Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
We will be taking your orders for the outstanding wines from Máté Wines, including the glorious 2006 Brunello di Montalcino rated 95 by the Wine Spectator, to the LCBO next Friday, September 16th. The Mátés’ 2008 Albatro has recently been awarded a 90 rating from the Wine Spectator and they have just released their yummy 2009 Rosso di Montalcino. Finally, the Mátés have also released the 2008 version of their Cabernet Sauvignon that Candace says is even better than the 2007 (hard to believe!!).
Recent Tuscan vintages have been very successful. Here is how the ‘Wine Spectator’ rates them (out of 100): 2006 – 96; 2007 – 95; 2008 – 88-91.
The Terrific Tuscans on Offer from Máté Wines
In addition to the four splendid wines noted above, we are also offering a new Máté Tuscan Sampler for those of you who would like to try them all. Please note that the following prices include a $1 handling fee.
2009 Rosso di Montalcino – 14.5% Alc./Vol. $25/$150 six-bottle case
Made from 100% Sangiovese (Brunello) and aged in oak (20% new Allier) for thirteen months, this splendid wine is a brilliantly clear ruby colour. It has lovely, vibrant floral, fresh fruit, new leather and aniseed aromas. In the mouth - its fresh acidity with cherry and licorice flavours unfolding to dark chocolate and raspberry make it a pleasure to match with food. What foods? Medium weight dishes including pasta with meat sauce (natch!), poultry, mushrooms or truffles, risottos and pork or veal in sauce. In fact, darn near everything! This is a wine that drinks marvellously well in its youth but will also age quite happily for five to eight years. This is a truly terrific wine value. Order your mini-Brunello now!
2008 Albatro – 15.0% Alc./Vol. $30/$180 six-bottle case
This vibrant powerhouse is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese that was aged nineteen months in one, two and three year old Allier oak. It is a strong, clear ruby red. At first there is a slight musk on the nose that is followed by pronounced aromas of red fruit, licorice, cedar and prunes with a hint of dark chocolate. In the mouth the prunes and red fruit persist with well integrated tannins, good acidity and pleasing length. There is wonderful depth of flavour and complexity here. Like all Máté wines, it should be decanted a couple of hours before serving a little below room temperature. It will go well with a wide range of foods, from roasted vegetables and grilled meats to medium cheeses and dark chocolate cake.
Here’s what Bruce Sanderson of the ‘Wine Spectator’ (September 2011) has to say about it, “Though elegant, with floral, raspberry and wild berry aromas and flavors, this red has a firm, iron-clad structure. Perfume and fruit elements linger on the finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2012 through 2020. 350 cases made. 90/100
The Mátés have given us a special price on the 2008 Albatro which makes it less expensive than the first time we offered it. Order your terrific, tasty Tuscan now.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon – 15.0% Alc./Vol $46/$276 six-bottle case
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this big expressive wine spent twenty two months in one, two and three year old Allier oak. I love this wine. Like the 2007, it reminds me of a very good, top notch Napa Cab. A bright ruby colour, it offers up complex aromas of jammy red fruit, old saddle leather, cedar, macaroons and vanilla. Big, brawny and full of zesty fruit when first opened, it settles down and mellows out after a couple of hours in the decanter. But it remains complex, balanced, long and very, very pleasing. Candace Máté says that she prefers the 2008 to the 2007. Those of our Members who have committed infanticide with the ’07 are raving about it! Order some to see what all the fuss is about.
2006 Brunello di Montalcino – 14.5% Alc./Vol $62/$372 six-bottle case
This classic Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese that rested 30 months in two, three and four year old Allier oak. It then remained eighteen months in the bottle before release. It is a sensuous, deep, sparkling clear garnet-ruby colour with a nose that is intriguingly spicy and floral with aromas of cherries, blackberries and licorice. In the mouth it exudes an enchanting complexity of flavours including dark chocolate, wild berries and plum that keep evolving in the glass. This stunner is wonderfully balanced with bright acidity and silky tannins. And, the medley of flavours seems to linger forever.
James Suckling on jamessuckling.com, January 15, 2011 pronounced: Love the nose to this, with licorice, mint, blackberries and aniseed. Full-bodied with wonderful dense fruit and super silky tannins. So fruity, yet so full of finesse. A beauty. Try it after 2014. 95/100.
But, $62 the bottle you say (note, this wine is a bit more expensive now than the first time we offered it due to unfavourable currency fluctuations and an increase in the ex-cellar price from the winery)! Here is what similar wines were listed for in the February 2011 LCBO Vintages Classics Collection (2004 rated 92/100 - Wine Spectator):
92247 – 2004 Antesino Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino – James Suckling 95/100 - $99
724252 – 2004 Castelgioconda Ripe Al Conento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva – James Suckling 95/100 - $99
112607 – 2004 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva – James Suckling 94/100 - $75
700443 – 2004 Pogglio Antico Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva – James Suckling 96/100 - $119
Order your tantalizing Tuscan treat now
The Máté Tuscan Sampler – 13.9%-15.0% Alc./Vol $37/$222 six-bottle case
Two bottles each of the 2009 Rosso and 2008 Albatro and one glorious bottle each of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Brunello di Montalcino. A sensational six-pack of tasty Tuscan treasures if ever there was one. Order your Tuscan treasure trove now.
Soon to Emerge from Arthur’s Cellar
Our next featured wine will be the splendid Southern Rhône from Domaine de la Gramière followed by the glorious Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Palon and the vaunted Gigondas from Domaine Cayron.
Update – Wine Spectator Rates Dom. Roger Sabon 2009 Ch.9
Those of you who ordered the marvellous 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape from Domaine Roger Sabon will be pleased to note that the ‘Wine Spectator’ has rated them with equal enthusiasm as did Robert Parker in the ‘Wine Advocate (see it here). Our order has been submitted to the LCBO and we do not plan to order any more; but please let me know if you would be interested in some of these 2009 classics.
We would be most grateful if you would pass this note on to anyone you think would be interested in some truly marvellous Tuscan wines lovingly crafted by a most remarkable couple – Candace and Ferenc Máté. Also, please invite your friends, relatives, acquaintances and casual strangers to join Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club – no annual fees or other obligations; just great wine.
Cheers!
Jim and Hélène jaswalker@arthursellers.com www.arthursellers.com hbuisson@ofrance.ca www.ofrance.ca
