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To start with, this stuff is expensive … but, it is also very, very good. We introduced Maison Alex Gambal and his fine Burgundies last October (see Selections when we featured the few wines Alex had left of his excellent 2005 vintage. Alex said at the time, “If we had any courage we would ship the ‘06s before the ‘05s.” This was because the great 2005s were closed and the young 2006s were so approachable. Ten months later this still remains true although some of the 2005’s, particularly the whites are starting to open up and reveal their true brilliance. While 2005 was a spectacular year in Burgundy, 2006 was no slouch either. Wine Spectator magazine rates the whites of the vintage 90 - 93 out of 100. Incidentally, the May edition of the Wine Spectator once again features Alex Gambal and his wines along with a handful of Burgundy’s other top producers. For more about Domaine Alex Gambal, visit www.alexgambal.com.
Okay … the wines. We are presenting nine wines, seven whites and two reds along with two special sampler selections. All but one are from the very good 2006 vintage (Alex dug out a few of the wonderful 2005 Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvée Prestige that so many of you enjoyed last time from his private collection - it is beginning to drink quite nicely). Alex is making all of his wines available in six-bottle cases to assist with the affordability. If you only want a bottle or two (most understandable), don’t forget our ‘Share a Case’ feature or, if you are in the Greater Toronto Area, drop me a note (jaswalker@arthursellers.com) and I will organize a case for you with other Members. We plan to take your orders to the LCBO on Friday, August 29th.
Here we go - most of the descriptions are Alex’s:
Whites
2006 Bourgogne Chardonnay (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $36/btl:$216/case of six
Our Bourgogne Chardonnay continues to come from several parcels located in Meursault, Puligny, the Haute Cote and now our parcel in Volnay. Our parcel especially contributes richness with good minerality; our plowing has already made the fruit more interesting. As usual we vinified the wine in ~ 10% new oak and we made 700 cases. Order
2005 Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvée Prestige (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $40/btl:$240/case of six
Our Cuvée Prestige continues to please with its ripeness and richness. We harvest the grapes from the Haute Cote de Beaune which gives it minerality and now we add in barrels from our other parcels which give it richness. As usual it was made with about 20% new oak and we made ~315 cases. Order
2006 Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvée Prestige (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $41/btl:$246/case of six
Our Cuvée Prestige is especially interesting this year because its core comes from Savigny les Beaune Village grapes. This is a classic 2006 with its white peaches and pears but a great freshness; the Savigny grapes were some of the most perfect we harvested in 2006. As usual it was made with about 20% new oak and we made 310 cases. Order
2006 St-Aubin 1er Cru Les Murgers des Dents de Chien (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $63/btl:$378/case of six
When the season is challenging the best vineyards come through. Dents de Chien, with its rocky soil drains and thus our grapes were ripe, rich but not “sur mature.” The sunshine of the vineyard is evident in this rich year. 150 cases were made with 25% new oak. (88-91 Wine Spectator) Order
2006 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St-Jean (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $87/btl:$522/case of six
The theme of 2006 shows clearly in Clos St. Jean with its aromatics, richness but light touch. The St. Jean has its normal friendliness but will last easily 5 years. We used 30% new oak and only made ~ 85 cases. (91-94/100 Wine Spectator) [LCBO comparison - 2004 Marc Colin Chassagne-Montrachet Les Champs Gain - $94.20]. Order
2006 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $119/btl:$714/case of six
In 2005 Puligny excelled and here we have made what I consider to be a prototype of the genre; mineral, rich but with the lemon and citrus quality of young Puligny. We made 73 cases from this old vine parcel and vinified it in 20% new oak. [LCBO comparison - 2005 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Puligny-Montrachet Les Referts - $129.00]. Order
2006 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $157/btl:$942/case of six
Charlemagne or "Chuck" as we affectionately call him is as powerful as ever in 2006. In ripe years the hillside of Charlemagne helps enormously with its drainage and exposure. The 06 is very powerful and on reserve; give it 5 years. 100 cases we made and 50% new oak. (92-95/100 Wine Spectator) [LCBO comparison - 2005 Faiveley Corton Charlemagne - $239.00]. Order
Reds
2006 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots Veilles Vignes (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $78/btl:$468/case of six
Our Santenots is a classic Volnay with its silky elegance coupled with the rich fruit of 06 and refined tannins. I suspect the Santenots will close up a bit after bottling and reopen in 18-24 months. It has real class in 2006 and needs a bit of time. We made 125 cases and 40% new oak. [LCBO comparison - 2004 Domaine de Montille Volnay 1er Cru Les Champans - $98.20]. Order
2006 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $175/btl:$1050/case of six
I love/hate the word fruity because it means so many things to so many different people. Our Clos Vougeot, because 2/3 of the wine comes from the top of the hill, always has an elegant red fruit sense akin to Chambolle-Musigny with the texture of Echezeaux and Grands Echezeaux. As usual 3 barrels (come) from the top of the hill next to the wall and 2 barrels from the middle center. 4/5 very old vines and 66% new oak. This will begin to show well in about 5 years. 125 cases made. (90-93/100 Wine Spectator) Order
Samplers
Alex’s White Burgundy Sampler (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $65/btl:$390/case of six
One bottle each of the 2006 Bourgogne Chardonnay, Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvée Prestige, St-Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St-Jean, Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières and Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru. Order
Alex’s Deluxe Burgundy Sampler (13.0% Alc. by Vol.) $114/btl:$684/case of six
One bottle each of the 2006 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St-Jean, Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots Veilles Vignes and St-Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien. Order
Please note that the above prices include a $1 per bottle administration fee.
Know any real Burgundy aficionados? If so, please pass this note on to them.
Many thanks and cheers,
Jim and Hélène
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com
