Hélène and Charles on les Terrasses du Larzac

Not to be greedy, but I think the Wine Spectator should have had Charles’ 2007 Clairette Blanc and 2007 Rosé “Les Sigillées” on their list as well; but perhaps they haven’t had a chance to try them yet. Incidentally, both 2005 and 2007 were very, very good vintages in the greatly underrated Languedoc region. Those Members who have tried the Domaine La Croix Chaptal white and rosé have loved them. But there seems to be resistance to the unknown Clairette grape variety and to a Rosé from the Languedoc. I really want you to try them and it is for this reason Charles and I have created the Domaine La Croix Chaptal Sampler - two bottles each of the reds and one of the Clairette and Rosé.

You can read all about Charles and his winery in the November 2006 edition of ‘Selections’. All of his wines come in convenient six-bottle cases. These are all terrific wines. We will be taking your orders to the LCBO on Thursday, March 26^th.

2007 Rosé “Les Sigillées” - 12.5% Alc./Vol. $19 per bottle/$114 per case of six
A full-bodied yet subtle rosé made by the saignée method. It is a beautiful vibrant pink and is made from 60% Grenache Gris, 35% Carignan and 5% Syrah. Twenty percent is aged in new oak. Yields are less than 40 hl./ha. This red wine lover’s Rosé has full, rich aromas of strawberries, raspberries and other red fruit along with a hint of citrus which carries through to the nice crisp finish. This is a very serious rosé that will keep for several years and will go well with pork, ham and Oriental dishes. Declared a ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert. Latch on to some for the summer months ahead.

2007 Clairette de Languedoc Blanc - Vieilles Vignes - 13.0% Alc./Vol. $20 per bottle/$120 per case of six
Made from old Clairette du Languedoc Blanc, the grapes are all hand picked and destemmed, pressed and left in contact with the skins for a very short time. It receives traditional vinification on its lees (28% in new oak and 72% in stainless steel tanks). Total production is only 8,000 bottles. A full-bodied, fresh and very clean white wine with tantalizing aromas of butter, toasted bread, almonds and citrus fruit. Very smooth, it finishes with a nice citrus aftertaste. It is a great wine to drink alone as an aperitif and will go well with shellfish, fish in white sauce or soft cheeses. It is drinking well now and will evolve to a hazelnut taste in a year or two (it then will go well with white meat accompanied by mushrooms in a white sauce), and later to walnut (then it will go well with a whole range of cheeses). Declared a ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert. I love this white! Get it while it lasts!

2005 Les Terrasses du Larzac - 13.0% Alc./Vol. $20 per bottle/$120 per case of six
Like all of Charles' wines, Les Terrasses du Larzac grapes are hand picked. It is made from 55% Grenache, 40% Carignan and the rest Syrah with yields between 35 and 40 Hectolitres per hectare. It undergoes a short aging period on oak. This is a fruity, dark red wine with aromas of cherry and coffee with a touch of spice. Ready to drink now, this little treasure will go well with both white and red meats. The Wine Spectator rates it 88/100; I rate it a terrific value. Order some now.

2005 “Cuvée Charles” Rouge - 13.5% Alc./Vol. $26 per bottle/$156 per case of six
This is a truly great wine from a great year. Made from equal parts Syrah, Carignan and Grenache, it is unfiltered and rested in oak barrels for a full year. The yield is only 32 hectolitres per hectare. It is deep ruby with aromas of raspberries, black berries, wild brush, vanilla, toasted coffee and fine spice. It has elegant, complex tannins and a long, lingering aftertaste. It will age brilliantly for many years. Serve with roasts, game and grilled red meat. ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert; the Wine Spectator rates it 90/100. Snag some of what will surely become a collector’s item.

Domaine La Croix Chaptal Sampler $22 per bottle/$132 per case of six
You’ve just got to try these wines! The sampler includes one bottle of the 2007 Rosé “Les Sigillées”, one bottle of the old vines 2007 Clairette white, two bottles of the 2005 Les Terrasses du Larzac and two bottles of the 2005 Cuvée Charles. Try these wonderful wines from the Languedoc.

Note: all prices include a $1.00 per bottle handling fee.


Update: Hélène’s Provençal Pilgrimage 2009
A little space still remains. There are three great bedrooms available the week of September 5 to 12. The week of September 12 to 19 is complete. And, one beautiful bedroom remains available for the week of September 19 to 26. For all of the enticing details, visit www.ofrance.ca - be sure to click on ‘Fall 2009 Brochure’ at the bottom of the page.

1er Cru Rosé Brut from Champagne Forget-Brimont still widely available at VINTAGES
Our most festive 1er Cru Rosé Brut from Champagne Forget-Brimont is available at VINTAGES outlets across the province! This lovely effervescent wine is made from the traditional Champagne grapes - 40% Pinot Noir; 40% Pinot Meunier, and; 20% Chardonnay. While classified a premier cru, almost a third of the grapes are actually grand cru. It is a blend of the 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintages. At $53.95 a bottle, it represents terrific Champagne value.

Here is what Bruce Sanderson said about this lovely Champagne in the October 31 issue of the Wine Spectator: "Fruity and open, but also fresh and tangy. Flavors of citrus peel, berry and spice play off one another as this glides to the chalky finish. Drink now." Score - 89.

Click here to find the VINTAGES stores that have the Champagne (just type in 95059 in the 'Product Name or Item #' box at the upper right of the page). If your favourite VINTAGES location doesn't have it, please ask them to order it for you.

Please pass this bulletin on to others whom you think might like to take advantage of Charles’ great wines, or who would like to luxuriate in Provence early next fall, or would enjoy really good Champagne.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim and Hélène

Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com