Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
We have just received a sizeable restaurant order for the fine wines of Domaine Palon and there is room left on the pallet for a few more cases. So, we are once again offering the Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Esparza, Vacqueyras Rouge and Gigondas Rouge all from the marvellous 2011 vintage along with a first time offer of the 2012 Vacqueyras ‘Blanc du Bary. In order to place the restaurant order on a timely basis, we will be taking your orders for these fuine wines to the LCBO next Friday, February 22nd. Don’t miss this extra chance for the lovely quaffs.
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 once again offer you the delightful 2011 southern Rhônes from Domaine Palon – Côtes-du-Rhone ‘Cuvée Esparza’; Vacqueyras Rouge, and; Gigondas Rouge along with the 2012 Vacqueyras ‘Blanc du Bary’. And, the Palons have created a Sampler for us – three bottles each of the 2011 Vacqueyras and Gigondas Rouge. All come in six-bottle cartons. A reminder, we will be taking your orders to the LCBO on Friday, February 22nd.
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.
2012 Vacqueyras ‘Blanc du Bary’ – 13.5% Alc./Vol. $27/$162 for six I have not tried this wine, but the Palons tell me it is very much like the 2011 vintage. Here are my notes for the 2011. 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.
Please note that the above prices include a one dollar handling fee.
It would be really spiffy 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
