AUGUST 2010 Newsletter

NEW ARRIVALS - Domaine Didier Dagueneau

The Loire Valleys most renowned, flamboyant and fastidious wine maker, Didier Dagueneau was tragically killed September 2008 when the ultralight plane he was piloting crashed in the Dordogne, in southern France. His children Louis-Benjamin and Charlotte have taken over the reins of the estate and 2008 is their first vintage without Didier. Those who have had his wines will claim them to be the best Sauvignon Blanc they have ever tasted. Dagueneau makes four different dry white wines, all Pouilly Fumés. His basic wine is the En Chailloux, a blend from several vineyards. Next step up is the Buisson Menard, more flinty in style, but still round, and more ageworthy. The remaining two wines are both superstars from single vineyards, and are barrel fermented. Both come from slate soils with one being called Silex, and the other known as Pur Sang. (Pur Sang means “Thoroughbred” in English.) The flavors tend to fall somewhere in between the En Chailloux (which accounts for half his production and is his softest, friendliest wine) and Cuvée Silex (his most structured cuvée). The Pur Sang is said to be a more hedonistic Sauvignon (often on par with the Silex), but less mineral driven.  Here are some notes from Peter Liam on barrel tasting the ‘08’s: “I absolutely loved the Blanc Fumé, perfectly balanced and vibrant at 11.5 degrees of natural alcohol. Pur Sang, at a mere 12 degrees, was utterly profound in its expression, precision and sheer class: this is my favorite of Dagueneau’s 2008s, and the one I’m going to load up on.”
          2008 Dagueneau “Pur Sang” Blanc Rume De Pouilly: $89.95       
          2008 Dagueneau “Silex” Blanc Rume De Pouilly: $124.95

NEW ARRIVALS – Domaine Huet

Considered Vouvary’s greatest Domaine, Huet vints Chenin Blanc from three vineyards, Haut Lieu, Le Mont and Clos de Bourg. Here are the reviews for “Le Mont” and their delightful sparkling wine “Petillant”:
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec – “Lush tangerine, pear and floral scents are complemented by dusty minerals, a hint of honey and green tea. Pliant, expansive citrus and candied flower flavors offer an alluring blend of richness and vivacity, with a sneaky honeycomb quality gaining strength in the glass. Fairly open-knit but focused as well; I’d hold onto this silky midweight for another few years or give it an hour in a decanter. (IWC, May/Jun 10) $42.95
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec - “An expressive, mineral-laced bouquet displays lemon and lime zest, passion fruit, pungent herbs and talc. Juicy but taut, offering tangy citrus and orchard fruit flavors, with a strong mineral spine adding lift. Becomes weightier and spicier with air, finishing on a juicy note of yellow plum, with strong sappy, stony persistence. This is still a baby.” (IWC, May/Jun 10 ) $34.95
2005 Domaine Huet Vouvray Petillant – “Bright straw with a delicate bead. Intensely perfumed, spicy bouquet displays pear skin, nectarine, honeysuckle and mace, along with a strong mineral undertone. Nervy and precise on the palate, offering lively citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a deeper note of peach pit. The floral quality echoes on the long, spicy, impressively precise finish. This will age and I’d love to stack it up against scores of Champagnes at anywhere near this price.” (IWC May/June 10)  $32.95

NEW ARRIVALS – California

2006 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley- “A rich, dense, concentrated style, this is full-bodied, focused and pure, with hints of mocha and black licorice rounding out the core currant, plum and black cherry flavors. Focused and persistent, with a long finish. Drink now through 2017.” (WS 6/15/10) $29.95
2007 Orin Swift Cellars “Papillon” – “The 2007 Papillon is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest other Bordeaux varietals. It exhibits supple, sweet tannin in addition to lush black cherry and black currant fruit, cedar, toasty new oak, and spice box. The finish suggests that the wine is still somewhat restrained and closed, but promising. It should evolve for 15 or more years.” (WA # 186) $56.95

AUGUST “SHORT SIPS” CLASS

A FREE one hour educational program, limited to eight people and held in our fine wine room (we’ve made changes to accommodate). SATURDAY , AUG. 14th, 5:30 to 6:30 – Deciphering Wine labels – Join Josh George as we taste selected French and Italian wines and discuss how you can use the label to guide your purchasing and wine drinking decisions. Availability is on a first come first serve basis but you can call and reserve spaces at anytime. Note that the July class filled up early. (A great idea for your group as a prelude to dinner.) If you are a newsletter e-mail subscriber you’ll get more information delivered to your electronic mailbox.

Gallo’s Red Bicyclette “Pinot Noir” Still On Store Shelves

A few months ago we reported that Gallo was involved in a fraud where large amounts of Merlot and Syrah were blended in their 2006-2008 Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir. Gallo’s Red Bicyceltte is still on the shelves of various Richmond grocery and big box stores even though Gallo, according to Wine Industry Insight, will not /or cannot confirm that the 2008 juice in the bottle is Pinot Noir. With so many options why wouldn’t they demonstrate a bit of integrity and pull the wine off their shelves?

2009 Jean Reverdy Sancerre Rosé Les Villots ROSE two bottle SAMPLER SAVE 20% - Regularly $45.90 now $36.95

2009 Jean Reverdy Sancerre Rosé Les Villots – “Nicely focused, with watermelon and dried strawberry notes laced with a mineral hint on the finish. Drink now. 800 cases made.” (WS Web Only 2010) $22.95
2009 Knipser “Clarette” Rose, Pfalz,Germany – A beautiful, lighter, dry, crisp rose perfect for summer quaffing. $22.95

MONTHLY SPECIALS