Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
Everyone loves the delicious southern Rhône wines from Domaine Palon – their Côtes-du-Rhône (Cuvée Esparza), Vacqueyras (red and white) and Gigondas. And just wait till you try their latest creations from the fabulous 2011 vintage.
Domaine Palon
Domaine Palon is a real family affair with a long grape growing tradition. Valérie and Léopold Palon were wine makers in Gigondas and their son Jean founded the Cave Coopérative de Gigondas and served as its administrator from 1956 to 1978. Now called Papi Jean and well into his nineties, he is still a regular at the winery and continues to enjoy a bottle of fine Palon wine each day (I can only hope for a similar fate!). His son, Jean-Pierre took over the reins of the co-op in 1978 (Jean-Pierre’s wife Annie was the financial director) and ran it until 2001, all the while selling his grapes to the same co-op. When Jean-Pierre and Annie’s son Sébastien graduated from oenology school, the family decided to leave the co-op and start making their own wines. 2003 was their first vintage.
The Wines of Domaine Palon
We are delighted to offer you the delightful 2011 southern Rhônes from Domaine Palon – Côtes-du-Rhone ‘Cuvée Esparza’; Vacqueyras ‘Blanc du Bary’; Vacqueyras Rouge, and; Gigondas Rouge. We have also included the very limited-edition 2011 Gigondas Cuvée Noé. And, the Palons have created two Samplers specially created for Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club – one of the regular-sized bottles of their 2011 Vacqueyras and Gigondas and the other of their 2009 Vacqueyras and Gigondas in Magnums. All come in six-bottle cartons. We will be taking your orders to the LCBO on Friday, November 11th.
2011 Côtes-du-Rhône ‘Cuvée Esparza’ – 13.5% Alc./Vol. 20/$120 for six This is a really, really good Côtes-du-Rhone from a terrific vintage. It is comprised of 69% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 15% Cinsault all hand-picked from the domaine’s vineyards in Vacqueyras and Sablet. It is an intense ruby colour with hints of violet. The nose is of pronounced aromas of ripe cherries, plums, fresh strawberries, garrigue, smoke, new leather, cassis and a hint of pepper. In the mouth it is big, almost chewy with amazing, silky tannins. This wine is much bigger and longer than one would ever expect from a humble Côtes-du-Rhône – Sébastien has done it again! Served slightly chilled (16°-17°) it will go splendidly with roasts, grilled meats and medium cheeses. It will keep quite happily for three to five years. Hélène’s guests contentedly consumed it in great quantities last month (making a considerable dent into the 8,500 bottles produced) at le Château de Goult! Order your southern Rhône dazzler now.
2011 Vacqueyras ‘Blanc du Bary’ – 13.5% Alc./Vol. $27/$162 for six This stunning white is comprised of 82% Clairette and 18% Grenache Blanc, all hand-picked of course from vines averaging more than forty-five years old. It has seen some new oak, but not too much. It is a bright yellow-gold colour with a vibrant nose of grilled almonds, peaches, pears, honeysuckle, vanilla, exotic spices and toast. It is very smooth and extremely well balanced – lots of fruit offset by a gorgeous acidity. It is fresh, complex and finishes with a burst of citrus. It would be perfect, served at about 8°, with oysters, other shellfish and rich poultry dishes. This is very yummy stuff indeed, very reminiscent of a top-flight Châteauneuf-du-Pape white. It will cellar nicely for at least five years. Only 2,200 bottles produced. Order your rare and delicious white now.
2011 Vacqueyras Rouge – 14.5% Alc./Vol. $27/$162 for six This gorgeous, medium-bodied wine is made from 75% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre and 9% Syrah, hand-picked from vines averaging more than forty-five years old. It is a bright, clear ruby with complex aromas of plums, prunes, raspberries, black cherries, currants, new leather, Provençal spices and a trace of black pepper and cloves. In the mouth it is fresh and lively with surprising complexity and excellent balance. And, oh those delicate, silky Palon tannins. This wine has lots of character, depth and substance and will go beautifully with roasted fowl and charcuterie. This lovely wine is a real pleasure to drink right now and will continue be so for another five to eight years of years. 13,000 bottles made. Order some for your drinking pleasure.
2011 Gigondas Rouge – 14.8% Alc./Vol. $29/$174 for six This elegant Gigondas is made from 79% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre hand-picked from vines averaging well over fifty years of age. The Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged for twelve months in new oak casks. It is a dark crimson with pronounced aromas of raspberries, prunes, black cherry jam, pepper, roasted coffee beans, garrigue and spice. It is surprisingly big and velvety in the mouth with gentle tannins and impressive length. I’d like to see another six months to a year on it to get everything in proper balance. Served just below room temperature, this impressive wine will go perfectly with magrets de canard, wild game, roasts and medium cheeses. I’d decant it for at least an hour before drinking. 12,000 bottles were made. It will cellar well for eight to ten years. Get a great southern Rhône now.
Palon Sampler - 14% - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $28/$168 for six This is a great way to try three beautiful and distinctive 2011 southern Rhônes. You get two bottles each of the lively Vacqueyras ‘Blanc du Bary’, Vacqueyras Rouge and Gigondas Rouge from Domaine Palon. Order your six pack of pure elegance now.
2011 Gigondas ‘Cuvée Noé’ Rouge – 14.8% Alc./Vol. $36/$216 for six This very special cuvee is made from 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 25% Syrah hand-picked from vines averaging well over fifty years of age. The yield is a most miserly 23 hectolitre per hectare. It is a deep, brilliant purple with a vibrant nose of vanilla beans, black berries, ripe red fruit, brioches and cherries In the mouth it is full, round and very elegant with soft, ripe tannins and a lingering aftertaste. Decanted a couple of hours before serving, it will match marvellously with red meats, stews, magrets de canard and medium cheeses. While quite tasty now, it will develop and keep well the next decade. Only 1,300 bottles of this stunner were produced and our allotment is small. Please order early to avoid disappointment.
2009 Vacqueyras/Gigondas Magnum Sampler – 14.5% Alc./Vol. $59/$354 for six This Sampler is a real treasure for the collector of large format wines. In it are three magnums each of the glorious 2009 Vacqueras and smashing 2009 Gigondas from Domaine Palon. Both wines will benefit from another three to five years in the cellar and will last for a decade or more. Quantities are limited. Get your six magnums of classic Vacqueyras and Gigondas from Domaine Palon now.
Please note that the above prices include a one dollar handling fee.
We would be most grateful if you would pass this note on to anyone you think might be interested in some very, very good Southern Rhônes.
Many thanks and cheers,
Jim and Hélène www.arthursellers.com jaswalker@arthursellers.com hbuisson@ofrance.ca
