Featured French Wines

Dry French ROSÉ

Laissez les bons vins continuent!

SYLVAIN BAILLY 2009 SANCERRE ROSÉ“ LA LOUIS” 100% Pinot Noir

Ripe, floral notes of violets, strawberries and other red berries. Excellent acidity and a firm mineral core keep this wine going for a long time. Very complex, but sexy fruit. Limited quantity. 125 cases  imported to US.

$20.99 750ml [311485]  

“M” BY SOPHIE DENANTE 2009 ROSÉ 50% Grenache, 50% Cinsault

Dry and refreshing with notes of berries and nectarine flower, this rose will pair well with Asian and California cuisine. V.D.P de Mediterranee

$13.95 750ml [311478]  

L’HORTUS 2009 ROSÉ DE SAIGNEE 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah

Warm summer days and cool nights made 2009 a classic vintage in the Languedoc. This rosé de saignée shows the classic Hortus strawberries and violets in the nose. It possesses excellent acidity and ripe fruit in the mouth, making it the perfect summer companion to just about any food combination.

$13.98 750ml [304988]

CHATEAU PULIGNY MONTRACHET 2009 BOURGOGNE ROSÉ

Produced from Bourgogne grapes from in and around the village of Meursault & Volnay, this wine has become an instant hit. The nose shows hints of freshly crushed raspberries. Beautifully salmon colored to the eye, in the mouth, it is fresh and exuberant. Bright acidity and good length round it out and keep you coming back for more.

$19.95 750ml [350207]  

LA CANORGUE 2009 CÔTES DE LUBERON ROSÉ

Produced from roughly equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, this wine is shows remarkable poise and grace for a southern rosé. Floral berry notes in the nose with stone fruits are followed by a wine with crisp acidity and good length. There are flavors of anis and fennel; a tell-tale sign of Canorgue’s terroir. Pull out the olives and the pétanque balls and you’ll think you’re in Provence.

$16.98 750ml [304214]  

MOULIN DE GASSAC 2009 ROSE GUILHEM 55% Syrah, 45% Grenache

This delightful salmon-pink wine is produced using the traditional saignée process. After macerating on the skins for approximately 10 hours, the juice is then pumped off and fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aromatics of strawberries and crushed red fruit leap from the glass. In the mouth, it is fresh with excellent acidity, some mineral components and good length. Very food friendly, it is a great companion to just about anything you want to throw at it.

$9.98 750ml [311484]  

DOMAINE FONTSAINTE 2009 CORBIERES ROSÉ GRIS DE GRIS

A crystalline salmon color with superb amethyst tints. Fine separate legs run slowly down the glass. Nose: Expressive and particularly tonic, the wine immediately gives off notes of raspberry, cherry and freshly picked strawberries - followed by exotic aromas such as pineapple and mango. Palate: A direct and considerable freshness - the density and richness of the fruit mingle with the superb acid vitality giving a wine with a frisson and a magnificent persistency. In summary: Stunningly balanced, this is an extremely appetent wine! Ideal as an aperitif with toast and crushed olives, or with wok-fried vegetables and garlic mayonnaise, grilled fish, lamb tajine, finely roasted guinea-fowl with rosemary...

$11.95 750ml [309506]  

A pair of Roussillon Wines:

We wanted to write up the Cabirau and L’Edre together, not only because there are friendships involved and shared cellar equipment, but because there is something going on in the Roussillon that is delicious and surprising. The “Languedoc-Roussillon” links two pretty different places and frankly these two regions are linked mostly for French administrative reasons, not wine-making style. Roussillon sits right on top of the border with Spain and is marked by the altitudes of the Pyrenees and a deeply independent Catalan culture. Roussillon is often rockier—pictures of Cabirau look like a quarry of broken slate with old-vines rounding the crest of a hill. Roussillon is only 15% the size of the Languedoc to the north and produces only 1/10th as much wine. As importer turned vineyard owner Dan Kravitz notes, “Comparison are made to Priorat and Châteauneuf. These comparisons have merit. The best wines of Roussillon can have the mineral mountain intensity of fine Priorat or the heady ripeness of top Châteauneuf.”

Domaine de Cabirau “Malgré les Fonctionnaires” 2008
Côtes du Roussillon
After 27 years importing wines from France, Dan Kravitz from Harpswell, Maine, is making wine in the Roussillon. Friends Jacques Castanay and Pascal Dieunidou from Domaine de L’Edre (big talents, we think—see the L'Edre review below) are consulting in the cellar and helping Dan to make the best from his 12 acres of old vines. This wine points to the ripe, saturated side of Roussillon. The Wine Advocate notes: “...the Cabirau 2008 Côtes du Roussillon Malgre les Functionnaires combines Grenache with smaller, barrel-raised portions of Syrah and Carignan. Violets, blackberries, beef marrow, rosemary, and black pepper set the stage aromatically. A rich mouthful of beet and beef juices, blackberries, and cherries follows, tinged with black pepper, iodine, crushed stone, and pungent herbs. This palate-staining concentrate retains wonderful brightness and invigoration, and should be worth following for 6-8 years. (91-92pts).”

$19.99 750ml [311421]  

Domaine de L’Edre “Carrement Rouge” 2008, Côtes du Roussillon
This might not be as affordable as the Cabirau, but it is every bit the value. There are only 500cs made of this blend of 50% Syrah and 25% each Grenache and Carignan. It is a darker, more saturated, age-worthy wine. “Carrement” requires a bit of patience as it is full of the “mineral mountain intensity” that draws comparisons to Priorat. We strongly suggest you give it some air in a decanter and watch this come to life as layer after layer of myrtle-berry, blackberry, violets and fine spices emerge like a gift from the stony soils still evident in the firm structure of this wine. Yields are tiny (1.05 tons/acre) and proprietors Jacques Castanay and Pascal Dieunidou are famously fanatical about quality. This 2008 is not yet reviewed, but this cuvée has never received fewer than 91 pts and as high as 94 pts from The Wine Advocate.

$34.99 750ml [311422]  

"In the Loup"

Château de Lancyre “La Coste d’Aleyrac” 2007 Pic St. Loup
The good news in the Languedoc of late is an emergence of quality producers like Lancyre producing very interesting wines from traditional Mediterranean varieties. “La Coste d’Aleyrac” is Lancyre’s entry level cuvée with 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Carignan. The Pic St. Loup sub-zone is a plateau sitting at 1,500 feet, surrounded by mountains on three sides. Daytime temperatures are just as warm as elsewhere in the Languedoc, but in the evening cold air descends from the surrounding peaks. The result is a longer, slower ripening cycle; more acidity and perfume and more meaty-smoky-herbal qualities in the Syrah hinting at Côte Rôtie and Northern Rhône styles. If you are paying attention to the Languedoc these days, you will see there are more wines like this from promising sub-zones—there really is a “there, there” in parts of the Languedoc. The Wine Advocate Notes: “The Lancyre 2007 Côteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup La Coste d’Aleyrac is full of ripe black fruits to be sure, but offers more herbal, carnal and mineral dimensions than the corresponding 2006... Look for this exceptional value to offer pleasure for another 3-4 years.” (90-91pts)

$15.99 750ml [311420]  

DOMAINE DU SALVARD 2009 PINOT NOIR “UNIQUE,” LOIRE VALLEY
Thanks to some warmer weather in the Loire Valley we have come across some really nice examples of Pinot Noir that stand in contrast to those from cooler vintages that are often lean and green. This bright, elegant and medium-bodied Pinot with fresh, juicy berry fruit is just the foil for a hot day when a red is in order but jam and alcohol are certainly not welcome. We think this is a terrific, under-the-radar value that’s ideal with a slight chill and perfect with lighter fare.

$12.95 750ml [311270]

Château Puynormond 2008 Montagne-Saint Émilion
We had a great run with the 2006 release from this Chateau, so we were Looking forward to this 2008. To say we were excited is somewhat of an understatement. The 2008 will be a stellar addition to our Bordeaux selection. The wine is a blend of 90% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc from 30 year old vines .This wine has a deep ruby red color. Clear and shiny, it presents some purple tints due to its youth. In your glass you will find aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry and plum. This is a generous wine that offers these same aromas to the palate and the nose . At this price, this is definitely a wine to purchase by the case.

$13.95 750ml [375899]  

Domaine Seguinot-Bordet Chablis 2008 “ Reserve Ste Victoire”
Looking for that perfect summer sipper ? Try this 2008 Chablis from Seguinot-Bordet. Your eye will see a pretty pale golden yellow color with light greenish glints. Already on the nose, one can sense it’s good breeding, freshness and maturity in a festival of flowers and fruit. The fruit is ripe and bursting with sunshine .This powerful wine has a pretty harmonious mellowness that is transported by a frank, yet far from aggressive liveliness. The pronounced mineral finish combined with delicate toasty, vanillary notes ensures long lasting pleasure.

$17.95 750ml [333360]  

ChÂteau St. Jacques D’ Albas 2008 Minervois “Clos Garric”
The South of France continues to provide us with great values, as you will discover with this Syrah /Carignan/ Grenache blend from the AOC Minervois. The semi-arid Mediterranean climate is a prefect host to Syrah (60%), Carignan (20%), and Grenache (10%). The vines are an average age of 30 years, and are farmed under the “Cousinie” Method (organic manure and selected mineral sprays ). The wine-making philosophy is to respect the natural environment of the domain, while using modern technology to permit a controlled expression of the “terroir” in the wines. Typical for the region, this wine offers ripe and spicy dark fruit notes . It is medium bodied, with silky tannins and a long lasting blackberry finish. Match this tasty wine with Barbecues, meat dishes and ripe cheeses.

$8.95 750ml [311419]  

JEAn-MARC PILLOT 2007 MONTAGNY 1ER CRU “LES GOURESSES”

This outstanding wine represents serious value for white Burgundy drinkers and for those interested in trying one for the first time without having to shell out $50. Pillot’s Montagny is farmed from 100 year old vines and delivers impressive purity, richness and complexity considering its modest price. Classic lemon and mineral abound along with a rounded palate and focused finish and the wine sees zero new oak. A wine of this depth and precision at this price is not to be missed. Only 40 cases were made available to the US and we are grateful to Rosenthal Imports for the opportunity to offer this rare treat to our customers! Impressive.

$28.95 750ml [311406]  

Dry French  ROSÉs

It's one of our favorite times of year, the end of spring and beginning of summer when the dry French rosés are released with their myriad of colors and flavors: from salmon-orangeish to vivid strawberry reddish-pink and all the colors in between. And, since these are dry, albeit with gorgeous fruit, they are food-friendly wines from the get-go. From picnics to poolside to grilling and chilling-- these wines are the real deal

From the Cote d’Azur in Provence comes France’s most famous rosé. This gorgeously dry rosé is distinguished by its amazingly creamy and velvety smooth texture. A delicious blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault. It is both fruity and spicy with wonderful apricot and grapefruit flavors. Remarkable with scallops, marinated salmon with dill and even sweet and sour pork!

$33.99 750ml [373867]

CHÂTEAU DE LANCYRE 2009 ROSÉ PIC SAINT-LOUP

WINE SPECTATOR 89 POINTS - "An elegant rosé, with a rich allure to the dark cherry, plum and Asian spice flavors. The lush finish is filled with loads of cream that are balanced by minerally notes. Drink now through 2013. 383 cases made."

$14.99 750ml [311288]

MAS GOURGONNIER 2009 ROSÉ BAUX DE PROVENCE

This is truly Provence in a bottle: its endless sun, its garrigue-covered hills, its azure skies. Mas de Gourgonnier has been certified organic since the 1970s-- longer than any other winery in the region-- and is one of its last family-run estates. It's a rich blend of 10% Mourvèdre, 48% Grenache, 21% Cinsault, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. The color shows a rich pink with a hint of orange. Aromas continue the orange theme, with candied orange rinds, warm cherries and lots of pepper. The mouth delivers literally a bouquet of flavor, with lots of floral suggestions...

JEAN-FRANCOIS FAYEL 2009 ROSÉ

It's a blend of 65% whole-berry crushed Cabernet Franc, 30% Syrah and 5% Grenache which has been bled from the tanks. It displays beautiful high-toned cherry notes and minerality-- very focused and racy with bright acidity.

Unheard of Quality from France!!!

Having been in the business as long as we have, sometimes we’re tempted to think we’ve “seen it all.”  Well, after recently encountering an absolutely singular line-up of wines from André et Mireille Tissot, it’s quite apparent that we haven’t seen it all – in fact, we can honestly say that in 50+ years, we’ve never encountered anything like them.

In France’s remote region of the Jura, between Burgundy and Switzerland, lies the commune of Arbois.  A treasury of some of France’s oldest vines and most unique, distinctive wines, the Arbois has been heralded by critics such as David Schildknecht (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate) as the source of some of France’s best values.  It is also home to Domaine André et Mireille Tissot.

A small, 32-hectare bio-dynamic (a rigorous form of organic viticulture) domaine, Tissot has been repeatedly singled out by Schildknecht as a quality leader in the region.  Making both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of Burgunidan quality, Tissot also makes some of the region’s best traditional wines, including the famous Vin Jaune (yellow wine) and Vin de Paille (straw wine).

TISSOT 2008 CHARDONNAY "CLASSIQUE" (ARBOIS)
From a selection of vineyards with a minimum vine-age of 25 years, this is Tissot’s entry-level Chardonnay.  While fascinatingly and distinctively Arboisienne, this wine does not actually show the oxidative, flor-like character that one often associates with Arbois.  Instead, it is fresh and citrusy, showing floral elements mingled with lime, green apples, freshly-milled grain, and just a little Jura-esque “twang” beneath an attractive mineral core.  This wine will give any Bourgogne Premier Cru a run for its money!

$24.99 750ml [311130]

LYNCH BAGES 2006 PAUILLAC
What's December without Lynch Bages? The 2006 Lynch represents, to us, a bit of a return to its roots in that it's a traditionally-styled effort with a bit of girth and cut reminiscent of older Lynch Bages from such hallowed vintages as 1986 or 1988. This perennial blue-chip has turned in what we think is one of their best performances in a while that's more classically Pauillac/Bordeaux with an emphasis on terroir and structure. Parker awarded it 92 points noting, "...a dense, purple-colored wine displaying notes of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, licorice, cedar and graphite with a muscular personality but beautiful fruit on the attack as well as an alluring purity and a nicely textured mouthfeel." This is 'old school' Lynch, for sure, that demands a bit of patience and time in the cellar but we think it's potentially great as well as somewhat underscored.

ROBERT PARKER 92 POINTS - "1988 or 1995-ish in style, rather than 1996, which seems to be the vintage several 2006s recall, this dense purple-colored wine displays sweet notes of creme de cassis, tobacco leaf, licorice, and some cedar and graphite. The wine has plenty of structure a la 1995 and a backward, muscular personality, but beautiful fruit on the attack and alluring purity and a nicely textured mouthfeel. The finish suggests cellaring for 3-5 years and drinking over the following two decades."

$95.00 750ml [368060]