We will be bringing your orders for the 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape and 2010 Les Notes de Louis Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Giuliani to the LCBO on Friday, January 20. Don’t miss out on these two outstanding, well-priced southern Rhônes.

Aline Giuliani during the 2011 Harvest

The Giuliani vineyards were established in 1930 and since then succeeding generations have laboured to produce the best grapes possible for the co-operative in Courthézon. But Bernard, the latest Giuliani to take the helm, had grown tired of seeing others reduce the fruits of his labour to mediocrity and in the early 2000’s decided that it was time to produce his own wines. His new cellars were completed in 2005 and the inaugural vintage of Domaine Giuliani Châteauneuf du Pape was the following year.  Instead of one large property, the Giulianis own a number of choice plots totalling 8.3 hectares throughout prime south-west Chateauneuf locations like La Crau and Pierredon. As one would expect, they meticulously maintain their vines and hand-pick only the finest grapes for their Châteauneuf. The grapes are then destemmed and the juice undergoes traditional fermentation.

The Domaine Giuliani Wines on Offer

We are delighted to offer you the excellent 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape and terrific Côtes du Rhône, the 2010 Les Notes de Louis by Domaine Giuliani. For those who would like to try a little of each, Bernard and Aline have created the Domaine Giuliani Sampler – three bottles of the Châteauneuf and three of the Côtes du Rhône. The wines come in convenient six-bottle cases.

2010 Les Notes de Louis Côtes du Rhône -14.5% Alc./Vol.          $17/102 case of six
This glorious Côte du Rhône is made from almost 100% Grenache - and the Giulianis are very, very talented Grenache growers. It is a brilliant ruby colour and exhibits a pronounced, lively nose of raspberries, plums and cherries. In the mouth these persist, accompanied by black currents and hints of pepper and licorice. It is quite big and wonderfully round and supple with silky tannins and surprising length. This stunner will go marvellously with savoury tarts and grilled meats. While drinking well now, it will keep nicely for three or four years. We have reserved their last 300 bottles for the club. Order your extremely well-priced Southern Rhône now.

2009 Domaine Giuliani Chateauneuf du Pape - 14.5% Alc./Vol.  $37/$222 case of six
The delicious 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre - from vines averaging over fifty years of age and situated on their finest property. It is a deep ruby red and aromas of ripe raspberries, cherries, cassis, smoke, garrigue and spice positively leap from the glass. In the mouth it is certainly not a timid wine. The red and black fruit persist joined by raisins, liquorice and just a hint of pepper. It is full, round, supple, elegant and long - everything a fine, young Châteauneuf du Pape should be. Here is what Robert Parker has to say about the 2009 Domaine Giuliani Châteauneuf du Pape: The 2009 is cut from the same mold (as the 2008), but exhibits slightly deeper, richer fruit and a bit more body and alcohol, in a precocious, flattering style that consumers will love. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. 87-90/100.

What more can I add? I think it is drinking quite nicely right now, but ideally it should be decanted a few hours before serving (at around 16°C). It will go brilliantly with roast lamb, confit de canard, game, stews and wild mushrooms. But, I too feel it will only get better with some time in the cellar which is one of the nice things about ordering by the case – try it now and try it later! Order your very well-priced Châteauneuf now.

Domaine Giuliani Sampler - 14.5% Alc./Vol.                     $27/$162 case of six
Three bottles each of the over-achieving 2010 Les Notes de Louis Côtes du Rhône and scrumptious 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape from Domaine Giuliani. It just doesn’t get much better than this. Order your six-pack of Southern Rhône pleasure now.

The above price includes a $1.00 per bottle administration fee.

Coming next from Arthur’s Cellar
More wonderful stuff from the southern Rhône; this time from Vignobles Mousset-Barrot (including Decanter’s third highest rated 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape for under $40!!).

Please pass this note on to anyone you think would enjoy some absolutely terrific Châteauneuf du Pape or Côtes du Rhône (is there anyone who wouldn’t?).

Cheers!

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