THE CLASS OF 2015 AN OUTSTANDING EUROPEAN VINTAGE. thewinesociety.com/2015vintage DWJUL17

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1 THE CLASS OF AN OUTSTANDING EUROPEAN VINTAGE DWJUL17 thewinesociety.com/vintage

A memorable vintage that will set the standard for years to come It is rare for the whole continent to be smiling together but this is exactly what happened in the vintage.

2 A memorable vintage that will set the standard for years to come It is rare for the whole continent to be smiling together but this is exactly what happened in the vintage. The very best wines will still need ageing in bottle to be at their best, but there are plenty of other star turns that are both ready and delicious now. It has been my pleasure to trawl through Europe s vineyards for my class of. From the classic regions of France to Italy and Iberia, there are wines here to suit all tastes and occasions. Enjoy! Marcel Orford-Williams Society Buyer WHAT MAKES A GREAT VINTAGE? The late and much-missed professor Denis Dubourdieu, who advised some of the greatest estates in the world, defined a great vintage in the following way: 1. Early and even flowering 2. The right amount of water, so that the vine puts all its energy into building sugar in the grapes 3. Optimum ripeness 4. Good weather during the harvest In, all of those boxes were ticked, leading to ripe yet balanced wines, harvested by and large in perfect conditions. REDS PORTUGAL & SPAIN offers the perfect opportunity to explore Iberia s reds. These three full-flavoured examples offer a mouthwatering case in point. Quinta da Lagoalva, Tejo This fruity and oak-spiced blend shows off the ample charms of two of Portugal s most important red grapes. Touriga nacional brings beautiful red-fruited fragrance, while the castelão grape imbues the wine with spot-hitting roundness on the palate. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and offers great value. 13.5% ref DW-PW bottle 90 dozen ITALY Piedmont s barbera and dolcetto grapes ripened early in the heat of, producing superb results. These examples come highly recommended. Barbera d Alba Fisetta, Ciabot Berton was a cracking year for the barbera grape, and this lovely, juicy example comes from a top grower. Packed with rich, fresh, appetising fruit, this is a classy crowdpleasing red. Now to % Low stock. ref DW-IT bottle 126 dozen Dogliani, Luigi Einaudi Dogliani is the home of the dolcetto grape, and where Einaudi is the outstanding grower with vines in the best positions. produced fantastic results here, and this exuberantly fruity wine is both exemplary and delicious. A charming, red-fruited favourite. Now to % ref DW-IT bottle 131 dozen Ribeiro Santo, Dão Portugal s Dão region had an excellent, and this is well worth trying. Modern in style, with sweet cherry and red-berry fruits, alongside the region s typical herbal notes. It has the freshness to complement fattier pork dishes and casseroles with delicious ease. 13.5% ref DW-PW bottle 95 dozen Tocat de L Ala Garnatxa Sirà, Empordà A bold, dense and thoroughly satisfying Spanish blend of garnacha, syrah and samsó (the local name for the carignan grape) from Empordà in northern Catalunya. Now to % ref DW-SP bottle 131 dozen

3 RHÔNE & THE SOUTH OF FRANCE was a very hot vintage here. This was especially good news for the local grenache and carignan grapes, which thrived in the southern warmth and fashioned opulent, fruity and full-bodied reds. Domaine Gilles Robin s sleek Crozes-Hermitage also flies the flag for the syrah grape in style. The Society s Corbières This deservedly popular red is especially good in, showing off the controlled power of the grenache and carignan grapes beautifully. This is a lovely, fullflavoured and food-friendly wine from the best-known appellation in the Languedoc, via Pierre Bories from in-form Ollieux- Romanis. 14.5% ref DW-FC bottle 93 dozen Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine Roche A full-bodied and fruity southern Rhône red. The grapes (60% wonderfully ripe grenache alongside equal amounts of carignan and syrah) come from Cairanne, an area recently awarded cru status joining the likes of Châteauneuf and Hermitage such is the quality here. The result is a dark and spicy wine with great length and plenty of matter, and which shines with food. 14.5% ref DW-RH bottle 111 dozen Faugères Lou Cazelet, Domaine Saint-Antonin Lovely fruity red from Faugères in the Languedoc, where the best wines come with wonderful fragrance and a certain mineral flavour. This is full-bodied and appetising, with lashings of fruit, a touch of spice and a real taste of the soil. 14.5% ref DW-FC bottle 114 dozen Crozes-Hermitage Les Papillons, Domaine Gilles Robin Sleek, vibrantly fruity syrah from one of Crozes-Hermitage s top growers, and with added weight and richness in. Made from young vines for early drinking, this is quite delicious. Now to % ref DW-RH46331 LIGHTER FRENCH REDS These traditionally lighter-bodied reds are imbued with extra richness in this warm year, this pitch-perfect trio offers appetising balance and refreshment too. Pinot Noir Puy de Dôme, Cave Saint-Verny Lovely, ripe, cherry-like pinot noir from the Auvergne in central France, which has a long and fascinating history with this grape (which was known locally as auvernat in ancient times). A deeply coloured, unoaked and full-flavoured pinot, offered at an oustanding price. 13% ref DW-FC bottle 99 dozen The Society s Exhibition Fleurie The scent of this Beaujolais makes it clear why this part of the region is given its name, sporting as it does an intense, floral perfume, which is followed by delicious fruit flavours on the palate. Fleurie s higheraltitude vineyards coped well with the heat of the Beaujolais vintage, ensuring perfectly ripe yet fresh gamay. 13.5% ref DW-BJ bottle 117 dozen TO ORDER St Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Rouillères, Domaine Frédéric Mabileau Superb Loire cabernet franc with lovely purity and freshness of flavour. A lunchtime red par excellence, this is the perfect bottle to serve cellar-cool, perhaps with roast lamb or mushroom dishes. Bottled with only a light filtration so some deposit may occur in bottle. Drink this year and next. 12.5% ref DW-LO bottle 150 dozen BORDEAUX The best claret vintage since 2010, producing wines with attractive balance, silkiness and firm fleshy fruit. This pair from the excellent Jean-Pierre Moueix makes for a tempting combination. Jean-Pierre Moueix, Bordeaux In such a good year for Bordeaux, this lovely wine punches well above its modest Appellation Bordeaux classification and under- 10 price tag. A generous, ripe claret with sweet fruit character, silky tannins and impressive depth of flavour. 13.5% ref DW-CB bottle 114 dozen Jean-Pierre Moueix, Saint-Emilion A plush-textured and succulent Saint- Emilion from an outstanding source. This merlot-dominant blend stands out for its polished dark-fruit character and long, satisfying finish. Now to % ref DW-CS10371

WHITES ALSACE Enjoy what could be the best-ever vintage of our much-loved Society-label blend and a scintillating full-bodied expression of the sylvaner grape.

4 WHITES ALSACE Enjoy what could be the best-ever vintage of our much-loved Society-label blend and a scintillating full-bodied expression of the sylvaner grape. The Society s Vin d Alsace This is quite likely the best vintage to date for this popular, fresh and aromatic blend, made for us by the Hugel family. A delicious, refreshing and excellent-value white that s delightful on its own but capable of complementing a wide range of foods. Try it with an onion tart or a summer salad just don t miss it! 13% ref DW-AL bottle 107 dozen Sylvaner, Léon Beyer This is a fine example of the sylvaner grape fully dry but rich and broad in this ripe year and, as with all wines from the Beyer estate, a superb food wine. Its hint of almond and the grape s typical twist of appley freshness make it a fine match for cheeses or charcuterie. 12% ref DW-AL bottle 107 dozen GERMANY was so good for German wine that many growers have been tempted to compare it with some of the all-time great years such as 1975 or even Quite simply, the wines have everything. Below we feature a dry and a mediumdry riesling to savour. Louis Guntrum Dry Riesling Impeccable dry riesling from a fantastic estate, encompassing a wide gamut of flavours unique to the grape. Zesty, peachy and mouthwatering, this is a charming wine for solo sipping, as well as a good match for sushi or stir-fries. 13% ref DW-GE bottle 107 dozen Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett, von Kesselstatt This medium-dry example shone in a comparative tasting, ensuring its place here against stiff competition. A fresh, appetising riesling with an instantly appealing flowery bouquet and an abundantly charming, beautifully balanced palate. Now to % ref DW-GE9321 AUSTRIA & ITALY Increasingly fashionable Austrian grüner veltliner and the deft, distinctive pinot bianco of Hofstätter in northern Italy are both unmissable options in this rewarding year. Schloss Maissau Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner Ewald Gruber s family has been making wines in Austria s Weinviertal region for three generations, but few vintages will have been as easy, nor as delightful, as. This classic expression of Austria s white-wine trump card has a bewitching mineral, white-pepper and quince aroma, and a fresh medium-bodied palate. Scintillating seafood wine, and unafraid of spicy dishes too. 12.5% ref DW-AA bottle 119 dozen Pinot Bianco, Hofstätter Hofstätter are the shining light of northern Italy s Alto Adige region, bordering Austria and Switzerland. Pinot bianco is a speciality here and s perfect weather has helped to produce a wonderful example, with delicate Alpine freshness and fine citrusy fragrance. Hofstätter have long experience of growing this underrated grape and do it extremely well. Drink this year and next. 13.5% ref DW-IT bottle 131 dozen MINIMUM PURCHASE APPLIES THEWINESOCIETY.COM/COLLECT To order thewinesociety.com/vintage

WHITES (continued) Open to reveal more wines BURGUNDY The excellent quality of the whites in this warm Burgundy year was a very pleasant surprise, and these three ripe, full-flavoured chardonnays

Its ripe aromas of apples and peaches and full, fresh palate can be enjoyed with many dishes, such as chicken in a creamy tarragon sauce, or simply relished on its own.13% ref DW-BU63001 9.

Fullflavoured yet with the typical balanced, structured palate which supports the wine s ripe fruit. Now to 2019.

5 WHITES (continued) Open to reveal more wines BURGUNDY The excellent quality of the whites in this warm Burgundy year was a very pleasant surprise, and these three ripe, full-flavoured chardonnays from the Mâconnais are perfect now. The Society s White Burgundy One of the best vintages we have offered of this much-loved Society stalwart. Its ripe aromas of apples and peaches and full, fresh palate can be enjoyed with many dishes, such as chicken in a creamy tarragon sauce, or simply relished on its own.13% ref DW-BU bottle 114 dozen Domaine Jacques Saumaize, Saint- Véran En Crêches This excellent white Burgundy comes from a vineyard situated on the broad back of La Roche de Vergisson. Fullflavoured yet with the typical balanced, structured palate which supports the wine s ripe fruit. Now to % ref DW-BU63721 Domaine Cordier, Mâcon Aux Bois d Allier A beautifully balanced, ripe yet fresh wine from the Bois d Allier vineyard near Charnay. This is matured in foudres to allow flavour development without imparting oaky aromas. Low yields explain the uncommon depth of flavour for a wine of this price. Now to % ref DW-BU bottle 162 dozen LOIRE As good as it gets, was buyer Joanna Locke MW s assessment of this vintage in the Loire, and Pouilly-Fumé was a class act from this class of. Find out what all the fuss is about with this hat-trick of exceptional sauvignon blancs. Pouilly-Fumé, Domaine de Riaux A fine, gentle and bright sauvignon. Crisp, flinty and dry with a lovely backbone of refreshing acidity, but simultaneously fullflavoured thanks to extended ageing on the lees (the yeasts that occur naturally during fermentation). Lovely. Now to % ref DW-LO bottle 162 dozen Pouilly-Fumé Les Cris, Domaine Cailbourdin A Pouilly-Fumé of uncommon depth and richness but still showing the palateenlivening acidity that marks out good sauvignon blanc. A deliciously textured, slightly spicy and smoky example of this Loire standard-bearer. Drink this year and next. 13% ref DW-LO bottle 167 dozen Pouilly-Fumé Les Princes Ermites A classically honed Pouilly-Fumé with the bright passionfruit notes that come from healthy ripe sauvignon fruit and the deft touch of the great professor Denis Dubourdieu, whose definition of a great vintage can be found in the opening page of this offer. If nothing else, this class of can be dedicated to his memory. Now to % ref DW-LO bottle 179 dozen

6 MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY ALPS, RHINE AND DANUBE WHITES CASE Star turns from Alsace, Germany, Austria and northern Italy. A 6-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett, von Kesselstatt Louis Guntrum Dry Riesling Sylvaner, Léon Beyer The Society s Vin d Alsace Pinot Bianco, Hofstätter, Schloss Maissau Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner ref DW-MX17136 CLASSIC FRENCH REDS CASE An unmissable showcase spanning regions from the Loire to the Rhône. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: 59 St Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Rouillères, Domaine Frédéric Mabileau Jean-Pierre Moueix, Bordeaux Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine Roche Crozes-Hermitage Les Papillons, Domaine Gilles Robin The Society s Exhibition Fleurie Pinot Noir Puy de Dôme, Cave Saint-Verny 119 A OF SAVING 5.40 ref DW-MX17138 WHITE BURGUNDY & POUILLY- FUMÉ CASE The spoils of a fine year for Mâcon chardonnay and Loire sauvignon blanc. A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Domaine Cordier, Mâcon Aux Bois d Allier Domaine Jacques Saumaize, Saint-Véran En Crêches The Society s White Burgundy Pouilly-Fumé, Domaine de Riaux Pouilly Fumé Les Princes Ermites Pouilly-Fumé Les Cris, Domaine Cailbourdin ref DW-MX17137 SUN-SOAKED REDS CASE A fine year in Italy, Spain, Portugal and the sun-soaked south of France. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: Dogliani, Luigi Einaudi Ribeiro Santo, Dão Quinta da Lagoalva, Tejo Tocat de L Ala Garnatxa Sirà, Empordà The Society s Corbières Barbera d Alba Fisetta, Ciabot Berton ref DW-MX KEY - bone dry to intensely sweet screwcap Wine Champion This offer is open until Sunday 13th 7th August, May, while while stocks stocks last. last THE SOCIETY S PROMISE Uncork with confidence The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise To order thewinesociety.com/vintage

Flavours of passion fruit and gooseberry combine with mineral acidity, creating a truly refreshing wine

Flavours of passion fruit and gooseberry combine with mineral acidity, creating a truly refreshing wine A medium, fruity wine; well-balanced and lively! 3.80 5.00 6.50 4.30 5.50 7.00 A dry, delightfully elegant wine retaining plenty of fruit flavours Classically off dry in style, with rich flavours of ripe