A friend and wine club Member recently noted that he would like some more of the 2009 Rhône By Roger Sabon from Domaine Roger Sabon ... ten cases more! Several other southern Rhône wine aficionados have made similar requests, but not for quite as many bottles. So, having an acute nose for market demand, we thought we should try to offer this crowd-pleaser once again.

We have already imported a great deal of this easy drinking, classic Côtes du Rhône for wine club Members and local restaurants and were doubtful that the winery would have any more available. However, to our delight Didier Négron was able to find and set aside an additional 240 bottles for us. And now we are making them available to you. It comes in six-bottle cases and we plan to take your orders to the LCBO on Friday, May 6th, or when all 240 bottles are gone, whichever comes first (I think I know!).

Scrumptiousness Central - Le Sélect Bistro

So, you weren’t one of the fortunate ones to order this wine the first time around and would like to know what it tastes like? Well, you are in luck. The 2009 Rhône By Roger Sabon is a featured house red at one of our favourite Toronto haunts, Le Sélect Bistro. Patrons Jean-Jacques Quinsac and Frédéric Geisweiller are going to hate me for this because their supply is dwindling quickly and reinforcements are still a month or so away! If you are not familiar with this authentic French bistro, this is a great excuse for giving it a try; but be sure to make reservations – it is very, very popular. While you are there, try some of our other fine wines like the terrific 2005 Cuvée Charles from Domaine la Croix Chaptal (they refer to it as the Larzac at the restaurant).                         

2009 Rhône By Roger Sabon – 14.0% Alc./Vol.                            $20/$120 case of 6
 Oh boy, what a wine! It is made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault and was aged in oak foudres for about five months. It is a bright ruby with pure aromas of raspberries, tobacco, Provençal spices and minerals. It is well-balanced with silky tannins and gobs of fruit flavours – it is almost chewy! It goes perfectly with bistro which might help to explain why it is so popular at Le Sélect. While drinking wonderfully now, I think this is developing into a very, very fine Côtes du Rhône, one that will cellar quite happily for up to a decade. I’m going to add a few cases to Arthur’s Cellar.  Won’t you join me?

Please note that there is a $1 per bottle handing fee included in the above prices.

If you know any fanciers of superb Southern Rhône wine, we would really appreciate it if you would pass this note on to them.

Wine Spectator Insider – Máté 2006 Brunello di Montalcino – Top Rated!
Those of you who recently ordered the majestic 2006 Brunello di Montalcino from Máté Wines are going to find the attached copy of the ‘Wine Spectator Insider’ of interest. Bruce Sanderson rated it as one of only two ‘Classic’ wines from this very fine vintage.

Cheers!

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