Domaine de Tara is a beautiful estate located in the heart of the Lubéron not far from the town of Roussillon-en-Provence perched high on its ochre cliffs. It was one of our initial wineries and from the start we were impressed with the purity of the wines. Patrick and Michèle Folléa acquired it in late 2006 and immediately started to make improvements in virtually every area of the operation. Perhaps the most important was hiring Mathieu Griveaux to manage the domaine and his wife Pascale to look after the commercial end of the business. Their hard work and investment paid immediate dividends as the wines took on additional character and appeal. Take a look at last March’s issue of ‘Selections’ to find out more about Domaine de Tara or visit their website.

Domaine de Tara makes two distinct brands of AOC Côtes du Ventoux wine, the Terre d’Ocres and the Hautes Pierres, both in red and white versions. While there are many differences including the blend of grape varieties, perhaps the major one is that the Terre d’Ocre wines are aged in steel tanks while the Hautes Pierres wines are aged in oak barrels. 

We were delighted when we first tried the 2007 vintage of Domaine de Tara wines in the tanks and barrels and introduced the 2007 Terre d’Ocres Blanc as soon as it was bottled last spring. It was an immediate hit with our wine club Members and was so popular with Hélène’s guests during her O!France tour that we had to rush back to the winery to replenish our supply! We have been waiting semi-patiently for the barrel-aged 2007 Hautes Pierres Blanc and Rouge to finally be released. Well, at last they are available and we are delighted to make the full suite available. All of the Domaine de Tara grapes are hand-picked, destemmed and soft-crushed in a pneumatic press. They are all from the superb 2007 vintage. All come in six-bottle cases and we plan to take your orders to the LCBO on Thursday, January 29.

2007 Terre d’Ocres Blanc - (13.5% Alc. by Vol.)                                $21/bottle; $126 per case of six
I just loved this wine from the barrel and it is even better in the bottle (and in the glass). Made from a blend of 61% Grenache Blanc, 23% Clairette and 16% Roussanne, the average yield is a low 40 hectolitres per hectare. This luminous straw yellow coloured wine has a lively aroma of grapefruits, peaches, dried apricots, pineapple and toasted almonds. It is round and buttery with delightful acidity and a long, smooth finish. It will be a wonderful match for fish and other seafood, Asian cuisine or just sipping on a hot summer’s day. It will cellar nicely for another four or five years. Order some of this real crowd pleaser now.

2007 Terre d’Ocres Rouge - (14.0% Alc. by Vol.)                              $21/bottle; $126 per case of six
Made from 47% Grenache (lovely stuff), 42% Carignan and 11% Syrah, and with a low average yield of 35 hectolitres per hectare, this little beauty is a bright ruby garnet. The bouquet is quite refined and lively with scents of ripe red berries, cherries and hints of liquorice and Provençal spices. In the mouth it is fresh and richly fruity, balanced elegantly by soft tannins and lingering ripe berries. This would be ideal with roasts, charcouterie and soft cheeses. It is drinking very nicely now but will keep for up to five years. Order some of this pure and refreshing wine now.

2007 Hautes Pierres Blanc - 14.5% Alc. by Vol.)                                 $28/bottle; $168 per case of six
At last, this wonderful wine has been released. It is made from 55% Roussanne and 45% Grenache Blanc and boasts a miserly yield of only 30 hectolitres per hectare. This complex white is aged in oak barrels (twenty-five percent new each year) for twelve months. It is a pale yellow with golden reflections and has elegant, very expressive aromas of citrus fruit (grapefruit), peaches and pears followed by toasty notes - long and very pretty. It is very round, full and fine with lovely acidity; the fresh citrus notes persist. Wow! This is so good it will go well with just about everything - fish, foie gras, white meats, soft cheese and desserts. And, it is delightful as an apéritif. It is drinking beautifully now and will age gracefully for up to six years. This is a real winner … order some now.

2007 Hautes Pierres Rouge - (14.0% Alc. by Vol.)                              $28/bottle; $168 per case of six
This most elegant red is made from 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache and 10% Carignan with an average yield of only 30 hectolitres per hectare. Aged in oak barrels for twelve months, it is deep purple with glints of garnet. The bouquet is filled with blackberries and black currants followed by light smoky notes, liquorice, anise and a hint of vanilla. The intense blackberries and black currants persist in the mouth where it is complex and round with supple, pleasant tannins. This is a big wine that can stand up to flavourful and spicy dishes, game and strong cheese. It can use another year before broaching and will cellar nicely for at least another ten. Bravo! Order some of this gorgeous syrah-based wine now.

The above prices include a one dollar handling fee.

Know anybody who would enjoy some marvellous Côtes du Ventoux wines at very reasonable prices? If you do, please pass this bulletin on to them. We continue to look for new Members for Arthur’s Cellar Wine club and greatly appreciate your referrals.

Many thanks and cheers!

Jim and Hélène
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com