Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive

Bulletin Detail Date August 27, 2007  Title Last Call - The Glorious 2005's from Domaine Palon  Attachment   Bulletin Don’t miss out on this opportunity to acquire some extraordinary red wines from Domaine Palon at very, very reasonable prices - their 2005 Côtes-du-Rhône, 2005 Vacqueyras and 2005 Gigondas. These are truly remarkable wines from a stellar vintage. And, owner Annie Palon has created mixed sampler cases of the Vacqueyras and Gigondas in 750 ml. bottles and magnums for us. Once again Sebastian Palon has worked his magic on the 2005 Palon wines. All come in twelve-bottle cases except the split case of magnums which come in six-bottle cases. We will be placing our order with the LCBO on Wednesday, September 5th (delayed one week so everyone can get their orders in). 2005 Côtes-du-Rhône       13.5% Alcohol by Volume      $17.00 per bottle This 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 cassis. 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 huge, classic Côtes-du-Rhône. Decant well in advance and serve slightly below room temperature. Order a case or two now. 2005 Vacqueyras      14.0% Alcohol by Volume      $23.00 per bottle Oh boy, Vacqueyras doesn't get much better than this! And, it is not by accident. Vineyard yields have been restricted to a mere 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 absolute classic to your cellar. 2005 Gigondas      14.0% Alcohol by Volume      $27.00 per bottle And, here is la pièce de résistance from Domaine Palon, the exquisite 2005 Gigondas. At a miserly yield of 22.7 hectolitres per hectare and with vines that average 37 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 will cellar gracefully for at least ten years. This is the finest young Gigondas we have ever tasted. This grand wine will go wonderfully with magrets de canard, wild game, roasts and cheese. I wouldn't approach it for at least a year and know that it will last and improve for many years to come. Get your own classic Gigondas now. 2005 Vacqueyras/Gigondas Split Case - 750 ml. Bottles      $25.00 per bottle Six regular bottles of Domaine Palon's 2005 Vacqueyras and six bottles of their 2005 Gigondas all in one case. It would be difficult to find better wine at twice the price! Order this wonderful duo now. 2005 Vacqueyras/Gigondas Split Case - 1500 ml. Magnum      $57.00 per bottle For the collector! Three magnums each of Palon's 2005 Vacqueyras and Gigondas in one six magnum case. Order yours now. Quantities for these remarkable wines are limited, so please order now to avoid disappointment. On another subject, response to our 2004 Notturno, Barbera d'Asti Superiore has been overwhelmingly positive. It is still available at many LCBO VINTAGES stores for only $19.95 a bottle - product # 026088. If you haven't tried it, we encourage you to do so; if you have and enjoyed it, please tell your friends. Please pass this note on to anyone else you think might be interested. Many thanks and cheers, Jim and Hélène Arthur's Cellar Wine Club www.arthursellers.com