity, providing a thirst-quenching contrast to the wine's concentration. The tannins are silky and crisp and prolong the aromatic perception seemingly infinitely, while the finish has a sharp and spicy character. Excellent both for its power and its finesse.

Bodegas Castano Hecula

1 x 12 bottles 0.75l. 148.80 CHF inc VAT

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Bodegas Castano Hecula 2003 Vintage: 2003 Colour: Red Origin: Spain - Murcia - Yecla DO Alc % by Vol: 14% Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker: 90/100

Our Opinion
Hecula devotees will not be disappointed by this new vintage. The powerful style that is tempered by great finesse is still there. The substance is mature, the aromatic background complex, the wine suave and almost voluptuous. It is already complex today and should further develop for some time. A wine that is more generous and charming than the last vintage. It cries out for good quality cuisine that is both tasty and refined. Don't hesitate to decant it for 2 hours to appreciate it from today.

Description

90/100 R. Parker. Castaño family, dynamic and innovative with new technologies, join forces in the complex and at the same time fascinating world of vines, vineyards and market. They have committed themselves with the culture and the developing of the genuine and deeply rooted Monastrell grape variety. Over time, Bodegas Casta'ño has learnt to adapt to the requirements of manufacturing and production demanded at each period; they count themselves among the most technologically advanced in the production and bottling of wine. Eager to succeed in the technical and human integration (with a personal touch), in order to offer the maximum benefits of quality and service, their young and dynamic team of professionals is comprised of dedicated technicians and specialists whose objective is quality and service. Over the years, the pledge of this family has been to design and produce wines of high quality always intended to satisfy they demanding clientele, by providing their customers with a high standard of quality and service. Throughout its history, Bodegas Castaño has taken a special interest in preserving, caring for and encouraging the Monastrell grape, a variety whose potential for wines of superb quality they have always believed in. They have demonstrated its versatility with respect to the types of wine that can be obtained. They have supported this development which, with time and selectivity has firmly established the Monastrell grape in Yecla.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Paprika beef casserole, 7 hour lamb, Chili con carne, duck stew, grilled pork in honey with herbs, strong cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - Ruby coloured wine of good intensity with nuances of aubergine and a purple tint at the edge of the glass. The wine is bright, opaque due to its density and shows good concentration.
Nose - A fruity aromatic background, with mature notes of cherries, plums and blackcurrants. There are also more delicate notes of flowers, roses, peonies and violets. With aeration comes the true power of this wine, with spicy notes of pepper and more wild notes of leather. Already quite complex.
Palate - The attack is smooth due to the maturity of the fruity substance, with flavours of blackcurrants and blueberries that then take on a more masculine tone. A nice acidity that is well integrated into the wine and tight but fine tannins which prolong the gustative sensation. The wine has a promosing length that indicates it will keep well and the finish is woody and spicy.

1892 1 x 6 bottles 0.75l.	72.00 CHF inc VAT

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1892 Colour: Red Origin: France - Languedoc-Roussillon Alc % by Vol: 14% Jean-Michel Deluc: Available. Order delivered within 3 to 5 working days (UK, Belgium, Netherlands: 6 to 8 working days).

Our opinion

The finest Vin de Table that we've ever had the pleasure to taste. It goes to show that when French winemaking attempts to produce something in the Italian style, even though it may only be labeled ‘table wine,' the results can be absolutely sublime and unique. Tasting this "1892" cuvée, you could be forgiven for mistaking it for a Grand Cru. Only a few estates, including that of Paul Mas, in whom we've placed our trust over the past 4 vintages, are up to the task of overturning the received ideas on table wine. The designation as 'vin de table' is a result of using grape varieties not accepted in the supposedly superior appellation's charter. But no matter, what we've got here is a minor masterpiece.

Description

Tips on service

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2008
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Grilled red meats, chili con carne, cassoulet from Castelnaudary, pork ribs with caramel, cold cuts of meat, long-simmered dishes with spices, duck with black olives, creamy cheeses, salad of red fruit.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of a ruby color of good intensity with glints of purple-violet and a fade that's still a youthful purple. The Alicante grape is one of the main reasons for the wine's concentrated color. Even though the vintage is not noted on the label of a table wine, it's obvious that this is a young very wine, displaying no sign of development. It is bright, opaque due to its density and reveals fine concentration in the glass.
Nose - The nose has characteristic notes of the South, and more precisely of the Languedoc, with a fruity and sun-rich background dominated by notes of black cherries, plums, blackcurrants, and blueberries. We almost have the impression of fruit paste. The wine reveals primary notes of the grapes from which it derives: the fruitiness of the Grenache; the concentration and sap of the Carignan, which is nicely measured and lends exceptional color. With aeration the wine takes on a powerful aspect but with no hint of barrel aging – its all fruit, nothing but fruit. Superb, and wonderfully generous!
Palate - With such a range of fruity aromas in the nose, we expected the wonderfully generous and opulent character on the palate. The fruit takes on a more acidic aspect in mid-palate. Overall it is silky and the tannins are blended into the whole, providing a hint of contrast to the substance. Certainly an original wine, and undoubtedly an exceptional one!

6 bottles (168 CHF) Meursault Pierre de Chabliseau 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: White Origin: France - Burgundy - Côte de Beaune - Meursault Alc % by Vol: 13% Jean-Michel Deluc:

Our opinion

A classic Meursalt that is fat and rich with wonderful buttery aromas, just the way we like it! The wine still has plenty of potential for ageing, but can be appreciated today for it's balance and harmony. I would recommend fish dishes with a creamy sauce as well as other white meats.

Description

The Meursault Village appellation represents the specific peculiarities of the small area that it occupies in the middle of the slopes of this vineyard. In white, this appellation stretches over a good thirty different well-situated climats. Round and fruity, these wines show off the advantage of their situation at the top of the slopes that results in great structure and sensuality. Chardonnay is best suited to clay, marly soils and it is here that these wines really shine.

Tips on service

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2006
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 12°

Food and wine matching

Seafood risotto, sole in creamy sauce, poached turbot in hollandaise sauce, scallop gratin with truffles, poached fattened chicken, Beaufort, Comté.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A golden coloured wine with nuances of light amber, glints of gold and a crystalline transparency at the edge of the glass. The wine is bright, limpid and has a rich appearance in the glass.
Nose - A classic aromatic framework is found on the nose with buttery notes of hazelnuts, almonds, apples and pears. Delicate notes of white flowers appear next, before finishing on notes of honey, vanilla and exotic fruits. A powerful wine that already shows good harmony.
Palate - On the palate, the attack is fat and round, with jammy notes of white fruits, dominated by flavours of peach. The mid-palate offers plenty of freshness and a citric acidity. The texture is particularly rich right the way through until the finish, where we find the same honey-like notes that were found on the nose. A rich and unctuous wine that is already well balanced.

Another half a dozen Laougué cuvée Le domaine 2002 and a dozen Les Faisses 2003.

6 bottles (150 CHF) Domaine de la Cotelleraie L'Envol 2003 Vintage: 2003 Colour: Red Origin: France - Loire Valley - Touraine - Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Alc % by Vol: 13% Guide Hachette: * Revue des Vins de France: ***** Jean-Michel Deluc:

Our opinion

The Cotelleraie Domain has always offered us wines that make reds from the Loire Valley move up the quality ladder. Vigorous, mature, harmonious, silky, smooth, with extreme fruitiness and outstanding class, this wine could easily be classed among the greatest from Bordeaux. Ideally meant for keeping, but if drinking today, be sure to decant before serving. Fans of delicate, insipid, easy-drinking red wines will be easily won over.

Description

The Domaine de la Cotelleraie, an estate run by the Vallée family, covers 20 hectares situated on gravelly terraces and clay-limestone hillsides. The vineyard is planted with two different types of cabernet grapes and is carefully maintained in order to foster the finest-quality grapes possible. The vinifications employed have been handed down father-to-son and are aimed at revealing the most characteristic expression of the Saint Nicolas terroirs. An estate that is continually progressing.

Tips on service

• Conservation: ready now but will improve
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 16°

Food and wine matching

The sophistication of this wine calls for simple dishes such as grilled side of beef in honey, rack of lamb with tomato confit, veal with verjus and chanterelles, wild rabbit stew, young Cantal, Saint Nectaire.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A very intense ruby coloured wine, with nuances in colour shading from bluish-black to purple at the edge of the glass. No sign of maturity is present as yet. The wine is bright, rendered opaque due to it's density and displays good concentration.
Nose - A superb nose with an already very complex aromatic framework. You will discover toasty notes of spices and fruits: light tobacco, pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, blackcurrant, blackberry, redcurrant and woodland strawberry. After a few moments of aeration, notes of leather, peppermint, liquorice and cardamom begin to make their presence felt. This wine is all about class and harmony. A great future in store!
Palate - On the palate the attack is round, silky and fruity, with a fat and rich substance that is punctuated by a liquorice acidity on the mid-palate. Fine tannins maintain the wine over a good length. You will discover the same fruity background that was found on the nose, but this time, more jammy in nature. Notes of barrel ageing blend harmoniously with the richness of the wine. The finish is distinguished by magnificent spicy notes.

12 bottles (136 CHF) Diabolo Côtes du Rhônes-Villages 2001 Vintage: 2001 Colour: Red Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Northern Rhône - Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Alc % by Vol: 13%

Description

Sacha Lichine, son of the famous Alex Lichine (former owner of the much celebrated Château Prieuré Lichine and author of the ‘Encyclopédie des vins'), founded his own business at the age of just 18, organising prestigious trips around local vineyards. He would later work with several different companies in the wine trade in the United States. In 1990, he created his own company in this sector, called Borvin. He selected only the very best production from the region and worked side by side with different producers of wine in the south of France and Burgundy. It is only more recently however, that Sacha Lichine has become more and more interested in the vinifiaction process that preceeds the marketing of the finished product. In 2000, he created “Vins sans Frontières”, selling wines from the south of France and following closely the vinifications of each chosen producer. This 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache cuvée comes from a selection of vineyards situated on the red, stony soils of Vinsobres and other Côtes du Rhône villages.

6 bottles (162CHF) Château Hostens-Picant Lucullus 2000 Vintage: 2000 Colour: Red Origin: France - Bordeaux - Entre-Deux-Mers - Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux A.O.C. Alc % by Vol: 13% Jean-Michel Deluc: To see the rest of this promotion

Our opinion

A wine of the same calibre as a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru: style, finesse, complexity and class...this wine's got it all! Distinct notes of ageing are integrated into the creamy and silky substance that will delight lovers of great Bordeaux wines. This cuvée is well known among the great restaurants around the world and we thought you ought to have the opportunity to get your hands on it. So, after tasting it again at Vinexpo, I decided to share a real favourite with you.

Description

The Château Hostens-Picant estate covers 42 hectares and is situated at the very heart of the Sainte-Foy Bordeaux appellation on the sloping hillsides of Lèves and Thoumeyragues, 24km from Saint-Emilion. Acquired at the end of 1986 by Nadine and Yves Picant, the domain had remained with the same family for the previous 90 years, when the vineyard was under contract to a cooperative from 1946 to 1989. After the acquisition in 1986, the new owners tried several different methods of vinification for 3 years before deciding to construct a new cellar for vinification and ageing and produced their first wines in 1990. This lovely property (you could almost be in the middle of Tuscany…) launched the Sainte-Foy Bordeaux appellation and the Picants succeeded in their almost unbelievable aim of producing wines equivalent to a number of ‘crus bourgeois' on a terroir that had become obsolete. Their top of the range Lucullus cuvée (98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in barrels with yields of 28hl/ha) is a perfect example of their success.

Tips on service

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2008
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Rare and strong flavoured meats, spring lamb or strong cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - Superb dark ruby colour with inky black nuances and crimson glints at the edge of the glass. Concentrated texture. Bright and opaque due to its density.
Nose - Great finesse on the nose gives us very ripe red and black fruity aromas of blackcurrants, cherries and raspberries. Notes of barrel-ageing including vanilla, pepper, cinammon, cedar wood, coffee, cocoa and toasted notes are well-integrated into the fruity background. The background takes on a more jammy connotation with aeration, while retaining an incredible delicacy. Freshness is present with notes of liquorice and peppermint. Absolutely superb!
Palate - A palate of pure velvet with a supple and fruity attack, quite rich and creamy but tending towards a young and tight structure at the finish with very fine, silky tannins. The length is incredible and promises us moments to cherish in the years to come. The finesse and the delicacy of the nose is present throughout tasting.

1 bottle (85 CHF) Chapoutier Hermitage La Sizeranne 2003 Vintage: 2003 Colour: Red Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Northern Rhône - Hermitage Alc % by Vol: 15% Jean-Michel Deluc: Robert Parker: 90-93/100

Our opinion

This Hermitage cuvée is quite simply a work of art. Of course, the wine is still quite young, but all the elements are there to offer a splendid bottle to be enjoyed over the next few months. Maturity, finesse and freshness combine with power and velvety smoothness resulting in a wine of outstanding quality that would be the perfect accompaniment to dishes full of flavour such as game.

Description

Since being taken over by Michel Chapoutier, this well-established house based in Tain l'Hermitage has ranked among the undisputed champions of wines from the Rhône Valley. Acclaimed by the international press, praised by Robert Parker, Chapoutier is committed to innovation and on-going research into bringing out the finest expressions of the region's magnificent terroir. This is an exceptional opportunity to discover or revisit the whole range of wines from this dynamic, progressive region. Made from a blend of the very best terroirs on the Hermitage slopes, this wine is the true reflection of it's appellation – rich, complex, powerful and with great potential for ageing.

Tips on service

• Conservation: for laying down
• At its best in: 2010
• To decant: 2 hours
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Roast game, hare, wild boar, young deer, grilled side of beef served with honey, strong cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A wine of ruby colour and good intensity with nuances in colour shading from aubergine to more tender shades at the edge of the glass. Glints of violet bear witness to the youth of this wine. It is bright, rendered opaque due to its density of colour and displays superb concentration. This wine's strength is already easy to see.
Nose - On the nose, the wine appears quite discreet at first before opening bit by bit with ripe notes of blackcurrants, raspberries, redcurrants and woodland strawberries. These are followed by discreet, elegant notes of barrel ageing including light tobacco, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper. The Syrah grape is particularly evident, with notes of liquorice and violets. A very promising nose, that you can be sure of!
Palate - The attack on the palate is soft, smooth and luxuriously velvety with the same ripe fruity notes that were found on the nose. Despite the opulence and generosity of the vintage, the wine appears balanced and offers a liquorice and mentholated acidity on the mid-palate. Fine, silky tannins appear to blend seamlessly with the richness of the structure. Good length ending on notes of liquorice and pepper.

6 bottles (162 CHF) Savigny Lès Beaune Louis Jadot 2000 Vintage: 2000 Colour: Red Origin: France - Burgundy - Côte de Beaune - Savigny-Lès-Beaune Alc % by Vol: 13% Jean-Michel Deluc:

Our opinion

With Savigny its all about finesse and delicateness. This wine from Maison Jadot expresses the exact characteristics that we would expect from such an appellation. The 2000 vintage is a fine example of elegance and maturity. A pleasant, generous wine with a very distinct character in the finish.

Description

Maison Louis Jadot was created in 1859 and today is one of the leading houses in Burgundy. As well as owning 105 hectares of prime vineyard, they have also built a fantastic state of the art winery in Savigny les Beaune. Their wines are regularly praised in the specialist press in France, UK and the US and are regularly to be found on the Michelin starred tables on both sides of the Channel. The wines are made by Jacques Lardière and the company has been run by the Gagey family for the last 30 years which has enabled a continuity in philosophy and style.

Tips on service

• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2006
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 17°

Food and wine matching

Chicken breast in white wine sauce, roasted quails with grapes, organic roast chicken, roast pork with chanterelles, fresh cheeses.

Tasting notes

By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier

Eye - A pale ruby coloured wine with glints of violet and shades of mauve towards the edge of the glass, signalling the beginnings of maturity. Typical of this vintage, this wine is bright, limpid and displays good concentration.
Nose - The nose displays an enticing background of jammy fruits, woodland strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, redcurrants and morello cherries, followed by smoky notes of light tobacco and pepper. The harmony of this wine reflects its ongoing development and its good potential for ageing. Fine and elegant on the whole, just as a Savigny should be.
Palate - The same impression of finesse and subtlty is present on the palate, accompanied by a round and silky attack of jammy fruits, slighty acidic notes and crunchy tannins in a spicy finish. Great character for a wine that is ready for drinking from today.