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France

 

2005 BORDEAUX IS HERE!
Despite the gloom and doom surrounding high prices for blue chips and trophy items, there are still any number of reasonably priced wines currently in the market that deliver! Just remember, you drink the wine, not the label!


CHÂTEAU MEYNEY 2005 ST. ESTEPHE $29.95 [#373567] 
2005 brings us one of the best Château Meyney ever! It’s a loaded, fruit generous wine that delivers flavor complexity way beyond the price point. Rather sophisticated for a St. Estephe, this little number is round with well-integrated tannins; yet still carries that classic sense of place known in Bordeaux as St. Estephe!


CLOS RENE 2005 POMEROL $29.95 [#374526] 
Those looking for a quality wine from the Right Bank at a reasonable price should seriously consider a play on Clos Rene! Possibly the best wine ever from this estate, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find Pomerol this good that’s this cheap! This 90-point Spectator gem delivers wonderful dollops of mixed red and black fruits and while it drinks well right now, there’s certainly enough stuffing to maintain a nice mid-term (5+) ageing scenario.


CHÂTEAU MONBRISON 2005 MARGAUX $44.99 [#375447] 
2005 brings us the best Château Monbrison ever! One of Margaux’s perennial underachievers has come through in 2005 with a superb wine that delivers classic Margaux elegance and finesse along with a richness and complexity worthy of this renowned and beloved commune. (Wine Spectator 91)


CHÂTEAU LA LAGUNE 2005 HAUT MEDOC $105.00 [#304508] 
Speaking of Margaux, Château La Lagune delivers what is essentially a Margaux wine despite being labeled Haut Medoc. Parker blessed the wine with 95 points noting, “This is the finest wine made at this estate since 1982 and possibly the greatest La Lagune of all time! Its dense ruby purple color is followed by an exquisite bouquet of spice box, incense, sweet unsmoked cigar tobacco, black cherry liqueur, forest floor and subtle toasty oak. Reminiscent of a Cote de Nuits Grand Cru blended with a top-notch Bordeaux, this beauty possesses silky tannins, a broad savory, expansive mouthfeel and intrinsic precision as well as elegance.”


BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

CHÂTEAU LA CROIX MOUTON 2005 BORDEAUX SUPERIOR $23.99 [#316916] 
We’ve had a lot of our customers asking for this wine that was a huge hit at the store all throughout last year’s holiday season. Well, it’s back! We were able to find a small parcel of this Parker Sleeper (89 points) through one of our wholesalers and while it’s at a slightly higher price, it still makes sense within the context of the vintage and the market! While it lasts!


BORDEAUX: “STEAL-OF-THE-MONTH”

CHÂTEAU FOURCAS-DUPRE 2005 LISTRAC $15.95 [# 373435] 
We’ve long been fans of this estate in that they deliver, year-in and year-out, a serviceable product that’s well-priced and well-crafted. They’ve hit the jackpot in 2005 with what may be their best effort ever! It’s a lovely production that blends Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and takes the best both grapes can offer in providing a wine with a lush, velvety texture as well as a power punch and depth of complexity that goes way beyond the price point! We went big on this upon tasting and so will you!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE WHITES!
While white wine has been completely discounted in many wine circles simply because of its color (Isn’t that discrimination?) we still recommend highly white wine, in general, and 2005 white Bordeaux in particular! It’s one of France’s greatest vintages ever for the Sauvignon Blanc based wines of Bordeaux!

CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL 2005 PESSAC-LEOGNAN $49.99 [#375421] 
Parker notes, “The 2005 Fieuzal offers up aromas of hazel nuts, lemon zest, white peaches, currants and honeysuckle. Gorgeous acidity, a touch of creamy oak and a full-bodied mouthfeel result in a Burgundian-styled white Graves. Enjoy it over the next 20 years! (Parker 92 points!)


PAVILLON BLANC 2005 MARGAUX $89.99 [#375853] 
From the renowned Château Margaux, Parker notes, “This stunningly rich 100% Sauvignon Blanc is drinking fabulously well at present, yet has the potential to evolve for 15-20 more years. Waxy lemon oil, honeysuckle, nectarine and subtle new oak characteristics are all present in this light gold-colored, long wine.”  (Parker 93 points!)


DUELING BURGUNDY STEALS!
We have two great finds for you this month!

CHABLIS 2005 DOMAINE VOCORET $19.95 [#304714] 
It was pure serendipity that a shipment of what as supposed to be the 2006 Vocoret Chablis, showed up to our wholesaler’s warehouse as the 2005! Seeing as we had already sold a ton of the 2005 and loved it, we immediately bought every case of the second lot! It just made sense! Everyone we have tasted on this has loved it! The price was still the same and there’s no getting around the fact that quality white Burgundy at the $20 price point is a disappearing commodity! Classic in every way, the wine delivers focused vectors of lemon-lime fruit accented with hints of minerals, stone and seashells! Fermented stainless and aged in used barrels, the wine’s pure Chardonnay richness is a joy to behold and while the label indicates a village wine, it’s a village wine in name only as this production flat out beats a lot of 1er Cru we’ve experienced! Seafood lovers and wine aficionados of all ilk will not want to miss this incredible bargain!


CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET ROUGE 2005 DOMAINE RAMONET $34.95 [#305305] 
As most know, we have a keen predilection for Chassagne Rouge as it delivers, especially in great vintages, high quality juice that delivers way beyond its meager price point. Nobody does it better that Ramonet! This world class estate, known for its exquisite whites, delivers superb reds as well! This particular number captures bright, uplifting flavors of griotte, black cherry, red raspberry and boysenberry along with subtle hints of exotic spice, tea and white truffles. Delightfully rich and flavorful, the wine still retains an Old World charm of balance, elegance and finesse! Aaah Burgundy... it rarely gets any better at this price point!


GOING SOUTH!
Southern France…perfect for all of your outdoor grilling and BBQ needs!

CHÂTEAU L’HORTUS 2005 “GRAND CUVÈE” COTE DE LANGUEDOC $24.95 [#304987]  
It’s been a while since we’ve carried L’Hortus in our store but this unique cuvee was too good to resist! It’s a black fruit beast that blends generous dollops of ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry fruits with hints of exotic spice and peppercorns. Perfect for grilled scenarios of any kind, the wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cabernet. It’s framed judiciously with a bit of new wood that adds another dimension of creaminess to the wine flavor and texture!


CHÂTEAU SIMONE 2004 PALETTE $59.95 [#368504]  
If you’ve ever visited any of the 2 or 3 star Michelins restaurants on the Cote d’Azur or read about the great wines of Provence, you will have encountered Château Simone produced in the tiny Provencal sub-region of Palette! It makes perfect sense that this classic Provencal gem is now being imported by cutting edge classicist Neal Rosenthal whose new book, Adventures of a Wine Merchant, is currently stirring up the wine world! We immediately took a small position on this wine as production is somewhat limited! Upon tasting, we were transported to a mystical world of olive trees, Mediterranean breezes and scintillating sunsets! Pure and elegant black fruit flavors of cherry, cassis liqueur and plum define this wonderfully wrought wine that verily defines Provence! Hints of anise, licorice and bouquet garni provide additional complexity to this regally feminine wine perfect for such outdoor meals as grilled lamb or beef kabobs! This old school, traditionally wrought wine will transport you instantly to the south of France and at the end of the day, there are worse things that could happen!


Features from June

ALSACE
It’s been a while since we’ve done anything significant with Alsace but
there are a couple of items worth mentioning!

SYLVANER 2006 “VV” DOMAINE OSTERTAG $19.95 [#374457]  
Ostertag’s Sylvaner is a store staple and the 2006 is superb! This perennial favorite delivers a classic style that emphasizes crisp, clean fruit that captures understated, water color flavors of sundry melon, apple and mixed tropical fruits! Perfect for seafood appetizers, snackies and munchies!

 


RIESLING 2006 DOMAINE ZIND-HUMBRECHT $19.95 [#380570]  
Z-H provides us with a lovely Riesling perfect for richer seafood dishes as halibut, swordfish and lobster. Thick and viscous on the palate with lots of honey-butter richness, the acidity provided by the cooler 2006 vintage functions as a solid spine upon which the wine’s buttery rich fruit can hang. It’s perfect, as well, for grilled pork loin or that Alsatian classic torte d’oigno.


THREE CLASSICS FROM KERMIT LYNCH!

DOMAINE TEMPIER 2007 BANDOL Rosé $34.99 [#306250]  
This classic Provencal rosé is back with another stellar production from 2007! Crisp, clean and delicious; one can never have enough Tempier rosé in house for the summer months. Perfect for patio and pool cuisine of any kind! Also available in half bottles (#306249/$19.99) and magnums (#306248/$89.99).


CAHORS 2005 CLOS LA COUTALE $11.95 [#374762]  
Big and bold, this wine is made, predominantly, from the Malbec grape. Mixed red and black fruits abound along with hints of game, spice and pepper. A tiny bit of Merlot rounds out the wine’s significant structure and grip. Many of you have been waiting for the arrival of the 2005 version of Clos la Coutale and, we promise, it will not disappoint! Perfect for outdoor, BBQ scenarios of any kind!


BANDOL 2005 DOMAINE GROS NORE $31.99 [#305721]  
Gros Nore was brought on line by Kermit Lynch to fill the need for a popularly-priced Bandol that could fill the void for Domaine Tempier which tends to sell out rather quickly to collectors and restaurants. Even bolder than the above-noted Cahors, this wine (100% Mourvedre) combines dark cherry and black plum richness with hints of black olive, tapenade, herbs de provence, poivre and truffle oil. Perfect for grilled lamb!


BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

ILE LA FORGE 2007 VIOGNIER $9.95 [#368508]  
This superb summer staple is back again with another crowd-pleasing effort that delivers delightful Viognier intricacy and complexity. Hints of sundry melon, tropical, white peach and pear fruits abound along with lovely hints of acacia, honeysuckle and sundry white floral. Those who have enjoyed this production from past vintages will certainly be pleased. Those who have never tried this, c’mon in! The water’s fine!


BUGEY DE CERDON NV PATRICK BOTTEX $19.95 [#325189]  
This warm weather sparkler has long been a customer fave and it’s back! It may pour pink but it’s actually quite dry in delivering a smorgasbord of such summer red fruits as raspberry, boysenberry cassis and ripe strawberry. Perfect for patio parties of any kind as well as grilled salmon and crab cakes.

BORDEAUX: “STEAL-OF-THE-MONTH”

CHÂTEAU VIEUX CLOS 2005 ST. EMILION $24.99 [#360289]  
This superb St. Emilion is the real deal! Classically configured; yet juicy and approachable, you’ll love it! Parker notes, “Readers looking for a forward, velvety-textured, richly fruity St. Emilion with abundant quantities of black cherry and cherry fruit should check out this earthy, herbal, fruit-filled offering from a vineyard planted on sandy and gravelly soils. Soft tannins suggest this hedonistic 2005 is best drunk over the next 7-8 years.” (WA 90)


BURGUNDY: “STEAL-OF-THE-MONTH”

HAUTES COTES DE BEAUNE 2005 DOMAINE ROLLIN $19.95 [#368503]  
Don’t miss out on this superb Burgundy bargain from this underrated domaine. We’ve long admired wines from Remi Rollin and he has a sure-fired hit (as well as a great bargain!) on his hands with this Haut Cotes de Beaunes! Traditionally fashioned, the wine combines delightful flavors and nuances of cassis, wild berry, kirsch and mixed raspberry fruits with subtle nuances of forest floor, truffles and exotic spice! One of the top bargains yet from this remarkable vintage!


Features from May
MORE SUPERB BARGAINS!
The south of France continues to supply marvelous red wine bargains to the market. When chosen properly, these wines can deliver way beyond the price point. It’s kind of like off-road wheeling: adventurous and unique!

CORBIERES 2005 “CUVEE RENAISSANCE” DOMAINE DE FONTENELLES $12.95 [#302806] 
This wine represents one of the best Corbieres we’ve ever experienced! The wine leads off with a beautiful nose of rose petal, spice and tea followed by a delightfully rich and expressive palate of cherry/black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Hints of white chocolate, tea leaf, sassafras, anise and fennel provide additional complexity to this well-priced gem that delivers a breed, finesse and character that goes way beyond the genre and price point! Blended from Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvedre, this little Corbieres represents one heck of a buy!


COTES DE LUBERON 2005 DOMAINE FONTENILLE $11.95 [#360503]  
Welcome back, Domaine Fontenille! We love this estate and recall fondly a luncheon we enjoyed there many, many years ago. We purchase it just about every year and look forward to its annual arrival. The only year we can recall skipping recently was 2003 as the wine was too overtly ripe, atypical and somewhat alcoholic! Fontenille is certainly back to form in 2005 following a lovely 2004. This Cotes du Rhone-styled blend combines dark dollops of mixed plum and black cherry fruit with hints of allspice, garrigue and white pepper. Perfect for grilled meats or recipes of any kind, the wine showcases an impeccable balance and breed that goes way beyond both the genre and the price point!


DOMAINE FOULAQUIER 2004 COTEAUX DE LANGUEDOC PIC ST. LOUP $21.95 [#302805] 
While the Languedoc may not reside near the front page for most people, savvy bargain hunters will not want to miss this superb production that recently garnered 92 points from the Wine Advocate! Our notes reference loads of soft, plummy ripe fruit with hints of allspice and garrigue to complement the wine’s user-friendly flambéed cherry finish. The Advocate (David Schildknecht) notes, “80% Syrah vinified in barriques and demi-muids. Essence of blueberry, black cherry preserves and brown spices in the nose lead to a pure, refined, subtly sweet but intense black and blue fruit palate concentrate with inner-mouth hints of violets and pleasantly piquant suggestions of black walnut, iodine and chalk adding to the allure of a superbly long finish. I am reminded of a hypothetical marriage between the wonderfully, stylistically diverse Syrahs of Steve Edmunds and his friend John Alban. Needless to say, this wine represents a superb value!” (92 points)


CHATEAU LA GARDE 2005 PESSAC-LEOGNAN $29.95 [#305204]  
Damn, almost a good wine! All facetiousness aside, this wonderfully sculpted Pessac-Leognan delivers everything a classic Pessac should! Terroir-driven fruit is the call here capturing wonderful vectors of rocks, stones and gravel in conjunction with flambéed cherry, mixed currant fruit, La Garde is not necessarily for the “California crowd” in that its classic French profile captures all that’s wonderful about an underrated appellation that prizes a sense of place above varietal character, per se. Those with a European palate and sensibility will love this! (Wine Spectator 89)


CHATEAU FAIZEAU 2005 “VV” ST. EMILION $23.99 [#373571]  
Parker Sleeper, massive fruit, 15% natural, Michel Rolland, 100% Merlot, ‘Nuff said! (Advocate 90-92)


CHATEAU BELGRAVE 2005 HAUT MEDOC $39.99 [#375478]  
Belgrave is one of those wines we always look forward to tasting because this winemaking team refuses to make any concessions to either modernity or critics! They fashion traditionally-styled claret that one either takes or leaves! Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Belgrave is a 5th Growth estate that has hit the jackpot in 2005! Those with a predilection for old-fashioned Bordeaux, the kind your Dad used to drink with you, will love this! It combines the glorious fruit of the vintage with an underlying grip, tension and sense of place that only old-school Bordeaux can deliver! We flat out love this wine and at $40, it’s a steal given the context of the vintage! (Wine Spectator 91)


CHATEAU BRANE CANTENAC 2005 MARGAUX $89.99 [#374525]  
Those looking for something a bit more traditional should reach for Brane Cantenac. We’ve been tracking this estate since 1999 when the Margaux renaissance began and concur with Parker’s assessment that 2005 brings us “the greatest Brane-Cantenac ever!” In a word, this wine is stunning! It delivers classic vectors of Margaux fruit for the both nose and palate in conjunction with the superb harmony and finesse so typical of wines from this regal commune. Classic in every sense of the word! (Advocate 93-95)


BORDEAUX: STEAL-OF-THE-MONTH:

CHATEAU LANESSAN 2005 HAUT-MEDOC $24.95 [#305668]  
We’ve long been fans of Chateau Lanessan as this estate perennially delivers high quality at a low price. This property has been on a bit of a role lately as we had a successful run with both their 1996 and 2000 which we found after the fact at a very reasonable price. Their 2005 continues this string of success with a fab wine that combines the phenomenal fruit of 2005 with a traditional winemaking approach that stresses a sense of place and historical continuity. Throw in some marvelous complexity and an outstanding price/score ratio and you have a sure-fired, slam dunk winner! For the record, Parker comments this may be the “finest Lanessan I have ever tasted” noting, “It boasts a deep ruby/purple hue as well as scents of blueberries, blackberries, cassis and new saddle leather. Full-bodied with terrific concentration, sweet tannin and beautiful length as well as richness, this stunning wine represents fabulous value.” (WA 90-92)
 


LOIRE VALLEY REDS!
Loire Valley reds represent a bourgeoning category as high Bordeaux prices have necessitated a value category for French red wine other than the Rhone and the south. We’re increasingly enamored of these versatile reds produced (100%) from the Cabernet Franc grape! They capture a genuine sense of place while imparting a distinctive fruit character and superb price/value quotients.

BOURGEUIL 2005 “CUVEE BEAUVAIS” DOMAINE CHANTELEUSERIE $14.95 [#300706] 
It had been a while since we had tasted or carried these classics from the Kermit Lynch portfolio so when given the opportunity to sample them again, we readily said, “Why not!” Our curiosity was rewarded with two stellar examples of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc! Both capture the impeccable breed and richness of France’s wonderful 2005 vintage! Chanteleuserie’s “Beauvais” showcases a delightful mouthful of soft red fruit encompassing wild cherry/wild berry fruit nuanced with hints of tea leaf, spice and forest floor. It’s the perfect ‘red wine with seafood” wine in that the tannin and acid levels are soft and malleable for the palate. You certainly can’t beat the price!


BOURGEUIL 2005 “VIEILLES VIGNES” DOMAINE CHANTELEUSERIE $15.95 [#307700] 
Chanteleuserie’s “Old Vines” cuvee stresses such black fruits as plum, forest berry and cherry nuanced with hints of black olive, tobacco leaf, fig, loam and truffles. The wine’s label conveniently emphasizes the black fruit nature of the wine. Given this wine’s incredible fruit richness and density, it’s a steal and we heartily recommend it for grilled meats/bistro fare of any sort! C’est superb ca!


ST. NICHOLAS DE BOURGUEIL 2005 “MALGAGNES” YANNICK AMIRAULT $29.95 [#306011] 
Here’s another high scoring Spectator gem that recently garnered 92 points! Spectator notes, “This offers the appellation’s telltale iron, briar and dark olive notes with a rock solid core of black currant fruit. It’s all given a lift by a layer of well-integrated cocoa and mocha-tinged toast.” (LIMITED!)


SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE 2005 “AUX CLOUS” DOMAINE CHENU $34.95 [#312111]  
This wonderfully wrought wine is a traditionalist’s delight and upon tasting, we bought every case we could get our hands on! This well-done 1er Cru leads off with a scintillating, terroirist’s nose of sweet earth and spice followed by a warm and satisfying palate of cherry/black cherry, wild berry fruit nuanced with hints of Asian tea and truffles. This fantastic bargain is a true Burgundy lover’s wine in that it represents a genuine sense of place, that certain je ne sais quoi that only Burgundy can deliver! Tired of soulless Pinot Noir that tastes more and more like Aussie Shiraz? Here’s the genuine article that delivers breed, pedigree and finesse and at a price that’s sure to make you smile. In the words of Allen Meadows, “mere hedonism is just that…empty pleasure seeking.” Burgundy is capable of delivering so much more if you keep an open mind! Trust us, this wine delivers!


Features from April

FRANCE: “DISCOVERY SERIES…
DOMAINE DE LA CHAPELLE DES BOIS!”
This article could just have easily been entitled Dueling Beaujolais! We recently tasted two superb productions from the cutting-edge Neal Rosenthal portfolio. Both are fine Cru wines that definitely deserve a spot at your table. The Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois is an up-and-coming estate discovered by Neal on a recent sojourn through France and we look forward to a lot of fine wine from this newly discovered property.

CHIROUBLES 2006 DOMAINE DE LA CHAPELLE DES BOIS $17.95 [#306904]
This is easily the best Chiroubles we’ve ever had! The wine seduces from the get-go starting off with its bright magenta color in the glass followed by a complex nose of cherries and raspberries reiterated to the palate in conjunction with fine hints of sundry cooking spices and flowers. Silky, bright and satisfying, this is a classically rendered wine that not only delivers immediate pleasure but will age nicely over the next 2-5 years!


BARGAIN BURGUNDY “A BAKER’S DOZEN!”

It’s a “High Tide and Green Grass” scenario for Burgundy lovers as our store is currently inundated with some of the finest efforts we can ever remember from this hallowed region! What’s more, many of these finds are not necessarily going to break your purse or wallet. We offer for your edification a select group of bargains that recently showed very well at an in-store wine bar event. Who says great Burgundy has to be expensive?!

 

BOURGOGNE BLANC 2005 “FORGETS” PATRICK JAVILLIER $29.95[#305629]   
Javillier has clearly hit a home-run in 2005 with any number of outstanding wines! This is a classic “insider’s domaine” that produces stylish, traditionally wrought wines. This crowd pleaser leads off with a seductive nose of vanilla bean and white flowers followed by an enticing palate of honeyed peach and white nectarine. Nicely balanced and even-keeled, this harmonious value is strikingly Meursault-like which should come as no surprise given Javillier’s reputation as one of Meursault’s top producers.


BOURGOGNE BLANC 2005 “OLIGOCENE” PATRICK JAVILLIER $33.99 [#305625]    
Take all of the above and add the dimension of driving minerality and you have Javillier’s Cuvee Oligocene. Named after the rocky limestone soil whence the grapes are grown, this effort is truly a mini-Meursault in combining the orchard fruit richness for which the village is renowned with a crisp acidity that brings you back again and again!


BOURGOGNE ROUGE 2005 PIERRE MOREY $19.99 [#305831]    
This wonderfully wrought value is dedicated to those who like their Pinot on the sauvage side. We daresay it’s a de-classified Pommard or comes, at least, from vineyards closely located to this renowned village. There’s no mistaking the underlying grip, tension and earthiness in this wine that’s offset with soft cherry/berry, black cherry fruit. Scintillating hints of spice, truffles and game define a long, lingering finish. This superb value is readily meant for stews and heartier meat dishes such as venison or beef bourguignon.


CHOREY-LES-BEAUNE 2005 DOMAINE TOLLOT-BEAUT $29.95 [#350300]   
This sleeper pick definitely needs a bit of time but that should tell you how serious it is; particularly from Chorey-les-Beaune! We’ve long been fans of Tollot-Beaut’s traditionally styled wines and this particular bargain is superb. It leads off with an enticing nose of cola nut and sassafras followed by a tightly wound palate of wild berries, sweet earth and forest herbs. This is old-time Burgundy for sure but will definitely reward those with the patience to stash a bottle or two!


CHAMBOLLE MUSIGNY 2005 DROUHIN-LAROZE $49.95 [#303142]    
Here’s another superb bargain from Drouhin-Laroze! As noted above, things have improved here dramatically! Regarding the estate Allen Meadows notes, “Given the relatively reasonable prices their wines sell for, they are well worth a close look.” We loved this little Chambolle Musigny! It delivers a classic Chambolle nose and palate that combines delicious ripe fruit with a nice sense of place and terroir as well. The wine’s pedigree comes from its blend of juice encompassing 90% Les Baudes and 10% from the villages portion of Veroilles. Allen Meadows writes, “An exceptionally pretty and high-toned nose of red, blue and violet aromas trimmed in obvious mineral notes leads to rich, sweet, detailed and nicely full-bodied flavors blessed with plenty of mid-palate extract to buffer the textured but refined tannins that coat the mouth on the long finish. This is a really lovely and racy effort that is very Chambolle in style. Recommended!” [BH 89-92]


HAUT COTES DE NUITS 2005 DOMAINE BERTAGNA $24.95 [#302995]  

We had the opportunity to taste this terrific bargain over last December’s holiday season and can attest to the very favorable price/quality ratio at play. Things have never been better at Domaine Bertagna! We quote the Burghound, Allen Meadows, “A beautifully expressive and bright nose features red pinot fruit and mineral notes that continue onto the ripe, forward and pretty flavors that culminate in a delicious and sappy finish. Good quality here, particularly at this level. Recommended! [BH 85-87] (Please note that Allen Meadows is a very conservative critic and that an 85-87 score is high praise, indeed, for a wine at this price point!)


BEAUNE 2005 “CLOS DU ROI” DOMAINE RAPET $39.95 [#387467]  
Rapet’s run of success continues with an old school Burgundy that leads off with an enticing nose of flowers, spice and herbs followed by a really nice cherry/berry palate that’s somewhat Rhone-y in that it incorporates scintillating nuances of spice, sweet earth and herbs. Nice nuance and complexity and definitely for purists!


MEURSAULT 2005 “DUROT” PIERRE MOREY $49.95 [#305835]    
This delicious effort needs a bit of time to completely pull itself together but upon tasting, one senses instantly the potential. Deep in color with a very rich assortment of sundry black fruit flavors, it’s rare that one encounters Meursault rouge these days. The wine’s spice/herb inflected fruit carries ripe acidity, good grip and a definite sense of place that, if pressed, we would compare to a real nice Volnay from, let’s say Santenots. It needs a bit of time to integrate all of its components but when it does in 3-5 years, this is going to be really nice. You could easily pay a lot more for a lot less!


FIXIN 2005 MONGEARD-MUGNERET $34.95 [#300609]    
This classic Fixin leads off with spicy nose of earth and wild berries followed by a solid palate of mixed cherry/wild berry fruit. As informative side bar, the village of Fixin is located in the Cote de Nuits just north of Gevrey Chambertin. This particular rendition from Mongeard-Mugneret proffers nice fruit, ripe acidity and that special sense of place that defines Fixin. This one should put on weight with a bit of time and reward amply!

 
 
 
 

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Hi-Time Wine Cellars | 250 Ogle Street | Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Store Hours: Sunday 10am -7pm | Mon-Wed 9am-8pm | Thurs-Sat 9am-9pm