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CHAMPAGNE
935 Champagne Alexandre Bonnet Grande Reserve NV – 18.50
A classic blend of the three great
champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this is a super value luxury champagne. Our clients have repeatedly asked us to supply sparkling wine from the Champagne Region so
we have spent months selecting the right Champagne house to deliver the quality and value expected of Amphora. Selected by the prestigious Conran restaurants (who also supply the very rare Daumas
Gassac Rose Frizant) this is a very well balanced champagne with just the right mix of fruit and acidity. Elegantly presented, this is an affordable luxury wine.
DOMAINE LE BOSQUET
240 Domaine le Bosquet 2006/7 VdP Cotes de Thongue - 5.50
This elegant blend of Sauvignon Blanc and
Viognier delivers some green fruit scents and flavours from the Sauvignon Blanc and hints of mango and apricot from the Viognier. The wines presents dry fruit. It is immediately appealing and
enjoyable. Domaine le Bosquet is made by the owners of Montmarin, by the Bassin de Tau in Languedoc, who also produce the sure Domaine Mont-Auriol wines, several of which we supply.
241 Domaine le Bosuet 2005 VdP Cotes de Thongue - 5.50
This is a light, fruity, immediately enjoyable
blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is ideal drunk by itself or with lighter flavoured foods and can be drunk at room temperature or slightly chilled. Cool, it is as refreshing as
rosé. It is elegantly packaged and represents an excellent eve rday drinking wine for all occasions.
CABRIERES
111 Belle Epine 2007 VdP d’Oc – 5.50
A new and interesting blend of Sauvignon Blanc and
Chardonnay from a new producer, Les Vignerons de Schistes, the Belle Epine has a great balance between fruit and structure. The Sauvignon Blanc dominates, giving a wine which will be enjoyed by
those who have moved on from traditional Chardonnays. Served between 6-8ºC it is ideal for cocktail parties, as an aperitif or with light cuisine. Made by Giles Canton.
108 Cabrieres Fulcrand Cabanon Moelleux VdP Cotes de Thongue – 6.50
A wonderfully refreshing wine
with a light and pleasing sweetness which, when served cold, is a great boost after a long day's work. Clariette de Languedoc grape left to develop to full ripeness to give the hint of natural
fruit sugars. Delicious – give it a try.
106 Chateau Cabrieres 2001, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc – 10.00
Produced from only the best parcels of
land growing Syrah in Cabrieres and matured for twelve months in new oak barrels, this wine has an intense, deep colour and a nose which combines scents of woods, of vanilla, of pine and of
liquorice. The intense and well balanced tannins mean that it will lay down well and will improve with age. For those who like the power and spice of Syrah, the Chateau Cabrieres will hold its
own in its class with wines from anywhere in the world. (100% Syrah, selected from the best sections of the Pitrous vineyard)
109 Comtesse d'Estabel Blanc Brut – 8.00
Even the hardest brut champagne drinkers will be
seduced by the Comtesse, who is unashamedly traditionelle. She is lovely on the tongue with a roundly balanced flavour. Beautifully presented, full of integrity and honesty, the Comtesse is superb
value and is also a bundle of fun. She can be enjoyed daily, at breakfast and before both luncheon and dinner, and if kept suitably cool, will perform superbly in punts, at the races, at parties and
balls and at family picnics. Made by Gilles Canton.
112 Comtesse d'Estabel Rosé Brut – 8.00
Introduced in November 2007, Gilles Canton’s
superb sparkling rosé brut is absolutely delightful and fantastic at the price. It is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, which is then vinified the same way as Champagne, by the methode
traditionelle, to give a dry wine with plenty of red fruit character, tiny, lasting bubbles and a good, balanced length. This Comtesse blushes a little more than her blanc cousin, but she is every
bit as much fun and even more romantic. It is hard to find a better rosé sparkliing wine of this quality at this price anywhere.
FLORENSAC
402 Ressac Sauvignon Blanc 2008 VdP d’Oc – 6.50
Gold Medal 2004 from Vignerons de
l’Herault and Silver Medal in Paris 2004. Florensac, which produces the Ressac range, is situated just North of the Bassin de Thau between Beziers and Montpellier. Having employed a
Scottish winemaker, Ivo, with huge experience in California, Australia and New Zealand, to make the big change, Florensac is innovating fast. This Sauvignon Blanc is remarkably good and outstanding
value. It should be served at 6-8ºC. Amphora is the sole importer of Florensac wines to the UK and we are determined to promote this Cave, which has great potential. Made by Sebastian
Martin.
407 Ressac Picpoul de Pinet 2006 AOC Picpoul Coteaux de Languedoc – 6.00
Made by Sebastian Martin.
The Picpoul grape or cepage produces light dry, acid, crisp wines which are sometimes green-gold and may have lemon flavours. Two general classes of Picpoul are produced in the Languedoc, those
which are matured for a short time and are wonderfully crisp and those which are matured for twice as long, which are darker in colour and fuller and more mellow. This Ressac falls in the first
category and is a wonderful accompaniment to shellfish, seafood dishes and chicken recipes. It is also a great dry white for a drinks party. Serve at 8-10ºC.
403 Ressac Muscat des Garrigues 2005 VdP Cotes de Thau – 6.50
Gold Medal Paris 2003. Made by
Sebastian Martin. Muscat is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest sweet wines (eg Muscat de Frontignan, Rivesaltes, Lunel etc) and it is rare to find it in a dry form. This cepage
is grown near the top of steep slopes above a valley which is full of the local Picpoul de Pinet grape. The wine has a rich, almost pungent nose, with scents absolutely typical of the Muscat
cepage. The wine is very full and smooth on the tongue with a hint of honey and strong fruit and herbs. This is seriously interesting. Serve at 6-8ºC.
406 Ressac Le Rose de Syrah 2006/7 VdP d’Oc - 6.00
Made by Sebastian Martin. With a superb deep rose
colour tinged with hues of violet, this varietal Syrah (Shiraz) wine has a wonderful subtle nose with tones of blackcurrant. Its flavour is powerfully fruity, with an excellent balance between
acidity and sugar, giving a supple, fresh and youthful experience. It is ideal for all-year drinking, since it is enjoyable at a wider range of temperatures than most reds and whites and can be
served with a great variety of delicacies, or by itself as an aperitif. If you are sceptical about rose, start here.
MAS DAUMAS GASSAC
370 Mas de Daumas Gassac 2007 VdP de l’Herault – 30.00
Michael Broadbent – “One of
the ten best [white] wines in the world” – “Simply unique”. Mas Daumas Gassac was an early leader in the quality revolution in Languedoc and is now world-renowned for its wines of
stunning quality. The vineyards include the ‘magic valley’, which has a uniquely favourable microclimate in an area (near Aniane, on the East bank of the River Herault) which makes some of
the finest wine in the world. The Mas Daumas Gassac wines are made to the very highest standards and are crafted to deliver reliable excellence. As a result, the white wine wine (made
principally from Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Manseng) can contain up to 20 different grape varieties to achieve exactly the desired quality. The wines are in great demand around the world
and are strictly allocated to selected vintners. Amphora is lucky to have been given a small allocation of bottles, which we are offering at a very competitive price.
371a Mas Daumas Gassac 2004 VdP de l’Herault (limited stock) – 30.00
371 Mas Daumas Gassac 2005 VdP de l’Herault – 30.00
373 Mas Daumas Gassac 2005 VdP de l’Herault (MAGNUM limited stock) – 75.00
371b Mas Daumas Gassac 2006 VdP de l’Herault (limited stock) – 30.00
“The only Grand Cru of the Midi” – Hugh Johnson, “Exceptional” – Robert
Parker, “A Lafite in Languedoc” – Gault & Millau. Mas Daumas Gassac was an early leader in the quality revolution in Languedoc and is now world-renowned for its wines of
stunning quality. The vineyards include the ‘magic valley’, which has a uniquely favourable microclimate in an area (near Aniane, on the East bank of the River Herault) which makes some of
the finest wine in the world. The Mas Daumas Gassac wines are made to the very highest standards and are crafted to deliver reliable excellence. The wines are in great demand around the world
and are strictly allocated to selected vintners. Amphora is lucky to have been given a small allocation of bottles, which we are offering at a very competitive price. This red is predominantly
Cabernet Sauvignon, but up to 15 other varieties are blended to deliver its unique quality. “…the ripeness and softness of an Australian cabernet, yet the structure and balance of a fine
Bordeaux…” – Clive Platman. Magnums have a rarity value, not only because fewer are made but also since many believe the wine ages and tastes better in bigger bottles.
372 Mas de Daumas Gassac Rose Frizant 2005/6/7 – 12.00
Extraordinary cuve close sparkling rose made
from Daumas Gassac’s Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with great aromas. Sunday Times Magazine 23 June 07: “Wine snobs will hate this delightful, light, sweet, just 11.5% alcohol pink sparkler
…the rest of us will love it…this wine’s delicate, restrained raspberry scent and blackcurranty palate is great on its own but also…over strawberries.” The Mas de Daumas
Gassac wines are in great demand around the world and are strictly allocated to selected vintners. Amphora is lucky to have been given a small allocation of bottles, which we are offering at a very
competitive price.
TROIS POULES
908 Les Trois Poules Vermentino 2007 VdP d’Oc – 6.50
The grapes are picked and are then
pressed slowly and continuously to extract maximum flavour. This means that although this is an uncomplicated and easy drinking wine it has a full fruity (a hint of mango), lemony, clean and fresh
flavour and lovely colour. It can be drunk throughout the year as an aperitif and is excellent with seafood. Serve chilled. 100% Vermentino (also known in France as Rolle). Made by Giles
and Ruth de Latude.
902 Les Trois Poules La Coquine 2005/7 VdP d’Oc/2005 VdP Cotes des Thongue – 7.00
The grapes
are hand picked and then put through a classical carbonic maceration lasting three to four weeks to develop aromas, while preventing oxidation of the fruit qualities. It is a pretty ruby colour with
fruity, lively nose. There are tastes of plums and blackberry jam and a fresh aromatic finish on the palate with hints of pepper. La Coquine is an everyday light fruity wine that easily
accompanies grilled meat, chicken or fish. It can be served slightly chilled for additional freshness. Syrah, Grenache and Merlot. Made by Giles and Ruth de Latude.
903 Les Trois Poules Cabernet Franc, 2004 VdP Cotes de Thongue – 7.00
This super, prize-winning wine
was awarded the best “Cabernet Franc” Vin de Pays, at the 2005 London International Wine & Spirits Fair. The grapes are hand picked and partly destalked, with a long traditional
maceration and daily “délestages” (a technique in which the juice is pumped from the bottom of the vat back over the grapes to release flavours). It has an intense dark ruby colour, with a
typical Cabernet Franc nose of red pepper. It has a delicious, round, fruity taste of morello cherries, with an astonishing aromatic freshness. Absolutely ready to drink now, it will be
excellent during the next five years. Well suited to red meats and cheese, it should be served at room temperature but can also be slightly chilled (17°C). 100% Cabernet
Franc. Interesting and great value. Made by Giles and Ruth de Latude.
DOMAINE DE FAMILONGUE
276 L’Envol de Familongue 2008 VdP Mont Baudille – 7.00
Jean Luc and Martine Quinquarlet are
very skillful winemakers and grow their grapes without use of artificial fertilisers or herbicides. The grapes are hand-picked and are pressed directly after being picked to preserve the fruit
flavours. After settling for 48 hours, the fermentation takes place in spotless stainless steel vats with cooling to prevent oxidation. The result is a wine, Grenache Blanc 80%, Clairette 20%,
which is pale, almost colourless in the glass, with a lemon and pepper nose and a fresh, lively presentation in the mouth with decent body. Great served around 12C as a aperitif or with white meats,
especially grilled fish.
270 Familongue Rose Ete 2007 AOC Coteaux de Languedoc - 7.00
With flashes of summer lights in the delicate
rose colour, this elaborate blend has an explosive nose of strawberry, raspberry and gooseberry and the flavours of these fruits are subtly there in the mouth. The assemblage, or blend, is: Grenache
45%, Syrah 10%, Carignan 37% and Cinsault 8%. The grapes are hand picked, gently pressed and then undergo a 5 week fermentation. The wine is matured over fine lees to ensure full expression of
the fruit. Best at around 10C. Made by Martine and Jean Luc Quinquarlet.
274 Le Carignan de la Bastide aux Oliviers 2006 VdP du Mont Baudille – 7.50
Made from the best old
(50-60 years old) Carignan vines, this pure varietal is made from 70% traditional vinification and 30% carbonic maceration. It has a deep cherry colour with flashes of black, a fresh nose with
scents of jammy red and black fruits and in the mouth Tim Atkin MW writes “a rich chocolaty red, with masses of blackberry fruit”. Best in class and Gold medal winner at London
International Wine and Spirits Fair it has also won Gold medals in France. Superb wine at this price. Selected as one of 36 wines to represent France at The Wine Show in October 2007. Made by
Martine and Jean Luc Quinquarlet and their elder son.
277 Mas des Vignals Rouge – 7.00
Made from the grape variety Cinsault, this is a soft fruity wine
with flavours of red fruits and perhaps a hint of toast. Cinsault is a long established Mediterranean variety, very well adapted to the hot dry conditions of the southern Rhone, Provence, Languedoc
and Rousillon. It is commonly blended with Grenache and Syrah and is widely used to give fresh, fruity rosés. Here Jean Luc Quinquarlet has identified vines which deliver really good stand
alone quality. This is a wine for casual drinking by itself or with uncomplicated fresh foods. In hot weather, it can be enjoyed slightly chilled.
275 L’Ame de Familongue 2005 AOC Coteaux de Languedoc – 8.50
This Gold medal-winning wine is
made by Jean Luc and Martine Quinquarlet at their superb vineyard near St André de Sangonis at the foot of the towering Terrasses de Larzac, the southern edge of the Massif Central. This complex
medal-winning blend of 23% Syrah, 23% Carignan, 22% Grenache, 17% Cinsault and 15% Mourvedre is made from vines free from chemical fertilizers and weed-killers. The grapes are hand-harvested when
fully ripe and are then macerated for a long 4-5 weeks. The malo-lactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, and the wine is matured over the lees in oak. The result is a wine with a
brilliant garnet colour, a nose with scents of red fruits and hints of pepper and cinnamon, and a well balanced, dense and fleshy attack in the mouth, with well clothed tannins and a finish with sweet
hints of liquorice. At 17-18C it is great with red meats and cheeses.
272 - Domaine de Familongue 2003 AOC Coteaux de Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac – 9.00
This complex and fine
medal-winning blend of 23% Syrah, 23% Carignan, 22% Grenache, 17% Cinsault and 15% Mourvedre, is made from vines free of chemical fertilizers and weed-killers. The grapes are hand-harvested when
fully ripe and are then macerated for a long 4-5 weeks. The malo-lactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, and the wine is matured over the lees in oak. The result is a wine with a
brilliant garnet colour, a nose with scents of red fruits and hints of pepper and cinnamon, and a well balanced, dense and fleshy attack in the mouth, with well clothed tannins and a finish with sweet
hints of liquorice. Made by Martine and Jean Luc Quinquarlet.
QUATRE PILAS
759 Domaine les Quatre Pilas QP4 Chant des Grillons 2007 AOC Coteaux du Languedoc – 7.00
Made by
Joseph and Sylvie Bousquet, the owners of prize-winning Domaine les Quatre Pilas, this wine is a delightful blend of Vermentino (fresh, lemon flavours), Roussanne (haunting aroma akin to a fresh herb
tea) and Viognier (full body, with hints of peach, apricot and blossom). The grapes are harvested at full maturity and the yield is kept low (30HL/Ha) to ensure good concentration and
intensity. Its style, quality and complexity mean that it is excellent value at the price. Best around 12C, it is lovely by itself as a drink or with flavourful white meats and fish.
758 Domaine les Quatre Pilas La Croix du Jubile Viognier 2006 VdP d’Oc – 8.00
Made entirely by
Joseph and Sylvie Bousquet, the owners of prize-winning Domaine les Quatre Pilas, this skilfully crafted wine is a pure varietal Viognier. Production is low (30HL.Ha) to ensure concentrated liquid
and the grapes are harvested at their fullest maturity. The wine is fermented using the malo-lactic technique to develop soft fruit and then matured in 400L French oak barrels, with regular stirring
of the lees. In the nose and mouth, there are hints of mango and apricot. Best around 10C.
755 Domaine les Quatre Pilas Rose 2005 AOC St Georges d’Orques - 6.60
A very skilfully made rose,
made by bleeding grapes of Syrah and Grenache (to obtain the most delicate flavours) which were harvested at full maturity from vines whose yield is strictly controlled to develop intense
flavours. With a lively and delicate fuschia colour, the wine has scents and flavours of peach and strawberry and has a superb length. Traditional vinification. Made by Joseph and Sylvie
Bousquet.
753 Domaine les Quatre Pilas Cuvee de la Mouchere 2003 VdP de l’Herault - 8.00
Made by M Joseph and
Mme Sylvie Bousquet, who do every stage of the wine production, thereby assuring exactly the superb standards they set. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan. It is
made from over-ripe grapes (ensuring concentrated grape juice and mature phenols) using traditional techniques and is aged for one year in vats before bottling. It is very dark in colour, reflecting
its intensity, it has a complex nose of lychee, peach, blackcurrant and exotic spices. It is full and wonderfully complex in the mouth with a fruity length.
751 Domaine les Quatre Pilas, 2002 AOC St Georges d’Orques - 9.00
756 Domaine les Quatre Pilas 2003 AOC St Georges d’Orques - 9.00
An AOC wine made to the highest standards, which won two stars in the 2004 Guide Hachette. It is a blend of Syrah,
Grenache and Mourvedre, made in the strictest of traditions with long vat maturation followed by aging for 13 months in oak barrels. It has perfumes of the garrigue (the herbal, spicy
scrub-bush-covered land around the vineyards in the area) and of baking spices culminating in scents of black nougat and fig jam. It is rich in soft tannins and will last well. Made by Joseph
and Sylvie Bousquet.
MAS DE POUNTIL
230 Mas de Pountil 2007 VdP Mont Baudile – 9.00
This rare white wine is an extremely interesting
blend of Clairette du Languedoc, Roussane and Chein Blanc in equal parts. The yield is kept very low to deliver intense flavours and the pressing and handling of the grape juice is done under cold
conditions. The wine is then both fermented and matured in oak barrels, and during the 7 month maturation, the wine is stirred daily to release all the flavours. The result is a fascinating
wine with complex floral aromas, a range of rich flavours and great length. It is super with grilled seafood and light white cheeses, but for many it will be enjoyed most by itself. Serve
slightly chilled at around 10C. Made by Angela and Brice Bautou.
231 Mas de Pountil Gourmandise 2002/6 AOC Coteaux de Languedoc – 7.00
Characterised by fresh
flavours of red fruits (blackcurrants, cherries) and with a hint of mocha, this low-yield blend (40% Grenache, 40% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault) is made from selected parcels of vines in a
traditional way. Unoaked, it is matured for 18 months before bottling. This is an excellent easy-drinking wine and great value at its price. Made by Angela and Brice Bautou.
232 Mas de Pountil 2001/2/4, AOC Terrasses du Larzac – 9.00
The flagship wine of Angela and Brice
Bautou, this wine has been acclaimed by the Guide Hachette and other expert wine guides. The 2001 is a blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 40% old Carignan. The 2002 is a blend of 30% Syrah,
30% Grenache 30% old Carignan, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. The wine is hand made in the traditional way, with about 30% of the wine volume maturing in 2nd/3rd use oak barrels. This gives subtle,
non-aggressive oak tones to the wine. It has great finesse, with well-balanced tannins and flavours of black and red fruits and nuts. It has great potential for laying down.
OLLIER TAILLEFER
331 Domaine Ollier Taillefer Allegro 2007 AOC Faugeres – 9.00
Buy this excellent wine while it is in
stock – Amphora was only allowed 300 bottles. Francoise Ollier Taillefer runs her vineyards superbly – everything in the vineyard is clean, neat, tidy and beautifully pruned –
under a strict Terre Vitis regime. The vines grow at some of the highest points in Faugeres, swept by dry winds in summer and cleansed by severe frosts in winter. Allegro, 50% Vermentino and
50% Roussanne, is hand-picked and vinified and matured at low temperatures to keep the fruit flavours fresh. The result has a nose of white flowers and pears, flavours of honey, lime flowers and
verbena and a round rich, mineral presentation. Delicious and fascinating. Best at 12C.
330 Ollier Taillefer Grande Reserve 2006 AOC Faugeres – 9.00
This fifth generation family vineyard
lies around Fos, one of Faugere’s leading wine villages. All 26 hectares of the family’s vineyards are officially certified as ‘Terra Vitis’ and rigorous checks are carried
out by an independent organization to confirm the highest standards of land husbandry. The Grande Reserve is a really traditional Faugere wine, made from 35% Syrah, 35% Grenache (old vines), 15%
carignan (old vines) and 15% Mourvedre. A traditional hand-made wine, this elegant and well balanced wine has an intense colour, scents of juniper and herbs and is round and soft in the mouth with hints
of spices. 2003 is an excellent vintage which will last up to 8 years.
CHATEAU DU DONJON
556 Chateau du Donjon Rosé 2007/8 AOC Minervois - 6.50
Jean Panis is both an excellent wine-maker and an
energetic, enthusiastic person who is a pleasure to do business with. It is therefore no surprise that Amphora now stocks seven of his wines. This great value rosé is a blend of Cinsault (40%),
Syrah (30%) and Grenache Noir (30%) and should be drunk fresh, at around 10 – 12C. It has delicate scents of red fruits, which then develop in the mouth with a good balance of fruit and
freshness. It is most remarkably the only rosé awarded Minervois AOC status, a tribute to Jean’s skill and determination to produce great wines
559 Domaine La Galiniere Cabernet Sauvignon 2005/7 VdP de Ctx de Peyriac – 6.50
Made by Jean Panis
of Chateau du Donjon. This is an excellent, fresh and open presentation of the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, which prefers the slightly cooler hills of Minervois to the hot, dry plains of the
Mediterranean littoral. Tricky to make as a varietal, Jean Panis is well versed in getting the best out of his Cabernet Sauvignon vines. This good value wine sells well each year. Best
around 18-20C.
552 Domaine La Galiniere Merlot 2007 VdP de Ctx de Peyriac – 6.50
Made by Jean Panis of Chateau du
Donjon. Grown in the valley of Clamoux, where the soils are sandstone alluvial deposits and which are very dry in the summer, this is a superb example of an affordable, excellent Merlot. It has
immediate appeal produced by traditional vinification, long maceration (to transfer all the goodness from the grape skins to the wine) and strict temperature control. This produces a wine of deep
red colour with a powerful nose of red fruits and spicy notes. In the mouth it is medium-bodied with soft tannins, a good structure and persistent finish.
550 Chateau du Donjon Grande Tradition 2006 AOC Minervois – 6.50
The Grande Tradition is Jean
Panis’ excellent interpretation of the classic traditional red wines of the Minervois. It is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Carignan, giving a well structured dry, wine intended to be
drunk with a meal. It will age well for up to 10 years and is best drunk around 18-19C. It has a ruby red colour and a complex aromatic presentation with scents of black fruits and
spices. In the mouth it is powerful but well-balanced with well cloaked tannins, which give the wine its good ageing potential. It is ideal with grilled red meat and with flavourful sauces,
with stronger cheeses and especially with duck and winged game with richer sauces.
557 Chateau du Donjon l’Autre 2006 AOC Cabardes – 7.50
By law, AOC Cabardes wines have to have
40% ‘Atlantic’ varieties and 40% ‘Mediterranean’ varietes, the wine-maker having discretion on the remaining 20%. Here Jean Panis has balanced the plummy fruit of the
Atlantic Merlot (40%) with the structured, aromatic black fruits of the dark, intense Syrah (40%) and the paler, softly-rounded red fruit of the Grenache Noir, the latter two being
‘Mediterranean’ varietes. The result is a delightful wine which goes superbly with the food of the region around Carcassonne and with red meats, game and cheeses of character. This
wine will improve over 5 to 10 years and is best at 16 to 18C.
549 Donjon La Pujade 2008 – 8.50
La Pujade is 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah. This is a very special
and rare wine,, the Grenache coming entirely from a small plot of about 1.5 hectares, with vines which are more than 100 years old. Old vines produce low yield but concentrated grape
juice. This unoaked wine has an explosion of raspberry and vanilla flavours and an intensity seldom found in Grenache wines, which are typically soft, subtle and complex. The total production
is only 6000 bottles each year, so enjoy a unique experience while stocks last.
551 Le Merlot du Donjon (Minervois) 2003/5 VdP d’Oc – 8.50
This varietal Merlot is an exercise
in intensity but finely presented. Powerful, rich and a gloriously full-blooded, in-your-face Merlot, it seems underpriced for its quality. Donjon is owned by Jean Panis, one of two wine-making
brothers. The other produces nearby, in neighbouring Corbieres, and also makes super wines. The race is on and I guess both will win. Meanwhile, enjoy this block-busting Merlot at this
generous price.
554 Chateau du Donjon Cuvee Prestige 2006 AOC Minervois – 9.00
554a Chateau du Donjon Cuvee Prestige 2006 AOC Minervois MAGNUM – 20.00
The Cuvee Prestige is Jean Panis’ finest red. Beautifully presented, this wine is partially matured
in oak barrels and is both powerful (14% alcohol) and intense. Deep, subtle red in colour, it has a nose of vanilla, blackcurrants and cocoa with hints of grilled toast. In the mouth it is
full, with deep tannins and a persistent aftertaste. Now ready to drink, it will age well for several years in the bottle. 60% Syrah (12 months in oak), 40% Grenache (12 months in normal vats).
ST SATURNIN
602 St Saturnin Vin d'une Nuit 2006 AOC Coteaux de Languedoc – 6.50
In the valley of the Herault
river, this wine is a long-established standard. It shares the lightness in tannins of other vins d’une nuit, but has great balance and a clear character. Its vines lie on the southern
slopes of the massif central, facing full South, in well-drained soils at the eastern end of the schistaceous seam that makes St Chinian, Faugeres and Cabrieres so great. St Saturnin is a small and
modest village with no pretensions but an eye for real quality. This is the great all-rounder red in this list and can be commended to deliver every time. I have been drinking it for more than
25 years and have no plans to stop. (Carignan 20%, Cinsault 20%, Grenache 30%, Syrah 30%, serve at 14-15ºC) Made by Bruno Raymond.
609 St Saturnin Passerel Red – 6.50
New - details to follow
606 l’Ete Indien St Saturnin 2002 – 16.00
This sweet, dessert white wine, is harvested late in
the autumn when the individual grapes have started to shrivel. This shrinking leads to a deeply concentrated and sweet grape juice, which makes a unique wine of intense scents and flavours. The
fermentation process is stopped at 14% alcohol and the remainder of the natural sugars are left to leave a complex and fascinating sweetness. The reduction in liquid yield as a result of the
shrivelled grapes means that the production per hectare is very low (15hl/ha) and as a result this wine is very rare (only about 1000 bottles each year) very interesting and sells out each year.
ST ANTONIN
220 Domaine St Antonin Les Jardins 2007 from Faugeres – 7.00
This pleasant easy-drinking wine is
from one of Faugeres young, vigorous wine-makers who has built a tasteful new domaine South of La Liquiere in first class vine country. Every aspect of his winemaking is to the highest
standards. This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan can be drunk and enjoyed young or left to soften a little more over the next year or two. Les Jardins has red and black fruit scents and
flavours, with a substantial presentation in the mouth and a clean, fruity length. Best around 18C. Made by Frederic Albaret.
221 Domaine St Antonin Tradition 2007 AOC Faugeres – 8.00
This is a complex blend of 30% Grenache,
25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre 5% Cinsault which delivers the best balance which this superb terroir can offer. Frederic Albaret is a passionate, energetic, new generation wine-maker in one
of the best locations in the excellent appellation of Faugeres. This powerful, full-bodied wine has scents and flavours of red and black fruits – raspberries, cherries, blackberries and
blackcurrants – with hints of the spices from the nearby garrigue (wild scrubland). Despite its power, the wine benefits from the schistaceous soil giving soft, harmonious tannins and a
generous smoothness in the mouth. Great at 16-18C.
THIERY RODRIGEZ
302 Avarus Saint-Chinian 2005 AOC St Chinian – 8.50
Made by Thierry Rodriguez. This Avarus is
hand-picked, and produced using traditional techniques. It is macerated for three weeks to allow the full flavours and tannins from the skins to enter the liquid, It is then aged for four
months in vats before being matured for ten months in French oak. It has a superb deep purple colour. The nose is of toast and black fruit jam, while in the mouth it is at first soft and round,
then opens into complex flavours and aromas before finishing surprisingly cleanly with a hint of wood tar. (Syrah 75%, Grenache 25%)
303 Mas Gabinele 2004/5 AOC Faugeres – 12.50
Mas Gabinele has only 10Ha of vines, so its production
is small – but precious. Expert wine-maker Thierry Rodriguez owns Mas Gabinele and it is his personal standard of excellence. Despite his busy schedule making many other excellent wines
around the Region, he works his own vines superbly to deliver top class vintages year after year. This 2005 Mas Gabinele, is a blend of Syrah 30%, Grenache 30%, Mourvedre 10% and old vine Carignan
30%. The grapes are hand harvested with selection of only the ripest fruit. There is a long maceration of 20 to 30 days, followed by 12 to 16 months maturation in French oak. It has a deep
red colour with flashes of violet. Smooth and powerful on the nose, there are scents of forest fruit jam, coffee, cocoa, pepper and vanilla. These echo in the mouth with a fleshy, sensual
presentation and a long finish with a hint of eucalyptus. This wine can be laid down for years and is best drunk around 18C.
703 Mas Gabinele Rarissime 2003 AOC Faugeres – 20.00
Made by Thierry Rodriguez. Called ‘the
rarest’ this is a wine of astounding quality from Faugeres. The best vines are selected and then each is maintained by hand throughout the year. Only the finest bunches of grapes are
taken from the selected vines and the vinification methods are of the highest quality. The wine has exceptional intensity of colour, nose and flavour supported by a robust 15% of alcohol. The
proprietor, Thierry Rodriguez, only produces Rarissime in years when the vintage has sufficient quality, so we offered a 2001 (now sold out and no 2002) and are now offering a 2003. Free wooden
6-bottle case with each six bottles. So far, this is the most sophisticated Languedoc wine I have found.
OTHER WINES
180 Fontanilles 2007 VdP Val de Montferrand - 5.00
This light and
refreshing blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni and Grenache Blanc makes a delightful easy drinking wine suitable for use as an aperitif or with a range of milder flavoured food. With a pleasant colour
and modern label, it is well banaced between fruit and dryness. Great value for every day drinking and big parties.
450 Domaine de Cibadies Chardonnay 2007 VdP d’Oc – 6.00
Domaine de Cibadies lies just North of the
ancient Greek then Roman settlement of Oppidum d’Enserune and therefore the vineyards where these vines are grown have probably been used for that purpose for many more than 2000 years. The
property is well above the valley and the Canal du Midi, ensuring good ventilation and full exposure to the Mediterranean sun. There are some who turned away from Chardonnay since some New World
producers were stifling the qualities of the grape with oak. This very affordable Chardonnay is lightly oaked, enough to enhance the balance of the wine, while encouraging the expression of the
Chardonnay fruit. Super wine, great value. Best served chilled 6-8C
430 L’Arbaude 2006 AOC Cotes de Provence - 6.50
Three lovely
roses are produced at Mas de Cadenet; this clever blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Cinsault and 15% Carignan has a charming light salmon colour and an extremely fruity
fragrance of red fruits and a hint of liquorice. In the mouth there is an explosion of flavours, a delicate mix of candies and red fruits, and its finish is tender. The Negrels have been making
their wines at Mas de Cadenet for seven generations and they get the very best from their superb terroir. Ideally served around 10C, this is a great value fruity rose for any coloured meal.
155 Muscat de Frontignan AOC 2004 – 8.50
This is a great ‘pudding wine. It is traditionally made
natural sweet wine which won 30 gold medals between 1967 and 1998 and most recently in 2001. It is made from the local strain of Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, is hand harvested, gently pressed and
sits on its lees for 6 – 8 months. In this time it reaches some 15% alcohol with still plenty of residual sugar. It is a brilliant clear yellow, with powerful aromas of the Muscat grape
and hints of black berries. In the mouth it is smooth and rounded with good acid/sugar balance and all the intricate complexities of a fine Muscat. Great as a pudding wine, it is also a novel
aperitif and cocktail mixer. It is best served at 7-8ºC.
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