Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:
Domaine Giuliani is one of our very favourite wineries. Bernard and Aline Giuliani grow magnificent Grenache and because they are just starting out, their superb Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône are wonderfully well priced.
We’ve been able to secure some more bottles of their glorious 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape and premium 2012 ‘Les Galets Jeanne’ Châteauneuf du Pape, both gold medal winners. And, from the spectacular 2015 vintage, we have the ‘Les Notes de Louis’ Côtes du Rhône and their gorgeous white Châteauneuf du Pape, Cuvée Flora.
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 Wine on Offer
Based on my observations and the juice I tasted last fall and what I have read since, it looks like 2015 is going to be a very special year for southern Rhône wines. After a couple of very difficult years, the Grenache was simply splendid – fully ripe, luscious and very healthy. We have the 2015 ‘Les Notes de Louis’ Côtes du Rhône and 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ‘Cuvée Flora on offer as special treats.
Last, but verily not least we have the Guiliani Châteauneuf du Pape Sampler. You get three bottles of the 2012 Domaine Giuliani, two bottles of the 2012 ‘Les Galets Jeanne’ and one bottle of the 2015 ‘Cuvée Flora’ blanc in this smashing six-pack. The wines all come in six-bottle cases (except the ‘Les Notes de Louis’ which also comes in twelve-bottle cases). We will be taking your orders to the LCBO on Monday, March 7th.
2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $40/$240 case of 6 The 2012 Domaine Giuliani is made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre - from vines averaging over fifty years of age. 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, ample and quite divine. I find it slightly rounder and fruitier at this stage then the excellent 2011 vintage.
John Livingston-Learmouth says this about it: “Dark red; broad, liqueur fruit aroma of full notes – it is sun-soaked, shows mulled fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, is weighty. There is also a liqueur fruiting on the palate, a slight hum of power in its centre, the tannins smoothly inset. Violet and peony, floral touches appear on the aftertaste, which glows. Quite a big production overall. From late 2015.”
I find the 2012 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. Gold medal winner at the Concours General de Paris. Order your beautiful 2012 Châteauneuf Rouge now.
2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge ‘Les Galets Jeanne’ - 14.5% Alc./Vol. $47/$282 case of 6 This premium Châteauneuf du Pape, (produced only in top vintages like 2012), 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. Gold medal winner at the Concours General de Paris. Order your big, bold wonderful Châteauneuf du Pape, at ordinary Châteauneuf prices, now.
2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ‘Cuvée Flora’ - 14.0% Alc./Vol. $40/$240 case of 6 This refreshing white is made from equal parts Grenache Blanc and Clairette. The grapes are hand-picked as they are for all of the Giuliani Châteauneuf du Pape. It is a pale straw colour with golden notes. Its nose is full of perfume, roasted almonds, spices and grilled bread. In the mouth these scents are joined by honey and chestnut cream. It is a rich, full, beautifully balanced wine with gentle acidity and surprising length. This most pleasant white will pair wonderfully with fish and meats in cream sauce, medium cheeses and all by itself as an apéritif. It is drinking well now (do decant) and will continue to do so for several years. Order your sumptuous white Châteauneuf now.
Domaine Giuliani Châteauneuf du Pape Sampler $43/$258 case of 6 This decadent six-pack contains three bottles of the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape, two bottles of the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Les Galets Jeanne’ and one sumptuous bottle of the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ‘Cuvée Flora’. Marvelous Châteauneuf du Pape from two superb vintages. What more could a fancier of Southern Rhône wine ask? Order your Châteauneuf treasure trove now.
The LCBO is the only entity authorized to sell beverage alcohol in Ontario. Arthur Sellers & Company and Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club do not sell or markup beverage alcohol, but rather, arrange for customers to purchase it from the LCBO. Our prices indicated above and on our website include the LCBO sale price plus a fee to cover the cost of sourcing, handling and marketing the wine. The LCBO’s sale prices are available on request.
Please pass this note on to anyone you think would enjoy some absolutely terrific, well-priced Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône (is there anyone who wouldn’t?).
Cheers!
Jim, Hélène and Kate www.arthursellers.com jaswalker@arthursellers.com www.ofrance.ca hbuisson@ofrance.ca kwalker@arthursellers.com
