Hélène and Graham in the vines!

Graham and Béatrice Nutter acquired the gorgeous vine- yards tucked away in the rolling countryside near the fairytale town of Carcassonne in 2001. Along with the absolutely invaluable assistance of Marc and Martine Bonnevenc, they set about to produce a truly world class winery from what had been merely a purveyor of grapes to the local co-op. They rejuvenated the original vineyards, purchased several new parcels of land, renovated and enlarged the main, historic stone buildings and created an ultra-modern wine-making facility. Within a few short years it became evident that their ambitions were being realized. The wine press including Jancis Robinson heralded their wines and they began taking home gold medals from the most prestigious wine shows. Better yet, their lively, generous, food-friendly charmers passed muster with our ever discriminating wine club Members.

The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine-growing area in the world (a third again more productive than all of Australia). The appellation has a well deserved reputation for “vin ordinaire” but it also contains oases of high quality wines that are exceptional values. The Minervois is an appellation in the north-western section of the Languedoc and a source of particularly excellent red wines, a fact often proclaimed by contributors to the ‘Wine Spectator’ and ‘Decanter’ magazines. Attention to soil quality, low yields, hand-harvesting and temperature-controlled fermentation can produce wines that are truly exceptional – just like those at Château Saint Jacques d’Albas.

Marc Bonnevenc and Graham

The Wines

We will be bringing your orders to the LCBO on Friday, February 25^th – we want to make sure the ever popular Rosé arrives well before the summer doldrums. The following prices include a one dollar per bottle handling fee.

2010 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Rosé – 13.0% Alc./Vol.         $15/$90 case of 6
This is an elegantly fruity and refreshing rosé made from 50% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. A beautiful salmon hue, this crisp, dry, surprisingly complex wine is a perfect summer sipper destined for the back patio or cottage dock. It is very well made and delightful. Most importantly, it has, as Graham puts it, “Mrs. Nutter’s approval. And, you can trust her taste … after all”, as Graham notes, “she picked me, didn’t she?” Order your six-pack of summer sipping now!

2010 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Blanc – 12.5% Alc./Vol.        $16/$96 case of 6
This is the second year that Ch. St Jacques d’Albas’ has offered this wine and what a pleasant surprise it is!! Made from 50% Viognier, 30% Vermentino (Rolle) and 20% Roussanne, it is wonderfully complex and aromatic for a little wine. Straw yellow, it exhibits aromas of peaches, pebbles and white flowers and finishes with a crisp, dry tang – perfect for shellfish or simply slurping whilst making supper. This lovely quaffer also bears the ‘Mrs. Nutter seal of approval’. Order this little white gem now.

Le Super Summer Sipping Sampler – 12.5-13.5% Alc./Vol.   $16/$96 case of 12
Three bottles each of the 2010 Le Petit Saint-Jacques rosé and blanc, all for only $96. This is a vinous no-brainer if ever there was one!! Order your six-pack of pure fun now – Mrs. Nutter will be glad you did.

2009 Le Domaine – 13.5% Alc./Vol.                                                $18/$108 case of 6
This has become THE favourite wine of a good number of our Members. This edition of Le Domaine AOC Minervois rouge from a very good vintage is made from 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre and is as good as ever. The yields were kept to 35 hectolitres/hectare. The wine has been traditionally fermented and the Syrah aged in oak barrels for more than six months. This is a very expressive, well balanced wine that is drinking well now and will keep quite happily for several years. Need more convincing?? It was selected as one of the Languedoc’s best value-for-money reds: Revue du Vin de France June 2010. Order your supply of the people’s favourite now.

2007 Le Château – 14.5% Alc./Vol.                                                            $24/$144 case of 6
                                                                                    Magnums $562 case of 4/$13
This excellent wine from an exceptional vintage is made from 35% Syrah, 55% Grenache and 10% Carignan. The Syrah rested for 12 months in oak. Yields were a miserly 35 hl/ha. This easy drinking, classy, medium-bodied wine is deep ruby with a taste of ripe raspberries, liquorice, Provençal spices, black pepper and a hint of vanilla. It exhibits a fine balance of fruit and lush, velvety tannins. It will pair superbly with roasts, poultry and casseroles. A lot of wine for the buck, it will cellar well for at least five to seven years. Order your six-pack of pure drinking pleasure now.

2006 La Chapelle – 15.0% Alc./Vol.                                                $38/$228 case of 6
                                                                                    Magnums $80/$240 case of 3
This is definitely the king of castle St Jacques d’Albas and the fact that it has already garnered a top medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles amply supports its stature. Made from 98% old vines Syrah (aged in oak casks for 24 months!) and 2% Grenache, it is reminiscent of both a fine Côte Rôtie and a smashing Aussie Shiraz. The yields were between 30 and 35 hectolitres/hectare and the vines averaged over 30 years of age. An inky dark red colour, black currents dominate the nose with hints of red berries, new leather and vanilla. It is a real mouthful of pleasure, well-balanced, long and satisfying.

Here is what Stephen Brook says about this wine in his article ‘Top 50 Syrahs under 25₤’ that ran in the February 2011 issue of ‘Decanter’ – “This cuvee is almost pure Syrah, which is unusual for the Minervois. The nose is firm, dense and peppery, while the palate has a fresh note, with some peppery fruit, good depth, and a long finish. Nicely balanced with plenty of aging potential Drink 2011-2015” It was rated four stars out of five and 17 out of twenty – only 14 of the 50 top Syrah/Shiraz from around the world rated higher.

My tasting notes show an underscored Superb! This is lovely stuff and I highly recommend it. Order your case of hedonistic delight now.

Graham’s Luxe Red Sampler – 13.5-15.0% Alc./Vol.                   $29/$174 case of 6
A great way to try Graham’s senior reds – four yummy bottles of the 2007 Le Château and two glorious bottles of the 2006 La Chapelle. Order your little collection of superb Minervois reds now.

On a social note, we will be visiting Graham and Béatrice at Château St Jacque d’Albas late this March to make certain his latest vintages will be to your liking (work, work, work). It will also give me the opportunity to wreak a little havoc on his Fort Knox-like private wine cellar. Then, for revenge, he plans be here in April and if so, we will conspire to have some sort of tasting event for you.

Coming Next

We are going to spoil you with some fantastic Tuscan wines produced by Candace and Ferenc Máte. Both are accomplished artists (she a painter, he a published author) with Canadian backgrounds. And, they make a 95 rated Brunello di Montalcino (James Suckling - the Wine Spectator) to boot.

Please pass this note on to anyone you think might be interested in some great wines from the Minervois at very special prices.

Many thanks for our first five exciting years.

Cheers!

Jim and Hélène
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca