11/17/17 NEW FRENCH RED WINE ARRIVALS

2014 Chateau Les Petits
Blaye Cotes-de-Bordeaux
$9.99 btl./$59.94 six pack

When I initially tasted this red Bordeaux wine earlier this year I knew instantly we had to share it with you all! The Cotes-de-Blaye region sits in the northern portion of Bordeaux’s Right Bank and is one of four regions that have merged into calling their wines Cotes-de-Bordeaux. Many interesting values come from this area and this wine is one such offering.

The name of the Chateau itself is appropriate due to its mere 12 hectares spread over three villages. A real joy to drink and classically formed, the 2014 reveals prominent violet, smoke, rose, generous cooking herbs with intermittent fine spice. Chewy, broad and polished with just the right amount of firmness all carrying to a succulent finish revealing raspberry and earth tones. An amazing value that can be consumed any day of the week. Drink it with a plethora of cuisine ranging from smoked meats, grilled beef, Vietnamese dishes, roasted chicken, veggies and more.

2012 Domaine Sergent Madiran
'Fut de Chenes'
$17.99 btl./$215.88 case

Head south of Bordeaux to the Pyrenees and just before you reach the city of Pau out pops the famed growing region of Madiran. Lately this region has experienced somewhat of a renaissance with the adaptation of more sustainable farming, modernization within the wineries and gentler vinification practices. Make no mistake, these are still full-flavored wines but gone are the days when we used to see these wines take a sledgehammer to your palate.

Domaine Sergent is a family owned Domaine that is adeptly operated by sisters Brigitte & Corinne Dousseau. Two different Madiran wines are produced and this selection is their top cuvee. 100% of the native Tannat grape, this wine is fully destemmed and elevated in barrels, one-third being new. Two years in a row having tasted this wine my notes have been consistent but I liked my initial two word description when tasting this on a rainy morning at a hotel in Paris, ‘benevolent power’. Savory and singular with dense aromas highlighted by mint, black licorice, tar, sandalwood and freshly ground espresso play nicely off blackberry fruit. Vinous, structured yet vinous and maintaining a very personable quality along with its dark side. Higher notes arrive on the long, gripping, very lingering finish. Drink this lovely value through 2023. A prototype wine to match with cassoulet but it also pairs well with duck, grilled lamb skewers, strong cheeses, pate or a roasted porchetta.

2016 Clos de la Brosse Saint-Amour
$17.99 btl./$215.88 case

Nique le Nouveau! We are very proud not to have sold the Malt Liquor of Beaujolais (better known as Beaujolais Nouveau) for over 15 years. We are not going to start again any time soon. Instead, we choose to feature Cru Beaujolais, the real stuff indeed. Perfect for next Thursday’s feast and beyond comes this now in-demand favorite from an excellent producer who seems to be influencing a younger generation within this famous Cru. Saint-Amour has a reputation as being the wine of love and the majority of the appellation's wines could be sold in France for Valentine’s Day. Gerard Lebeaupin is one of the last holdouts to vinify his wines in old wooden vats, using a large wooden grill to submerge the grapes allowing for better extraction, color, aromatic complexity and structure. Named after one of the region’s prime sites, Clos de la Brosse, Lebeaupin has a mere 4 acres of ancient vines (90+ years old) and makes between 300-600 cases per year. We loved the 2016 and this version is equally as tasty, just speaking a different dialect.

Old vine hedonism at its best, this seamless Gamay delivers a luminous presence of crème de framboise, smoked violet, anise and undertones of strawberry and cinnamon-stick. Resoundingly vivacious, this gem is a total eruption of flavors that cascade through the mouth. Finishes lengthy and full of spice, but fills in beautifully with sultry fruit that coats the throat as it goes down. The classic pairing would be roasted chicken with mushrooms and of course, the holiday bird. We also recommend going outside the borders and having it with Indian or Moroccan cuisine as well as grilled fish.

2001 Galet des Papes
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition
$44.99 btl./$539.88 case - pre-arrival

A few years back we offered this delectable old Chateauneuf and it sold out in about two weeks. Back in May, I had the chance to see the wine once again and it is showing as good if not better than when we had it in 2014. Many of you know all about the ultra-traditional stylings of Galet-des-Papes and have been enjoying these wines along with us for almost twenty years. Cuvee Tradition is NOT the little brother of the Old Vine Cuvee. Tradition is named as such because of the 80% Grenache base from 50+ year old vines.

After shaking the initial cobwebs, the 2001 Galet stretches and unveils lacy, tertiary aromas. Mushroom, dried rosemary and an array of Indian and African spices lead the way. Very refined with an almost Burgundian demeanor; plenty of sultry creamy red fruits that seemingly float through the mouth. A beguiling expression of old Chateauneuf, the persistence of a great vintage like 2001 is still evident. Almost meditative at this point, enjoy with slow braised meat dishes, particularly a daube de Provence. It will also pair well with mild soft cheeses.

WE HAVE SOME SAMPLES TO SHOW TODAY – WINES ORDERED WILL ARRIVE BEFORE END OF NOVEMBER. POST ARRIVAL PRICE WILL BE $49.99!