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Charles’ daughter Héloise amid the thorns
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The other day brother Doug and I were enjoying lunch at one of our favourite haunts, Le Sélect Bistro. Le Sélect just happens to carry the fine wines from Domaine la Croix Chaptal. A plate of charcouterie veritably cried out for a 2005 Cuvée Charles (just reaching its apex). And, the Noisette de Saint Jacques simply wouldn’t appear at the table without a 2007 Clairette de Languedoc Blanc – Vieilles Vignes to act as chaperone. We had forgotten how simply sublime this wine was and asked Jean-Jacques Quinsac, le patron to confirm our findings. Not only was it confirmed, but he ordered several more cases of the white wonder on the spot for the house!
So, we now have an opportunity to bring some more of Charles Pacaud’s marvellous wines from the AOC Côteaux du Languedoc in for our wine club Members; at the lowest prices ever thanks to Charles holding his prices and the moribund Euro!
As a reminder, the Jan. 31 - Feb. 28, 2009 edition of the Wine Spectator listed two of Charles’ delicious red wines on their ‘Top Values 2008’ list - the 2005 Les Terrasses du Larzac (rated 88) and the 2005 Cuvée Charles (rated 90).
You can read all about Charles and his winery in the November 2006 edition of ‘Selections’. His wines come in convenient six-bottle cases. These are all terrific wines. We will be taking your orders to the LCBO on Thursday, August 26thth.
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2009 Rosé “Les Sigillées” - 12.5% Alc./Vol. $17 per bottle/$102 per case of six
A full-bodied yet subtle rosé made by the saignée method. It is a beautiful vibrant pink and is made from 60% Grenache Gris, 35% Carignan and 5% Syrah. Twenty percent is aged in new oak. Yields are less than 40 hl./ha. This red wine lover’s Rosé has full, rich aromas of strawberries, raspberries and other red fruit along with a hint of citrus which carries through to the nice crisp finish. This is a very serious rosé that will keep for several years and will go well with pork, ham and Oriental dishes. Declared a ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert. Latch on to some for the summer months ahead.
2007 Clairette de Languedoc Blanc - Vieilles Vignes - 13.0% Alc./Vol. $19 per bottle/$114 per case of six
Made from old Clairette du Languedoc Blanc, the grapes are all hand picked and destemmed, pressed and left in contact with the skins for a very short time. It receives traditional vinification on its lees (28% in new oak and 72% in stainless steel tanks). Total production is only 8,000 bottles. A full-bodied, fresh and very clean white wine with tantalizing aromas of butter, toasted bread, almonds and citrus fruit. Very smooth, it finishes with a nice citrus aftertaste. It is a great wine to drink alone as an aperitif and will go well with shellfish, fish in white sauce or soft cheeses. It is drinking well now and will evolve to a hazelnut taste in a year or two (it then will go well with white meat accompanied by mushrooms in a white sauce), and later to walnut (then it will go well with a whole range of cheeses). Declared a ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert. I love this white! Get it while it lasts!
2005 Les Terrasses du Larzac - 13.0% Alc./Vol. $19 per bottle/$114 per case of six
Like all of Charles' wines, les Terrasses du Larzac grapes are hand picked. It is made from 55% Grenache, 40% Carignan and the rest Syrah with yields between 35 and 40 Hectolitres per hectare. It undergoes a short aging period on oak. This is a fruity, dark red wine with aromas of cherry and coffee with a touch of spice. Ready to drink now, this little treasure will go well with both white and red meats. The Wine Spectator rates it 88/100; I rate it a terrific value. Order some now.
2005 “Cuvée Charles” Rouge - 13.5% Alc./Vol. $24 per bottle/$144 per case of six
This is a truly great wine from a great year. Made from equal parts Syrah, Carignan and Grenache, it is unfiltered and rested in oak barrels for a full year. The yield is only 32 hectolitres per hectare. It is deep ruby with aromas of raspberries, black berries, wild brush, vanilla, toasted coffee and fine spice. It has elegant, complex tannins and a long, lingering aftertaste. It will age brilliantly for many years. Serve with roasts, game and grilled red meat. ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert; the Wine Spectator rates it 90/100. Snag some of what will surely become a collector’s item.
Note: all prices include a $1.00 per bottle handling fee.
Please pass this bulletin on to others you think might like to take advantage of Charles’ great wines (at great prices).
Many thanks and cheers,
Jim and Hélène
Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com
www.ofrance.ca
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