Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
They’re back ... the Grenache-driven and very well-priced Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Giuliani. We have been able to ferret out a few more bottles of their superb 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape (91 – ‘Wine Spectator) and have reserved a good supply of its delightful 2011 successor. We have also secured some more of the Giuliani’s premium Châteauneuf du Pape, the cuvée “Les Galets Jeanne” which is produced only in stellar vintages like 2010. And for those who love really good white Châteauneuf, we are introducing the Giuliani’s delicious 2011 ‘Flora’. Want to try all of these delightful Châteauneuf du Pape? Bernard and Aline have created the Giuliani Châteuneuf Sampler just for you. Finally, we present their delicious Côtes du Rhône at a great price ($18), the 2012 ‘Les Notes de Louis’.
Domaine Giuliani
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. So, in the early 2000’s he 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 debuted the following year. Instead of one large property, the Giulianis own a number of choice plots totalling 8.3 hectares in prime south-west Châteauneuf 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 du Pape. The grapes are then destemmed and the juice undergoes traditional fermentation and spends at least ten months in oak barrels.
The Domaine Giuliani Wines on Offer
2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $37/222 case of six The 2010 Domaine Giuliani is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre - from vines averaging over fifty years of age situated on their best property. It is a deep brick red colour and offers up aromas of strawberry and raspberry jam, cherries, cassis, dark chocolate, garrigue, quince paste and Provençal herbs. In the mouth it is full, round and quite divine.
Here’s what Josh Raynolds says about it in Stephen Tanzer’s ‘International Wine Cellar’: “Deep ruby. Musky red berries and herbs on the nose, with subtle white pepper and woodsmoke accents. Lush, jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors display very good depth and sweetness, with no rough edges. Expands with air, gaining a spicy nuance and finishing with a strong jolt of red berry liqueur. 90/100”
And James Molesworth of the ‘Wine Spectator’ adds: “Features a sappy feel, delivering dark kirsch, blackberry and loganberry fruit lined with anise, graphite and fruitcake notes. The spice-infused finish shows good underlying grip. Best from 2014 through 2024. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,800 cases made. 91/100”
I find that the 2010 to be really quite delightful after a little time in the decanter. It will cellar happily for at least a decade, likely longer. This is a perfect wine to match with roasts, confit de canard and medium cheeses. Order your beautiful 2010 Châteauneuf now.
2011 Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $37/222 case of six The 2011 Domaine Giuliani is also made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre - from vines averaging over fifty years of age situated on their best property. The Giulianis know how to grow great Grenache which is no doubt part of the reason why I adore this wine. 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 dark chocolate, liquorice and just a hint of pepper. It is full, round, supple and long - everything a fine, young Châteauneuf du Pape should be.
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 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! It has already won a gold medal at the Concours Orange 2013. Order your very well-priced Châteauneuf du Pape now.
2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge “Les Galets Jeanne” - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $45/$270 case of six This premium Châteauneuf du Pape, (produced only in top vintages), comes from specially selected parcels of vines averaging well over fifty years of age. Only the best fruit is allowed to mature and the vines are pruned regularly to permit proper ventilation in order to avoid disease and rot. The blend is 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. Eighty percent is matured in tanks and the remainder in small oak casks, all for a minimum of eighteen months. It is deep red with glints of purple and has a vibrant nose of cherries, black currants, raspberry and strawberry jam and a hint of Provençal herbs and vanilla. These aromas carry through in the mouth to be joined by notes of caramel, pepper and roasted coffee. It is full-bodied, very well-balanced and most welcoming. The tannins are soft and melt away as the finish lingers pleasantly.
Here’s what Josh Raynolds says about it in Stephen Tanzer’s ‘International Wine Cellar’:
“Deep ruby. Deeply perfumed nose offers blackberry, cassis, candied plum and vanilla. Broad and weighty, with the impressive sweetness of dark berry liqueur flavors, complicated by notes of oak spice and vanilla. Finishes long, with velvety tannins and a lingering note of candied dark berries. 91/100”
Order your big, bold wonderful Châteauneuf du Pape at ordinary Châteauneuf prices now.
The above prices include a $1.00 per bottle administration fee.
Please pass this note on to anyone you think would enjoy some absolutely terrific, well-priced Châteauneuf du Pape or Côtes du Rhône (is there anyone who wouldn’t?).
Cheers!
Jim & Hélène www.arthursellers.com jaswalker@arthursellers.com www.ofrance.ca hbuisson@ofrance.ca
