We will be bringing your orders for the very special southern Rhône red wines from Domaine Palon - their brilliant 2007 Côtes-du-Rhône and very approachable, excellent 2006 Vacqueyras and 2006 Gigondas to the LCBO this Friday, July 11^th.

As usual, their wines are in very short supply, but Annie Palon has promised to do her best to meet the requirements of all Members of Arthur's Cellar Wine Club (for background on the Palons and their winery, please see our original 'Selections' newsletter). Once again Sebastian Palon has worked his magic on the 2006 and 2007 Palon wines. All come in six-bottle cases. Annie has again agreed to create mixed sampler cases of the Vacqueyras and Gigondas in 750 ml. bottle and magnum formats for us.

2007 Côtes-du-Rhône     13.5% Alcohol by Volume                     $19.00 per bottle/$114.00 per 6-bottle case
The Grenache in southern France in 2007 was magical. I think 2007 is going to become a very, very special vintage for those wines with a high percentage of this grape. And this little gem is comprised of 69% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 15% Cinsault from grapes taken from the Domaine's vineyards in Vacqueyras and Sablet - it is wonderful wine. It is a lovely cherry red colour with glints of violet. On the nose it has nuances of black cherries, red currants, plums, gooseberries and spices. In the mouth, it is massive with solid tannins and incredible length. It is a real pleasure to drink now, but you will be rewarded if you put it away for two or three years. This is a marvellous Côtes-du-Rhône. It will go well with roasts, grilled meat and would be ideal with cheese. Decant a couple of hours in advance and serve slightly below room temperature. Don't miss this one. Order a case or two now.

2006 Vacqueyras        14.5% Alcohol by Volume                         $26.00 per bottle/$156.00 per 6-bottle case
Oh boy, Vacqueyras doesn't get much better than this! And, it is not by accident. Vineyard yields have been restricted to a very low 26 hectolitres per hectare and the average age of the vines is 42 years. Made from 75% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre and 9% Syrah, it is a beautiful, clear garnet colour. The nose is marked by cherries, figs, spices, flint, saffron, white pepper and ripe black fruit. In the mouth one finds a wine that is full, round and soft with silky tannins and a lingering, persistent mocha aftertaste. It would be an ideal companion for all red meats, roasted or grilled as well as most cheeses. It should definitely be decanted well before serving at a few degrees below room temperature. This wine will cellar nicely for at least five years. Add some of this is glorious wine to your cellar.

2006 Gigondas        14.5% Alcohol by Volume                             $30.00 per bottle/$180.00 per 6-bottle case
And, here is la pièce de résistance from Domaine Palon, the exquisite, generous 2006 Gigondas. At a miserly yield of 22.71 hectolitres per hectare and with vines that average 38 years of age, it is comprised of 79% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre. This is an enormous, brooding dark monster. It is a lovely clear deep red. It has aromas of roasted coffee beans, toasted bread, cherries, prunes, blackberries, black currants and strawberries that have been steeped in alcohol along with hints of licorice and tobacco. In the mouth it is velvety, concentrated and beautifully balanced with a lingering aftertaste of roasted coffee beans. This grand wine will go wonderfully with magrets de canard, wild game, roasts and cheese. It tastes great right now and I know that it will last and improve for many years to come. Get your own classic Gigondas now.

2006 Vacqueyras/Gigondas Split Case - 750 ml. Bottles                $28.00 per bottle/$168.00 per 6-bottle case
Three regular bottles of Domaine Palon's 2006 Vacqueyras and three regular bottles of their 2006 Gigondas all in one case. Order this wonderful duo now.

2006 Vacqueyras/Gigondas Split Case - 1500 ml.Magnums           $58.00 per magnum/$348.00 per 6-magnum case
Three large format bottles of each of the 2006 Vacqueyras and Gigondas. For the serious collector. Reserve yours now.

A $1.00 per bottle handling fee is included in the above prices.

Please pass this note on to anyone else you think might be interested in some superb southern Rhônes from a very special winery.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim and Hélène
Arthur's Cellar Wine club
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com