As Robert Parker notes in his excellent book ‘Wines of the Rhône Valley’, “Gigondas remains one of the wine world’s great bargains. Gigondas is never a shy or subtle wine. Its appeal is its robust, frank, generous, extroverted character, in addition to its value. It is to be savoured and admired because of these virtues. Great wines from Gigondas will rival those of its neighbor Châteauneuf du Pape and the wines produced under the skillful hands of the Faraud family often do just that.”

Domaine de Cayron Jim with Cendrine, Delphine and Roseline Considered by many to be the benchmark producer in the appellation (Robert Parker includes it as one of only three ‘Outstanding’ producers) Cayron crafts a Gigondas of phenomenal richness and incredible longevity. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more terroir-expressive wine anywhere in the Southern Rhone. Furthermore, Cayron is among the most age-worthy of Gigondas, delicious upon release, but improving for well over a decade and holding strong for a long time thereafter. This 16-hectare domaine is a classic and truly top-flight estate. Established in 1840, Domaine du Catron is situated at the entrance of the picturesque village of Gigondas. For the past four generations, the property (including a very special plot of seventy year old gnarled Grenache) has been owned and managed by the Faraud family. Michel Faraud recently turned over the operation of his winery to the fifth generation - his three daughters Delphine, Cendrine and Roseline. They spend a great deal of time in the vineyard, restricting yields and always hand harvesting the grapes at their maximum ripeness. The wine then rests in old wood for a year before it is bottled. The Farauds don’t fine or filter their Gigondas and the massive amount of ripe black fruit flavors found in their wine is always tempered by a profoundly complex expression of the terroir. It is important to note that each vintage is truly unique. The wine is being made the way the Farauds want it. Their Gigondas is not manipulated to appeal to the prejudices of wine importers or writers. They don’t have to – each vintage is practically spoken for before the bottling begins.
The Wine The Farauds have kindly agreed to ship their treasures (both standard format and magnums) in six-bottle cases. We plan to take your orders to the LCBO on Friday, March 5. Don’t miss out on this one!
2007 Domaine de Cayron Gigondas – (14.0% Alc. by Vol.)	$38/btl. - $228 per 6 btl. case $90/magnum - $540 per 6 magnum case*

Robert M. Parker, Jr. in the Jan 2010 issue of the ‘Wine Advocate’ says, “… they hit a home run with their 2007 Gigondas. I have been tasting (and often buying) this Gigondas since 1979, and it tends to be a wine that repays patience. The 2007 offers a smorgasbord of Provençal aromas, including lavender, ground pepper, incense, Provençal herbs, and black cherries. Full-bodied, earthy, even animalistic, it will be somewhat controversial because of its abundant spice and meatiness. Nevertheless, this stunningly concentrated effort is the finest wine Domaine du Cayron has produced in many years. It should drink well for a decade. Rating 89-92/100”

And, Josh Reynolds in Stephen Tanzer’s ‘International Wine Cellar’ (Jan/Feb 2010) says, “Opaque ruby. Wild, assertively perfumed of black raspberry, blueberry and apricot, with a strong floral quality. Round and velvety in texture, offering sweet dark berry flavours and a strong note of apricot jam. Very rich as many of these ‘07s are, finishing with power, length and lingering sweetness. This has gained in richness and exotic character since last year and I wonder if some will find it too much. 92/100”

I opened up a bottle of the 2005 Domaine du Cayron with Jean-Jacques Quinsac at Le Sélect Bistro the other day. Incidentally, if you have never been to Le Sélect, you must try it - excellent bistro fare and a very imaginative, extensive cellar. Anyway, we were both very impressed with the wine. It was full of flavour and very, very complex. It was drinking beautifully and I can only imagine how good it is going to be in a few years. And, most of the experts including Mr. Parker think the 2007 is going to be even better. A good supply of the ‘07 is destined for Arthur’s Cellar!

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

Please pass this note on to anyone else you think might be interested in some superb, classic Gigondas from a storied southern Rhône estate.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim & Hélène
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca
www.arthursellers.com