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Many of you saw Graham Nutter last week when he dropped in on his way home from New Zealand to provide wine commentary at our very successful and enjoyable wine tasting events at Jake’s Grill & Oyster Bar and the Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club. Demand from the two events for his Minervois wines is high, so we are preparing for our ninth order from this beautiful winery in the Minervois. We are taking this opportunity to introduce two new vintages - the 2007 Rosé (the best yet in my opinion) and the 2004 Le Château Minervois Red (among the top 10 from the Languedoc in James Lawther’s opinion - Decanter, March 2008). And, Graham has created two new sampler cases of his Château Saint Jacques d’Albas wines to make it even easier to try them. We will take this order to the LCBO on Thursday, May 22nd and expect it to be ready for delivery before the end of August.
2007 Rosé - 13.5% Alc. by Vol. - $17/$204 for a case of 12
This fresh dry beauty is made of equal parts Syrah and Grenache. It has a wonderful, vibrant colour and a full fruity aroma. It tastes of strawberries and raspberries and has a nice, crisp lively finish. It is a splendid apéritif, and goes well with mixed grills, paella and Asian cuisine. This is the tastiest, fullest Rosé yet from this winery ... highly recommended. Order some now.
2005 Le Domaine Minervois Red - 13.5% Alc. by Vol. - $19/$228 for a case of 12
From the glorious 2005 vintage, this edition of "Domaine" is made of 20% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 40% Carignan. It has been traditionally fermented for over twenty days and the Syrah aged in 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. It is a Wine of the Month for May at Jake’s in Burlington (just south of the QEW on Walkers Line) if you would like to try some before ordering. Order some now.
2004 Le Château Minervois Red - 13.5% Alc. by Volume - $27/$162 for a case of 6
This beauty is made from 60% Syrah and 15% each of Grenache and Carignan. The Syrah rests for 12 months on oak. Yields are a miserly 35 hl/ha. This easy drinking, medium-bodied wine is deep ruby with a taste of ripe raspberries, liquorice, Provençal spices, black pepper and a hint of vanilla. Acclaimed by Jancis Robinson, it exhibits a fine balance of fruit and plush, velvety tannins. This goes wonderfully with roasts, poultry and casseroles. Gold Medal – Macon 2007 and Concours des Grands Vins, Languedoc Roussillon 2007. One of James Lawther's Top 10 Minervois to Try, Decanter, March 2008. Order some now.
2004 La Chapelle Minervois Red - 13.5% Alc. by Vol. - $41/$246 for a case of 6
The 2004 vintage has more structure and is a little less fruit forward than the 2003 version. It is a classic Minervois heavyweight, comprised of 96% Syrah (barrel-aged for 18 months) and 4% Carignan. Made from old vines, it is drinking beautifully now and will keep for many years. Jancis Robinson consistently includes the "La Chapelle" in her lists of '50 Great Value Reds'. It will amaze and delight the most discerning collector. Gold Medal; Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2007. Order some now.
The Red Wine Sample Case - 13.5% Alc. by Vol. - $24.50/$294 for a case of 12
A great way to try all three of the memorable reds from Château Saint Jacques d'Albas: 6 bottles of 2005 Le Domaine; 4 bottles of 2004 Le Château, and; 2 bottles of the splendid 2004 La Chapelle. Order some now.
The Complete Sample Case - 13.5% Alc. by Vol. - $21.25/$255 for a case of 12
What a dandy way to try all four of the wonderful Minervois wines from Château Saint Jacques d'Albas: 4 bottles of the very refreshing 2007 Rosé; 4 bottles of the crowd-pleasing 2005 Le Domaine; 3 bottles of the acclaimed 2004 Le Château, and; 1 bottle of the flagship 2004 La Chapelle. Order some now.
The above prices include a $1 per bottle handling fee.
Hélène still has the super luxurious master bedroom suite available for her September 13th to 20th visit to Provence. Visit www.ofrance.ca for all the details.
Please pass this note on to others you think might be interested in great wine from the Minervois or a special visit to Provence.
Many thanks and cheers,
Jim and Hélène
Arthur Sellers & Company
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com
