We will be taking your orders for the marvellous Minervois wines from Franck Léonor and his Les Cuvées du Firmament vineyards to the LCBO on Friday, September 26^th.

We first introduced Franck and his delicious wines in February 2007 (read all about them in Selections) and the response from those who ordered these classic, extremely well-made Minervois wines was overwhelmingly positive. No wonder. Their vineyards are situated in one of the best locations in the appellation and the Léonors tend the vines naturally, hand pick and make their wines the old-fashioned way. As a result, their top two wines consistently earn high ratings in the Wine Spectator and other wine press. And, perhaps best of all, Franck’s wines are very reasonable priced - bargains in fact if only the Euro wasn’t so strong. In any event, you will find that these beauties still represent fine value.

Franck has been upgrading his marketing since our first offering, so the wines have changed names and the labels are definitely zoomier. But they are still the same excellent wines. This time we are going to offer all four of the wines of Les Cuvées du Firmament: the 2006 Cuvée Horizon; the 2004 Cuvée Sky; the 2004 Cuvée Nocturne and; the wonderful 2005 Cuvée Star. All their wines are red and come in twelve-bottle cases, but don’t forget about our ‘Share a Case’ feature or let me know if you would like fewer than twelve bottles.

2006 Cuvée Horizon              13.5% Alc. by Vol.                                                     $16.50/bottle; $198 per case of 12
This Vin de Pays de l’Hérault is made from 60% Cinsault, 25% Carignan (aged in French oak barrels) and 15% Syrah. Last time it was called Vin de Pays de l’Hérault Rouge, but no matter what the name, this is a great value. It is a dark ruby colour and offers up tantalizing aromas of ripe red berries, rosemary and new leather. It is surprisingly smooth in the mouth, possessing excellent fruit and structure with very nice, soft tannins. Best of all, it is drinking beautifully now – by itself or with traditional bistro fare. This is a wine that should be kept within easy reaching distance whenever the urge for a glass of satisfying red presents itself. Order some of this little treasure for those thirsty moments.

2004 Cuvée Sky                     14.0% Alc. by Vol.                                                     $18.00/bottle; $216.00 per case of 12
This is our first offering of this delicious AOC Minervois that is made from 40% Syrah, 35% Carignan (aged in French oak for a year) and 25% Cinsault. The yield is 45 to 50 hectolitres per hectare. This is a real “terroir wine” that perfectly expresses the purity and freshness of the fruit. It is a brilliant deep red with an intense nose of red and black fruits, southern France spices and saddle leather. In the mouth the strawberries, raspberries, plums and black currents persist. It is full, round and surprisingly long for a wine of this price. It will go wonderfully with grilled meats and a variety of ripe cheeses. Order some of this lovely Minervois rouge now.

2004 Cuvée Nocturne            14.5% Alc. by Vol.                                                     $24.00/bottle; $288.00 per case of 12
Now we are getting very serious. Made of 35% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 25 % Carignan, this AOC Minervois beauty is aged in French oak for twelve months and the yield is under forty hectolitres per hectare. Last time it was called Sous le Ciel du Minervois Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Rouge (you can see why Franck changed it). Here is what the Wine Spectator (the July 31, 2008 edition where it received an 89/100 rating) says about it: “Ripe and rich, with concentrated dark plum and dried cherry flavours. Interesting savory herb and mineral notes fill the dense finish. Drink now”. I would add that it has elegant, mellow tannins and a very long finish and it can definitely be cellared for several years. It should be decanted at least two hours before serving, served at around 15°C and it will be a great match for game and roasts (particularly lamb). Order some of this very special wine for your table and cellar.

2005 Cuvée Star                    15.0% Alc. by Vol.                                                      $36.00/bottle; $432.00 per case of 12
Okay … this is the Grand Casino! Cuvée Star comes from the very special and prestigious La Livinière region of the Minervois (it was called Cru La Livinière Rouge last time). It is made of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache. There are two hand harvests from the very best plots of the vineyard. The yield is under thirty hectolitres per hectare and the vines average thirty-five years of age. The wine is oak aged for a year. In addition to receiving three stars and the Coup de Coeur, the highest rating from the Guide Hachette 2008, it received a 91 rating from the Wine Spectator who said, “This is rich, ripe and full-bodied, with concentrated flavours of dark plum, cherry, meat, smoke and spice. The finish oozes with dark chocolate, mocha and plenty of tannins. Needs time. Best from 2010 through 2014. Tasted twice, consistent notes.” I can’t add much except to say that this is a wine for passionate wine drinkers. It is a great wine from a great year, at a very favourable price. Order a real classic for your cellar.

The above prices include a $1.00 per bottle administration fee.

Please pass this note on to anyone you know who would be interested in some marvellous wine from the Minervois.

We will be delivering the latest shipments of wine from Château Rives-Blanques, Château Saint Jacques d’Albas and Domaine Roger Sabon after our return from Europe at the end of September. Don’t forget that you can check on the delivery progress of any wine you have ordered by going to www.arthursellers.com and clicking on ‘Delivery Status’ on the left side bar.

Many thanks cheers,

Hélène and Jim 

jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com