Graham Nutter, owner of  Château Saint Jacques d’Albas will soon be back in town and so will his marvellous Minervois wines! Graham will present his glorious elixirs at The Vintage Conservatory in downtown Toronto on Wednesday, November 7^th (the event sold out quickly – many thanks) including many of those listed below. These are truly delightful wines that have been thoroughly enjoyed by our Members over the past seven years.

Château Saint Jacques d’Albas

Graham and Béatrice Nutter acquired the gorgeous vineyards 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.

Marc and Graham with their prizes!

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.

The Wines

Marc, Martine, Graham et moi at ViniSud this year

We are offering six Château Saint Jacques d’Albas  treasures and all come in handy six-bottle cases. We have also arm-wrestled Graham into providing two mixed case samplers to make it easier than ever for you to try all of his elixirs – Le Petit Saint-Jacques Sampler (two bottles each of the Le Petit Saint-Jacques Rosé and Blanc along with two bottles of the Clos de Garric Rouge) and Graham’s Luxe Minervois Red Sampler (three bottles of Le Domaine, two bottles of Le Château and one bottle of La Chapelle).

The two Petit Saint-Jacques are ready to drink straight away and come in handy screw-top bottles … as they should.

We will be bringing your orders to the LCBO on Friday, November 9^th. The following prices include a one dollar per bottle handling fee.                   

2011 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Rosé – 13.0% Alc./Vol.                     $16/$96 case of 6
This is an elegantly fruity and refreshing rosé made from 45% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre from vines averaging over thirty years of age. A beautiful salmon hue, this crisp, dry, surprisingly complex wine is a perfect summer sipper destined for the back patio or cottage dock. And, is it a delightful companion for Oriental cuisine, baked ham and salmon. Don’t let the screw top put you off – it helps you get to the goodness that much quicker! Order now and beat the rush for next summer!

2011 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Blanc – 12.5% Alc./Vol.                    $16/$96 case of 6
This is the third 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 averaging over thirty years of age, it is wonderfully complex and aromatic for a little wine. Straw yellow, it exhibits aromas of peaches, wet pebbles and white flowers and finishes with a crisp, dry tang – perfect for shellfish or simply slurping whilst making supper. Order this little white gem now.

2011 Clos de Garric Rouge – 13.5% Alc./Vol.                               $16/$96 case of 6
This over-achieving little beauty is made from equal parts Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Basically, this wine is made from younger vines with all of the care and attention that goes into the more senior St Jacques reds (no oak). This is a very easy drinking red with good structure and balance. It has aromas of red and black berries, black currants and a trace of mocha that carry through in the mouth. Of moderate length, it is a lot of wine for the money. It would be ideal with pizza, pasta dishes and roast chicken. Order this lovely, lively lip-smacker now.

Le Petit Saint-Jacques Sampler – 12.5-13.5% Alc./Vol.                $16/$96 case of 6
Two bottles each of the 2011 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Rosé and Blanc along with two bottles of the 2011 Clos de Garric - all for only $96. This is a vinous no-brainer if ever there was one!! Order your six-pack of pure fun now.

2010 Le Domaine – 13.9% 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 yummy as ever (maybe even more so). 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. Order your supply of our Members’ favourite now.

2009 Le Château – 14.5% Alc./Vol.                                                  $24/$144 case of 6
This excellent wine from an exceptional vintage is made from 43% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 17% Carignan. The Syrah and Grenache 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.

2007 La Chapelle – 14.5% Alc./Vol.                                                $38/$228 case of 6
This is definitely the king of Château Saint Jacques d’Albas. Made from 98% old vines Syrah (aged in oak casks for 12 to 18 months!) and 2% Grenache, it is reminiscent of both a fine Côte Rôtie and a smashing Aussie Shiraz. An inky dark red colour, black currents dominate the nose with hints of red berries, new leather, pepper and vanilla. It is a real mouthful of pleasure, well-balanced, long and satisfying. My tasting notes show an underscored Superb! This is lovely stuff and I highly recommend it. Only 3,500 bottles made. Order your case of hedonistic delights now.

Graham’s Luxe Red Sampler – 14.5-15.0% Alc./Vol.                      $24/$144 case of 6
A great way to try Graham’s senior reds – Three bottles of the 2010 Le Domaine, two of the 2009 Le Château and a glorious bottle of the 2007 La Chapelle. Order your little collection of superb Minervois reds now.