Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
Here’s how we announced our first wine and winery back in March of 2006:
Wouldn’t you know it – our first recommendation comes from a winery owned by an English gentleman who is an ex-banker to boot! And, it is for a Rosé – not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, or glass of wine if you prefer! But don’t be put off, this is a delightful quaff. You will be thanking us for it throughout the hot summer months to come.
Now, eight years and a few thousand bottles later, we continue to crow about the delicious Rosé from Château Saint Jacques d’Albas . I know it seems early to feature a Rosé, but last year they sold out very quickly and I wanted to make certain that you had some for those hot, sultry days of summer that must surely come.
Château Saint Jacques d’Albas also makes some other terrific wines from the Minervois apppellation of southern France (in fact, we will be serving the splendid Le Château at daughter Kate’s upcoming wedding celebrations). These are truly delightful wines that have been thoroughly enjoyed by our Members over the past eight years.
Château Saint Jacques d’Albas
The Wines
The two Petit Saint-Jacques and Clos de Garric 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, February 28th. The following prices include a modest handling fee.
2013 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Rosé – 12.5% Alc./Vol. $16/$96 case of 6 This is an elegantly fruity and refreshing rosé made from 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 25% 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 inner goodness that much quicker! Order now and beat the rush for next summer!
2013 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Blanc – 12.5% Alc./Vol. $18/$108 case of 6 This is the fifth year that Ch. St Jacques d’Albas’ has offered this wine and what a pleasure it is!! Made from 50% Vermentino (Rolle), 40% Viognier and 10% 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, Provençal spices 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. $17/$102 case of 6 Two bottles each of the 2013 Le Petit Saint-Jacques Rosé and Blanc along with two bottles of the 2011 Clos de Garric - all for only $102. This is a vinous no-brainer if ever there was one!! Order your six-pack of pure fun now.
2011 Le Domaine – 13.9% Alc./Vol. $19/$114 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.
2010 Le Château – 14.5% Alc./Vol. $24/$144 case of 6 This excellent wine from an exceptional vintage is made from 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache that 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. $40/$240 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% Carignan, it is reminiscent of both a fine Côte Rôtie or a smashing Aussie Shiraz. An inky dark red colour, black currents dominate the nose with hints of red berries, new leather, pepper, tobacco 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. Gilbert & Gaillard in their 2013 Wine Guide gave it a gold medal and said, “Deep, rich colour, a fine and subtle nose with clear notes of black currant, blackberry and cherry. Good combination of woody and fruity notes. Elegant and refined vintage. Only 3,500 bottles made. Order your case of hedonistic delights now.
Graham’s Luxe Red Sampler – 13.9 - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $24/$144 case of 6 A great way to try Graham’s senior reds – Three bottles of the 2011 Le Domaine, two of the 2010 Le Château and a glorious bottle of the 2007 La Chapelle. Order your little collection of superb Minervois reds now.
Please pass this note on to anyone you think might be interested in some great wines from the Minervois at very special prices.
Cheers!
Jim and Hélène www.arthursellers.com jaswalker@arthursellers.com hbuisson@ofrance.ca www.ofrance.ca
