RHÔNE EN PRIMEUR 2015

Transcription

1 RHÔNE EN PRIMEUR

2 CONTENTS Northern Rhône Côte-Rôtie 5 Domaine Garon 6 Domaine Michel et Stéphane Ogier 8 Domaine Clusel Roch 8 Domaine Bernard Burgaud 9 Domaine Rostaing 10 Etienne Guigal Condrieu 11 Domaine André Perret 12 Domaine François Villard 13 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage 14 Domaine du Colombier 15 Domaine Bernard Faurie 15 Maison Delas Frères 15 Domaine Alain Graillot 16 Marc Sorrel Cornas, Saint Péray 17 Domaine Courbis 18 Domaine du Tunnel 19 Alain Voge Southern Rhône 21 Domaine Giraud 21 Domaine Pierre Usseglio 22 Domaine Bois de Boursan 22 Domaine la Barroche 23 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 23 Domaine Clos des Papes 24 Château de Beaucastel 25 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne 25 Domaine du Cayron 26 Domaine le Clos des Cazaux 26 Domaine de la Bouissière 27 Saint Jean du Barroux 27 Clos de Trias INTRODUCTION We often forget that long before the First Growths commanded some of the highest prices of any red wines in the world, there was Hermitage. It s all too easy: Bordeaux has sought the international spotlight while the Rhône Valley has shrunk from it. In vintages like 2015, however, it s hard for the Rhône to avoid the limelight. Indeed, the Rhône saw one of the best vintages in decades, and arguably the North performed better than any other winemaking region in France this year. Year in, year out, we ve worked with many of these growers for decades. It s particularly rewarding to celebrate their success in a vintage like this one, and to share these wines with you. Merci! VINTAGE REPORT 1 The Northern Reds 2015 is a standout vintage for Syrah in the Northern Rhône. Every area performed brilliantly, at every level. While hot weather reigned, a high water table from a wet winter and timely thunderstorms in July and August quenched the roots of otherwise suffering vines. These conditions led to powerful and concentrated wines that are also fresh, with great energy. Many winemakers consider this a great vintage mentioned in the same breath as 1990, or even What s clear is that they re impressive and ageworthy wines that belong in every cellar. 2 The Northern Whites While less predictable in 2015, there are great whites produced throughout the Northern Rhône, and we ve tasted carefully to select them. The best, most ageworthy examples from Hermitage and St-Joseph have the power, concentration and freshness to be extremely long-lived. Condrieu from the best producers is opulent and exotic, with vivacity and energy. These whites will be hugely pleasurable from day one. 3 Châteauneuf-du-Pape With such a hot summer, there was a danger that the rich and ripe wines of Châteauneuf would become too much of a good thing. We ve done the hard yards for you, and selected our range with extreme care. The wines here remain balanced and fresh, from some of the best producers, working with the coolest sites and the oldest vines is a vintage to rediscover Châteauneuf. 4 The Rest of the South In the South, it pays to get up into the hills, where altitude, ancient terroir and old vines in places like Gigondas and Vacqueyras have tempered some of that heat. Powerful yet balanced wines abound. They ll offer long-lived everyday drinking, as well as coveted bottles for the years to come. The foothills of the Ventoux are also home to some of the most exciting winemakers in the country, who are discovering their own (sometimes unique) way of doing things. 5 The Prices The release of the 2015 vintage has been much-anticipated in the Rhône Valley, with talk of the best wines produced in decades. I spent a week there last November, tasting hundreds of samples straight from the barrel. Having made our selection, I m confident that we can celebrate alongside the vignerons: 2015 is a truly great vintage. I COULD BE A WINEMAKER FOR ANOTHER 15 YEARS, AND NOT MAKE A BETTER VINTAGE. Stéphane Robert, Domaine du Tunnel Prices in the Rhône Valley remain fair and stable, with any rises only due to the fluctuating exchange rate rather than the winemakers. For wine lovers, this is compelling: here s a region producing world-class wines, in tiny quantities, that will outlive most other fine wines. Add in the quality of the 2015 vintage, and it s a region to stock up on. It s what I intend to do. Robbie Toothill Fine Wine Buyer February RHÔNE RHÔNE 3

3 NORTHERN RHÔNE CÔTE-RÔTIE Côte-Rôtie It s hard to fathom that any wine at all is produced in the northern Rhône. Plots are tiny, sometimes on such steep slopes that neither horse nor tractor can help. Most domaines are just a hectare or two. The majority are almost entirely family-run. Poor, granite soil is under constant threat of erosion. The climate is marginal, with cold winters and short, hot summers southern exposure is not just important, but imperative. In vintages like 2015, it all becomes worth it. The weather was some of the hottest on record, with rain at all the right times, of great benefit to the grapes. The results are consistently concentrated, balanced wines with impressive fruit and structure wines that don t come around often, which will cellar beautifully. CÔTE-RÔTIE CONDRIEU VIENNE Côte-Rôtie Syrah This tiny commune, which takes its name from the French for roasted slope, is one of the most coveted of the northern Rhône. It s known for elegant, dramatic wines which are rightfully some of the most sought-after in the region. Condrieu Viognier Condrieu is the spiritual home of Viognier, a wonderfully aromatic grape with notes of honeysuckle, white fruit and flowers. Top producers tease out balance and complexity from the grape to produce tiny amounts of some of the best whites in France. St-Joseph Syrah; Roussanne, Marsanne DOMAINE GARON The Garon family have been landowners in Ampuis for more than 500 years, but it wasn t until 1982 that they started tending to the neglected vines on their land. Releasing their first cuvée in 1995, Jean-Francois Garon observed with little irony that "it wasn't bad for the vineyards to rest a hundred years between plantings." Today, this traditional producer makes three wines from the Côte-Rôtie s Côte Blonde and one from the Côte Brune, all mostly destemmed and aged in a mix of new and older French oak. IT WASN'T BAD FOR THE VINEYARDS TO REST A HUNDRED YEARS BETWEEN PLANTINGS Always second fiddle to Hermitage, across the river Rhône, St-Joseph is also considerably larger, and quality can vary. We ve made our selection carefully, and in 2015 these concentrated wines are up there with the other top northern Rhône wines. Hermitage Syrah; Roussanne, Marsanne Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Côte-Rôtie La Sybarine Made from the domaine s young vines, this is open and juicy, with wonderful purity and density. Simply a joyful, delicious wine. ST.-JOSEPH Hermitage once rivalled the First Growths as the most expensive wine in France. The appellation is a single 300 hectare hill, and its wines are firmly tied with those of the Côte-Rôtie as the most desirable in the region. Crozes-Hermitage 24 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Côte-Rôtie Les Triotes There s a spiciness here, with dark cherry fruit, violets and mouth-coating freshness. Delicate, but with the stuffing of the vintage: impressive. Syrah; Roussanne, Marsanne per bottle CORNAS SAINT PÉRAY HERMITAGE CROZES-HERMITAGE VALENCE Surrounding Hermitage, this appellation is ten times larger. Given its size, we are particularly careful to only work with the best. Cornas Syrah At the southernmost point of the northern Rhône, Cornas has always been known for the most rustic wines of the area. But those days have gone. These powerful wines are where some of the best value lies wine making methods have outpaced prices, and here are brilliant wines for the money. Drink per 6 bottles 45 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 68 per bottle 2015 Côte-Rôtie Les Rochins Brooding, with exotic spice and dark fruit, the 2015 Rochins shows Syrah s more masculine side. One for the long haul Côte-Rôtie Lancement Only produced since 2013, from a tiny parcel of the famed Lancement vineyard. The potential of the 2015 is obvious. Saint Péray Roussanne, Marsanne This small appellation, devoted entirely to white wine, is more known for sparkling wine than still due to its cool climate. Its wines, dominated by Marsanne with small amounts of Roussanne, tend to be lighter in style and difficult to find - we ve secured small amounts from the best producers there. Drink per 6 bottles per bottle 2013 Côte-Rôtie Les Triotes An opulent approach to this cuvée, with pure berry fruit marrying beautifully with a touch of new oak. Excellent value for money. 4 RHÔNE RHÔNE 5

4 Côte-Rôtie Côte-Rôtie DOMAINE MICHEL ET STÉPHANE OGIER STÉPHANE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE WINE IN BEAUNE, IN THE HEART OF BURGUNDY, AND THE INFLUENCE IS CLEAR While arguably one of the greatest producers of the Côte-Rôtie, the estate remains steadfastly a family affair. For years, the Ogiers sold their grapes to Guigal and Chapoutier, but in the 1980s they began to produce their own wine. Stéphane started working along his father Michel in 1997 before taking the helm in Stéphane learned how to make wine in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, and the influence is clear: his belief in the importance of crus within the Côte-Rôtie and vinification of individual plots leads to wines with considerable elegance and finesse Viognier de Rosine Drink per 6 bottles There s nice freshness to this rich, spicy Viognier, with real pineapple fruit and a fresh finish with floral definition. An outstanding everyday white, for food. 12 per bottle 2015 Condrieu La Combe de Malleval Drink per 6 bottles Serious and textured, with excellent balance and remarkable length, this has been given an impressive 94 points by Rhone expert Jeb Dunnuck. 22 per bottle 2015 Condrieu Vieilles Vignes de Jacques Vernay Drink per 6 bottles 38 per bottle One of the finest Condrieu out there is unquestionably the Vignes de Jacques Vernay 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate. Just 500 bottles produced Syrah La Rosine, VDP des Collines Rhodaniennes Drink per 6 bottles A stunning wine in 2015, and an absolute bargain, this is serious and dark with great energy, density and concentration. A must have for every cellar per bottle 2015 St-Joseph Le Passage Drink per 6 bottles Ripe, floral, and finely structured, there s a persistence to this that seems to coat the mouth, lasting an age. A supremely impressive St-Joseph. 14 per bottle 2015 Côte-Rôtie Réserve du Domaine Drink per 6 bottles per bottle A blend of numerous different plots, each tasted individually at the domaine, this is fresh, lively and inviting, but with amazing texture and compelling concentration. A benchmark Côte-Rôtie Côte-Rôtie Single Vineyards Collection Drink per 6 bottles 6 RH ÔNE AL L P R I C E S QUOTE D I N B O ND A N D SUB J EC T TO C H ANGE SALES@LAYWH EELER.CO M EELER.CO M/RHON E With a bottle of each of the Ogier single vineyard wines from this storied appellation, the lieux-dits But de Mont, Fongeant, Champon, La Viallière, Bertolon, and Côte Rodin are all represented here from the excellent 2012 vintage. ALL PRICES QUOTED IN BON D AN D SUBJECT TO CHAN GE SALES@LAY WHEELER.COM WWW. LAY WHEELER.COM / RH ONE RH ÔNE 7

5 Côte-Rôtie DOMAINE CLUSEL ROCH DOMAINE ROSTAING Côte-Rôtie Drink per 6 bottles 30 per bottle The wines of Gilbert Clusel and Brigitte Roch - hence the domaine s name - are known for their elegance and purity of fruit. The couple started the domaine in the Côte-Rôtie in 1989 by themselves, with little more than the vines planted by Gilbert s grandfather before the Second World War. With gradual investment in a modern cellar, they continued in the vineyards and began to produce wine organically in It s now their son, Guillaume, who takes the lead, and the wines leap to ever greater heights Côte-Rôtie Cuvée Classique We tasted each of the constituent parts of Guillaume s Côte-Rôtie, which impressed us with individuality, complexity and precision. But here, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, a benchmark Côte-Rôtie. A master in his field, René Rostaing is an anomaly. While his wife inherited some of the finest plots in the Côte-Rôtie, he initially elected a career in real estate, though he gradually spent more time making wine over several decades until he took it on full time in With 7.5 hectares of prime land, he blends the best of traditional and modern techniques both in the vineyard and the cellar, producing wines that express their terroir to the fullest extent possible. René has recently been joined by his son, Pierre, whose first vintage in control was 2015: not a bad way to start! HE BLENDS THE BEST OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN TECHNIQUES BOTH IN THE VINEYARD AND THE CELLAR DOMAINE BERNARD BURGAUD Bernard Burgaud took over his family s domaine at the time of his father s early death in He assembled a few more choice lieu-dits, though it remains a mere four hectares in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie. Bernard studied viticulture in Beaune, and has maintained a more traditional approach to winemaking, with an emphasis on longevity. He was also ahead of his time in the region when he gradually introduced small amounts of new oak, foresight which led to more complex, ageworthy wines. Drink per 12 bottles 39 per bottle 2015 Condrieu La Bonnette Always an upfront style, in 2015 this is pure joy. Juicy, ripe and intense, it s a hedonistic, exotic Viognier, remaining brilliantly balanced. Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Côte-Rôtie Just one wine is produced here: pure and well structured, with stunning aromatics. Made since 1980, from six or seven parcels, Bernard considers this one of the best yet. Drink per 12 bottles 40 per bottle 2015 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium The 2015 Ampodium is juicy, pure and ripe. Super-fine tannins with an elegant Syrah character. Delicious from the start, it will also age impressively. 27 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne The benchmark of the estate, this shows Syrah s brooding, intense, powerful side. The tannins are considerable yet velvety. A long, complex finish completes this tour de force. 85 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde This is open, elegant and extremely pretty. A serious wine, with impressive stuffing behind that aromatic purity. A wonderful demonstration of terroir. 92 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2013 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne The most Burgundian of the wines at Rostaing with a beguiling perfume of lavender, tar and blackberry, this is a beautifully transparent, seamless wine of real soul. 71 per bottle Drink per 6 magnums 2012 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium (in magnum) From 13 separate terroirs René was delighted with the natural balance of his 2012 Ampodium. A great wine from one of the masters and from a great vintage per magnum 8 RHÔNE RHÔNE 9

6 Côte-Rôtie ETIENNE GUIGAL One of the most renowned producers in the Côte-Rôtie, Guigal produces wines of stunning purity and balance. Founded in 1946 by Etienne, his son (and Légion d Honneur holder) Marcel joined in 1961 and helped to expand their land to what represents over a third of the Côte-Rôtie harvest. Third generation winemaker Philippe, Etienne s grandson, has been involved since 1999 after a six-month internship at Château Cheval Blanc and studies in Dijon. Guigal s Côte-Rôties have received more 100-point scores from Robert Parker than any other wines, and the estate has been described as "this planet s greatest." GUIGAL S CÔTE- RÔTIES HAVE RECEIVED MORE 100-POINT SCORES FROM ROBERT PARKER THAN ANY OTHER WINES CONDRIEU DOMAINE ANDRÉ PERRET André Perret makes world-renowned Condrieu from his family-owned domaine, from the best sites in the region. He took control of the concern, now 4.8 hectares, in 1985 and built a new cellar ten years later. With his wife and two daughters, André makes three wines, the top one from the vineyard Coteau de Chéry. His wines tend to balance richness and freshness perfectly, with classic peach and apricot aromas - the ideal expression of this classic Rhône white. Condrieu Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Condrieu Open already, this is rich and peppery, with fresh apricots, honeysuckle and nectarines. That opulent fruit is perfectly balanced, with lifting acidity that defines this charming wine. Drink per 3 bottles 185 per bottle Drink ,400 per 6 bottles 400 per bottle 2012 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline...Full-bodied, beautifully textured, mouth-filling and already impossible to resist, it expands on the palate and I guarantee this beauty will put a smile on your face anytime over the coming two decades. 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 2009 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne...the 2009 Côte-Rôtie la Landonne is an insanely beautiful wine. Smoked meats, game, black olives, charcoal, black raspberries and pepper all literally soar from this beauty and it hits the palate with a massively concentrated, almost over-the-top decadence that's impossible to resist points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 25 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 33 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 18 per bottle 2015 Condrieu, Coteau du Chéry More serious, the Chéry has a nose of dried apricots, exotic spice and white pepper. There s a hedonistic texture, underpinned by André s trademark freshness. Powerful and opulent St-Joseph Les Grisières Made from 50 and 70 year old vines, the Grisières shows André s talent. Elegant and floral, with intense fruit and a fresh texture. With wonderful finesse, we wish there was more. 10 RHÔNE RHÔNE 11

7 Condrieu Condrieu DOMAINE FRANÇOIS VILLARD DOMAINE YVES CUILLERON François Villard is a passionate young winemaker and former chef who began planting vines in It is his Condrieu for which he is most revered: focussed, pure and complex. A man of extremes, he allows a small amount of his Viognier, as well as Marsanne for his St-Joseph, to develop botrytis - the fungus known as noble rot made famous in Sauternes production. This method, less common for dry wines, may be why he s been called one of Condrieu s Young Turks, and why his wines are so in demand. Yves Cuilleron is an important name in the northern Rhône. His family farmed there since at least the early 1900s, and as a fourth generation winemaker, he has since taken on holdings in St-Joseph, Condrieu and the Côte-Rôtie. While on one hand, he farms as naturally as possible, he has been open to experimenting with new oak. His fearlessness in trying new things in pursuit of producing world-class wines is admirable, and seems to be working. HIS FEARLESSNESS IN TRYING NEW THINGS IN PURSUIT OF PRODUCING WORLD-CLASS WINES IS ADMIRABLE, AND SEEMS TO BE WORKING 2015 Lieu-Dit 'Vernon' Drink per 6 bottles 43 per bottle Brioche, buttered citrus, orange rind and marmalade notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, clean, vibrant effort that s well worth seeking out. (90-92) points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 2015 Condrieu, Terrasses du Palat Drink per 6 bottles Wonderfully floral on the nose, with clear fruit and serious texture. Quite a simple, upfront style of Condrieu. A great place to start Condrieu Ayguets Drink per 6 bottles 25 per bottle 31 per bottle From the already highly-touted 2016 vintage, this is a sweet style of Condrieu, made from nobly rotten and dried grapes. The result is intense, complex and very long: a unique wine from Yves Condrieu, Le Grand Vallon Drink per 6 bottles More serious than the Terrasses, there s pithy stone fruit and a saline character balancing that ripeness of fruit. This will be brilliant in a year or two St-Joseph Les Serines Drink per 6 bottles per bottle 23 per bottle Yves' 2015 St-Joseph les Serines is medium to full-bodied, seamless and silky, with high-quality tannin and a great finish. (90-92) points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 2015 Condrieu, Deponcins Drink per 6 bottles 30 per bottle François most impressive Condrieu, this has a notably botrytis character, with dried apricot, excellent acidity, ginger spice and a lick of (expensive) oak. It s a Viognier that will last much longer than most Côte-Rôtie Bassenon Drink per 6 bottles Granite slopes create an elegant, aromatic Côte-Rôtie, while the high density planting of the vines has made this intense and very concentrated. 30 per bottle 2015 St-Joseph, Mairlant Drink per 6 bottles Ripe, dark and supple. An impressive St-Joseph. Excellent density with purity and length. The appellation has worked very well in 2015, and this is a benchmark Côte-Rôtie Madinière Drink per 6 bottles 17 per bottle Spicier, darker and more brooding, with broader shoulders, the Madinière shows its breeding from the north of the appellation. 30 per bottle 2014 Condrieu Le Grand Vallon Drink per 6 bottles 24 per bottle 1 2 RH ÔNE Deep and brooding, with superb concentration, the nose hints at the palate s potential. And not in vain: expansive with generous acidity and great tension, this is a supremely well-balanced Condrieu. AL L P R I C E S QUOTE D I N B O ND A N D SUB J EC T TO C H ANGE SALES@LAYWH EELER.CO M EELER.CO M/RHON E Cornas Les Côtes Drink per 6 bottles 37 per bottle...its saturated purple color is followed by a ripe, voluptuous Cornas that has tons of violets, licorice, cassis and black raspberry aromas and flavors, with big, rich, layered texture and sweet tannin. (91-94) points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate ALL PRICES QUOTED IN BON D AN D SUBJECT TO CHAN GE SALES@LAY WHEELER.COM WWW. LAY WHEELER.COM / RH ONE RH ÔNE 1 3

8 Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage HERMITAGE, CROZES HERMITAGE DOMAINE DU COLOMBIER Florent and David Viale own nearly 17 hectares in the northern Rhône, where they produce both red and white Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. They used to sell the wine from their three plots in Hermitage to Guigal, and their red Crozes- Hermitage to Ogier and to Burgundy, but from 1991 they bottled their own. In the cellar, the Viales prefer oak not to dominate the purity of the fruit. They use large oak tonneaux, where the wines take on terrific finesse and balance. IN THE CELLAR, THE VIALES PREFER OAK NOT TO DOMINATE THE PURITY OF THE FRUIT Drink per 6 bottles 49 per bottle DOMAINE BERNARD FAURIE A visit to Bernard Faurie s humble cellar in the village of Tournon is in contrast with the class of the wines he makes here. With minimal intervention, he makes a classic, if not benchmark, Hermitage from the 1.7 hectares he shares with his cousin. He now shares in the winemaking with his sonin-law Emmanuel, who manages their authentic St-Joseph wines, while Bernard focuses on his prized Hermitage. Bernard describes his job as ma passion, ma vie, a raison d être evident in his outstanding wines Hermitage Cuvée Assemblage A Lay & Wheeler favourite for years, the 2015 is up there with the best that Bernard has ever produced. Pure, powerful and structured, with an underlying elegance. It s a shame he produces so little. MAISON DELAS FRÈRES Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage One of most prolific producers of the northern Rhône, Delas Frères was formed in 1835 and has steadily acquired desirable plots in nearly every appellation in that part of the valley. Initially family-owned, the maison merged with the champagne house Deutz in the mid-70s, an entity then purchased by Louis Roederer in With talented winemaker, Claire Darnaud and investment in the cellar, the wines here are some of the more refined and precise in the region. Wines to be released later in Please register your interest on our website, Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Cuvée Gaby Fresh and juicy, with an open nose of flowers and ripe stone fruit. Textured and fresh, it s the upfront fruit that drives this impressive wine forwards. 17 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Hermitage Blanc Made from numerous parcels, this white Hermitage is textured and sensuous, with a long, precise finish. Who says 2015 is just for the reds? DOMAINE ALAIN GRAILLOT 38 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles per bottle 2015 Crozes-Hermitage, Cuvée Gaby Possibly the best Gaby ever, this is remarkable for the price. Morello cherries and violets lead to a ripe yet balanced palate with complex pepper spice. Sure to age brilliantly. A Vienne native, at the very top of the northern Rhône, Alain left the corporate world at age forty to make wine. He began on an former pig farm, knowing nothing about wine making, in Today, Alain farms about 20 hectares with his family and is one of the most respected producers in Crozes-Hermitage. From these vines, he produces wines that are approachable in their youth, with remarkable longevity, too. Drink per 6 bottles 40 per bottle 2015 Hermitage There are already hints to the potential of this vintage in Florent s talented hands. Concentrated and structured, with considerable brooding fruit and spice. One for the long haul. Drink Sold Out Sold Out 2015 Crozes-Hermitage The benchmark for Crozes-Hermitage, this is a cut above in Sleek, sensuous and textured, it s got remarkable richness and power alongside a thread of acidity. Here s a wine to stock up on. 14 RHÔNE RHÔNE 15

9 Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage MARC SORREL Marc Sorrel makes excellent wines on the legendary hill of Hermitage, from superbly situated parcels of old vines. A dedicated grower, he s most often found tending to the vines, with little interest in promoting his handiwork. His holdings are small - just 2.55 hectares - and production for two whites and two reds is low. However, the combination of dedication in the vineyard and traditional methods in the winery lead to wines which are impressive year on year, displaying ever greater complexity as they age. THE COMBINATION OF DEDICATION IN THE VINEYARD AND TRADITIONAL METHODS IN THE WINERY LEAD TO WINES WHICH ARE IMPRESSIVE YEAR ON YEAR CORNAS, SAINT PÉRAY DOMAINE COURBIS Winemaking has been the Courbis family vocation since 1587, according to patriarch Maurice. Today, his sons Laurent (the vinifier) and Dominique (who runs the vineyard) make wines in five appellations, including in St-Joseph for more than 400 years and in Cornas since The modern, polished style of Domaine Courbis belies the historic roots of the family, and it has long been considered one of the top concerns in the Northern Rhône. This domaine is the perfect example of modern vinification meeting classic viticulture and terroir. Cornas, Saint Péray Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Hermitage Blanc 100% Marsanne from Greffieux creates this crunchy, saline white. There s a nuttiness to it, with a spicy finish and mouthwatering acidity. 50 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 75 per bottle 2015 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules Still closed at this young stage, the Rocoules is a serious white Hermitage with intense, floral aromatics and a waxy texture. Toasted almonds on the long, defined finish of this pure white. It will age brilliantly. Drink per 6 bottles 50 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 75 per bottle 2015 Hermitage Rouge Classique Coming from two vineyards, Plantiers and Bessards, there s power and intensity to this classic Hermitage. But there are also familiar floral and pepper elements. A fantastic introduction to Marc s wines Hermitage Le Gréal Blending 80% from the warmer Méal vineyard with 20% from Greffieux (hence the composite name), this is once again a blockbuster for Sorrel. A deep inky concentration from the low yielding vines. Thanks to Marc s traditional approach to oak usage, it has a full texture with ripe, fine tannins to complete the masterpiece. Drink per 6 bottles 23 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2015 St-Joseph La Cotte Sud The first year they ve produced this single vineyard wine, from 25 year old vines in the middle of the hill planted straight onto the granite. It s floral and elegant, with beautiful precision and length Cornas Champelrose Intense and dark, with notes of plum, of dark cherry and violets. The palate is silky, with ripe tannins that give the wine volume and a plush mouthfeel. 19 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 70 per bottle 2013 Hermitage Le Gréal A stunning wine for Sorrel in At once concentrated and pure, with tannins only softening with age, this wine is textured and complex. With points from Robert Parker, it s nothing short of a feat of Syrah. Drink per 6 bottles per bottle 2015 Cornas Les Eygats Fruit purity impresses on this smart wine. Huge tannins behind juicy fruit, with soaring freshness. A wine that will last for years. Drink per 6 bottles 2009 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules A blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, aromas of cut grass, honey and almond abound. A wine with all the character and presence of Grand Cru white Burgundy. Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Cornas La Sabarotte Complex, with notes of black cherry, dark chocolate and hedgerow herbs. The potential for a world-beating wine is clear. 60 per bottle 37 per bottle 16 RHÔNE RHÔNE 17

10 ALAIN VOGE A rising star amongst world class Rhône producers, Stéphane Robert has produced wines that have caught the eye of many wine critics. Stéphane started his domaine by renting vines in 1994 with his wife Sandrine, at the young age of 24. Now he has ten hectares of his own vines, in Cornas, Saint Péray and St-Joseph. The wines he creates here are characterised by fruit intensity, rather than oak, and are particularly expressive of their terroir. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that Domaine Alain Voge helped to re-establish the appellations of Cornas and Saint Péray to the international wine scene. Alain took over the domaine with his mother in 1965, at age 26, when his father died unexpectedly. He s risen to the forefront of acclaimed Rhône producers with his wines from these less prestigious places, now receiving more of the recognition they deserve. With 7 hectares of 70 individual plots filled with 60 year old vines, it s no wonder impressive wines emerge, not least under the talent of winemaker Albéric Mazoyer, former technical director at Maison Chapoutier. A RISING STAR AMONGST WORLD CLASS RHÔNE PRODUCERS, STÉPHANE ROBERT HA S PRODUCED WINES THAT HAVE CAUGHT THE EYE OF MANY WINE CRITICS C o r n a s, S a i n t P é r ay C o r n a s, S a i n t P é r ay DOMAINE DU TUNNEL 2015 Saint Péray Terres Boisées Drink per 6 bottles Ripe pear and apricot confit dominate the palate on this supple, textured white. A slightly saline, spicy finish completes a delightful vin de plaisir. 18 per bottle 2015 Côtes du Rhône Les Peyrousses Drink per 6 bottles Expressive, intense and pure. More intensity and grip than you d expect at this price. Outstanding value for money. 11 per bottle 2015 St-Joseph Les Vinsonnes 2015 Saint Péray Cuvée Prestige Drink per 6 bottles 20 per bottle Fresh, focused and lively, with the classic minerality... gives up lots of caramelized peach, charcoal, orchard fruits... in a medium-bodied, beautifully pure and elegant style. 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate Drink per 6 bottles St-Joseph is a huge appellation, and this comes from the very south, near Cornas. Floral and intense, there s an upfront pleasure to the fruit. 19 per bottle 2015 Cornas Les Chailles Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Saint Péray Pur Blanc Drink Wonderful aromatics and a complex nose of thyme, honey and orchard fruits. Elegant palate, with a waxy texture and a long, saline finish. One of the Rhône s most impressive whites. 147 per 6 bottles per bottle 2015 Cornas Drink Juicy and dark, with considerable but fine, plush tannins and depth. True Cornas, but without heaviness nor rusticity: a modern marvel. 228 per 6 bottles The perfect introduction to wines from the Cornas appellation by Alain Voge. Delicious from day one per bottle 2015 Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes Drink per 6 bottles Tight, restrained and mineral, this shows just a glimpse of its potential. Old vines give impressive concentration and a long finish. 38 per bottle 29 per bottle 2015 Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Cornas Vin Noir Drink Pure, powerful and balanced, this outstanding Cornas comes from 100 year old vines in three different parcels. Concentrated and complex, with lightness of touch. 390 per 6 bottles Just 3,500 bottles are produced from the year old vines owned by the domaine. Weighty and pure, the team balance structure with fruit. A triumph. 65 per bottle per bottle 2015 Cornas Pur Noir Drink per 6 bottles 75 per bottle 1 8 RHÔNE Called one of the wines of the vintage by Jeb Dunnuck, and given points, this is stunning. Only three barrels made, from the top selection of the Vin Noir from Sabarotte and Champelrose vineyards. Firm, powerful and ripe, with complex, hedonistic notes. Remarkable. AL L P R I C E S QUOTE D I N B O ND A N D SUB J EC T TO C H ANGE SALES@LAYWH EELER.CO M EELER.CO M/RHON E Saint Péray Terres Boisées Drink per 6 bottles The Terres Boisées is a perfect introduction to the excellent winemaking here pure Marsanne fruitiness and a delectable palate. 15 per bottle ALL PRICES QUOTED IN BON D AN D SUBJECT TO CHAN GE SALES@LAY WHEELER.COM WWW. LAY WHEELER.COM / RH ONE RH ÔNE 1 9

11 Southern Rhône SOUTHERN RHÔNE The southern Rhône stands in stark contrast to its northern counterpart. Defined by rolling scrubland with a distinctly Mediterranean climate, it is home to 95% of wine production of the Rhône Valley. Not only is it warmer, larger and flatter, the wines, too, are different. While Syrah stands alone in the North, blends dominate here. Differences aside, the 2015 vintage was a similar success in the south. With perfect weather, some lament that it was even too good. Picking at optimal ripeness, when the grapes themselves were as ripe as the sugars inside, was a challenge - but those who got it right have successfully delivered wines that are smooth, full-bodied and well-balanced. LIRAC ORANGE AVIGNON CÔTES DU VENTOUX GIGONDAS VACQUEYRAS CHÂTEAUNEUF- DU-PAPE Drink per 6 bottles 24 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles per bottle DOMAINE GIRAUD Although they ve got a history in the region dating back generations, the Giraud family are relative latecomers to wine, having been distillers for most of their history. They only got hold of their first vines in 1974, with brother and sister team, François and Marie, taking over from their parents in They focus on each plot in turn, creating some of Châteauneuf s most elegant and precise wines, that show none of the heaviness of some of their neighbours Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Marie s Châteauneufs, made from 50 to 80 year old vines, are always the most elegant and refined around, more obvious than ever in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Marie noted the small, thick-skinned berries which make the heart of this basic cuvée. This is no fruit bomb, with violets and an earthy mineral edge, then wave upon wave of bramble fruit. Southern Rhône Côtes du Rhône The largest geographic designation in the Rhône Valley, these wines are more commonly found on the shelves of supermarkets than the cellars of fine wine merchants. The best examples, however, are made by top producers known for other wines. Their Côtes du Rhône wines tend to be made just outside appellations of higher status, and can offer some of the highest quality to price ratios. Châteauneuf-du-Pape This legendary wine, a blend of up to 13 different grape varieties, is misunderstood. Many of its top-scoring wines are fruit bombs with silly alcohol levels. We ve sought out a more refined style, from producers who make ripe wines which are also elegant, with fine acidity and balance. Gigondas NÎMES Similar in style to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas has never made it to the international spotlight in the same way. And this is to our benefit, as we ve tasted and selected some top examples which offer excellent value for money. CÔTES DU RHÔNE LEVELS CÔTES DU RHÔNE Vacqueyras Considered more rustic and restrained than the wines of its easterly neighbour, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras offers juicy wines with more freshness. We work with the very best producers, who still manage to offer impressive value in the region. Côtes du Ventoux Lirac CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES COMMUNAL One of the more exciting up and coming areas of France, the Côtes du Ventoux is the future of the southern Rhône. Gorgeous, unspoiled land is dotted with plots of old vines which benefit from the cooler climate. And the examples we ve found represent the very best of this region. On the opposite of the Rhône river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, these wines are often considered a baby brother. We only feature one wine from this region, from the 100-point producer Usseglio, and it s a gorgeous and less expensive alternative to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Drink per 6 bottles 11 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 46 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 84 per bottle DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO This well-regarded estate is run by brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, who divide their time respectively between the cellar and the vineyard. Having taken over the running on the domaine from their father, Pierre, in 1998, these hardworking brothers have gradually modernised the cellars. They ve sought to improve quality without compromising the traditional style espoused by their father. Usseglio wines are complex, profound and aromatic wines; they ve rightly acquired world-wide recognition and acclaim Lirac Juicy and fresh, cuvées like this have worked particularly well in 2015: it s a forthright vin de plaisir, at an everyday drinking price Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul Luscious, with loads of fig, black cherry jam, camphor...the wine is concentrated, rich capable of lasting years. 94+ points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée Deux Frères A ripe, forward and sexy wine... it certainly has the vintage's Provencal character and is an exuberant, hedonistic Grenache to enjoy. 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 20 RHÔNE RHÔNE 21

12 Southern Rhône DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE Southern Rhône The domaine has been in the hands of the Italian Versino family since 1955, with third generation Jean-Paul now at the helm. He takes great pride in continuing to create classic, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with the belief that vinifying with stems and aging the wine for extended periods in large oak foudres gives his wine its unique character. As a result, Bois de Boursan is an exemplary old-school Châteauneufdu-Pape. There is nothing flashy or opulent here, just wines with great character. THERE IS NOTHING FLASHY OR OPULENT HERE, JUST WINES WITH GREAT CHARACTER Drink per 6 bottles per bottle Brothers Daniel and Frédéric Brunier took over this storied estate, one of the larger in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with seventy hectares under vine, from their father Henri. While he recently passed away, they continue his work cultivating their prized parcel on La Crau, considered one of the top sites in the region. Rightfully so, these wines are some of the most recognised Châteauneufs Châteauneuf-du-Pape The nose offers wonderful definition of violets, strawberry fruit, cherries and spice. An intensely concentrated palate, with fine tannins that build quickly. Huge potential. Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Pure, fresh and impressive. Traditional Chateauneuf that offers remarkable value. Fragrant, with fine tannins and a hint of Provencal herbs, there s complexity, balance, and length per bottle Drink per 6 bottles 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Felix Pure, fresh and impressive. Traditional Chateauneuf that offers remarkable value. Fragrant, with fine tannins and a hint of Provencal herbs, there s complexity, balance, and length. DOMAINE CLOS DES PAPES 33 per bottle Three generations of the Avril family, all named Paul, have worked the land since Paul Vincent Avril, who runs the estate today, trained at top places including Château Mouton Rothschild before returning to his calling here at Clos des Papes. He s known for particular methods, like low yields, no new oak and no filtering, all which contribute to his wine s complexity. Their cellar is almost a cathedral to fine wine in its grandeur, and befitting of the legendary wines the Avrils continue to produce. HE S KNOWN FOR PARTICULAR METHODS, LIKE LOW YIELDS, NO NEW OAK AND NO FILTERING, ALL WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO HIS WINE S COMPLEXITY DOMAINE LA BARROCHE Domaine la Barroche is one of a host of impressive Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers who have emerged on the wine scene here. Ironically, it s also one of the oldest properties, though it wasn t until the Barrot family purchased it in the 1970s that its future changed course. In 2002, young and talented winemaker Julien Barrot became involved in the winemaking and the wines took flight as some of the best in the area. Old vines and intelligent, non-interventionist winemaking are the secrets to Julien s success, as well as his perfectionist mindset. Drink per 6 bottles 33 per bottle Drink Sold Out Sold Out 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Freshly sliced fennel on the nose, with honeysuckle and a hint of lavender. The palate is powerful, supple and fresh, with pure fruit and precise acidity Châteauneuf-du-Pape A fresh, classic style with beautiful concentration, notable freshness, first-rate tannin quality, and the classic spice and sweet red and black fruits this cuvée is known for. (94-96) points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate Drink per 6 bottles 26 per bottle 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Signature This treads the line beautifully between modern and traditional, with a complex palate of glossy fruit, floral perfume and very fine, supple tannins. Julien s talent as a world-class winemaker is on display here. Drink per 6 bottles per bottle 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape This has a beautiful smoky nose, with notes of tapenade and garrigue herbs. The fruit is sweet, with lacy acidity and refined tannins. A lesson in finesse. 22 RHÔNE RHÔNE 23

13 DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE Dating back to 1549, Château de Beaucastel is perhaps the oldest estate in the appellation. Now in the fifth generation of winemakers at the estate, brothers Jean-Pierre and François continue in the family way. One of the first vineyards in the region to farm organically, Beaucastel are famous for using all thirteen of the appellation s permitted grape varieties. And they use these grapes to bring greater structure and freshness to the wines, meaning that they re beautifully ripe and generous. One of the most compelling winemakers in the region, the gentle Jean-Paul Daumen has a philosophy of winemaking akin to an artist. Jean-Paul s legacy began in 1990 when he converted the family-owned property to biodynamic practices. His attention to detail and passion for his vines could not be more obvious after just a few minutes in his company. Almost Burgundian in style, here is Grenache winemaking par excellence, and particularly precise and elegant examples of their terroir. Southern Rhône Southern Rhône CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2015 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-Dit Clavin Drink per 6 bottles per bottle One of the top Côtes du Rhône produced in just about every vintage, this beauty has classic Vieille Julienne characteristics in a medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated style. (90-92) points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources Drink per 6 bottles Jean-Paul harnessed the coolness of 2014 to produce a wine of the vintage, a finessed Châteauneuf that s complex and long. 31 per bottle 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux Drink per 6 bottles Few make a wine with such charm and expression whilst still retaining the generous, mouthfilling style the region is famed for. Jean-Paul, take a bow. 38 per bottle 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservé Drink per 6 bottles The awesome Réservé is at the top of the heap in the vintage, and is world-class stuff. 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 150 per bottle 2015 Roussanne Vieilles Vignes Drink per 3 bottles 76 per bottle...from a single parcel of vines located beside the château that were planted in Full-bodied, rich, gorgeously concentrate...with fabulous notes of orange blossom, buttered citrus, marmalade and honey, it will be up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. (94-97) points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Drink per 6 bottles This is a powerful Châteauneuf, with a complex profile of dark berries, freshly cured leather, tapenade, but also fresh violets. Long and powerful, this is gorgeous. DOMAINE DU CAYRON 2013 Roussanne Vieilles Vignes Nestled in the tiny village of Gigondas at the base of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Domaine du Cayron is run by the fifth generation of the Faraud family, sisters Delphine, Cendrine and Roseline. Theirs is a traditional domaine, producing fine, ageworthy wines which epitomise Gigondas and represent exceptional value for money. With well-situated vines nurtured through genuine hard work in the vineyard and the winery, and wines neither fined nor filtered, the results are classic Gigondas wines per bottle Drink per 6 bottles per bottle...this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied power, juicy, lively acidity and terrific length... unquestionably the greatest white wine coming from the southern Rhône. 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin Drink per 3 bottles 2 4 RH ÔNE The wine of the vintage is the Perrin s Hommage A Jacques Perrin, and it will most likely merit a perfect rating in another couple of years. 99 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate AL L P R I C E S QUOTE D I N B O ND A N D SUB J EC T TO C H ANGE SALES@LAYWH EELER.CO M EELER.CO M/RHON E Gigondas Drink per 6 bottles With just one cuvée produced, it s a knockout. Fine, textured and peppery, a benchmark Gigondas. Spicy blackcurrants and garrigue herb combine to make a stunning per bottle ALL PRICES QUOTED IN BON D AN D SUBJECT TO CHAN GE SALES@LAY WHEELER.COM WWW. LAY WHEELER.COM / RH ONE RH ÔNE 2 5

14 Southern Rhône DOMAINE LE CLOS DES CAZAUX SAINT JEAN DU BARROUX Southern Rhône This beautiful domaine, tucked out of the way facing the rocky slopes of Les Dentelles de Montmirail, is run by charismatic brothers Jean-Michel and Frédéric Vache. With 22 hectares in Vacqueyras and another 16 hectares in Gigondas, with wildly varied soils and subsoils, this is a considerable estate which consistently produces complex fine wines. Organically farmed and benefitting from the warm, drying effect of the Mistral wind, old vines yield pure fruit, creating some of the most luscious, wellpriced wines in the region. Philippe Gimel, the winemaker here, is an ex-chemist who first worked at top names such as Château de Beaucastel in the southern Rhône and Château Pierre Bise in the Loire. With experience at these outstanding names, he sought out pristine terroir where he could discover the land s potential for himself. His winery, which takes its name from the street (Chemin de St Jean) and the local village (Le Barroux), offers some of the most pure expressions of the Côtes du Ventoux wines - plush and modern in their own way, and simply delightful to drink. Drink per 6 bottles 9.50 per bottle 2015 Vacqueyras Cuvée des Templiers Floral and peppery, with incredible power and a palate that seems to grow in volume and complexity. Powerful and intense, it s a dead-ringer for far pricier wines. Wines to be released later in Please register your interest on our website, Drink per 6 bottles 11 per bottle 2015 Gigondas Cuvée de la Tour Sarrasine Serious at this early stage, La Tour Sarrasine offers powerful flavours and a mouth-coating texture. The acidity keeps it lifted. The beginnings of a glorious wine. CLOS DE TRIAS Situated high up in the foothills of the Ventoux mountain, Clos de Trias is located in one of the most beautiful spots we know. Founded in 2007, it s the product of three years' searching for the perfect spot by winemaker and owner Even Bakke. Despite being born far from wine country in Colorado, and growing up in Norway, he s one of the most intuitive, natural winemakers out there: no doubt partly thanks to 14 vintages working in California. High up in the hills, Clos de Trias avoids many of the excesses of heat of its lower altitude neighbours, and these are some of the most impressive, individual and delicious wines being produced in the southern Rhône today. Drink per 6 bottles 16 per bottle Drink per 6 bottles per bottle DOMAINE DE LA BOUISSIÈRE High up in the foothills of Les Dentelles de Montmirail, brothers Thierry and Gilles Faravel are fortunate to have one of the most favourable vineyard sites in the appellation. Their highaltitude setting benefits from a cooler climate which allows the grapes to mature more slowly and develop more complex flavours. The results are expressive wines with great finesse, alongside an unmistakable Gigondas grip Gigondas Juicy and intense, retaining impressive finesse. A remarkably well balanced Gigondas. Definition on the palate, with freshly cut herbs and cured meat adding depth Gigondas, Font de Tonin From the highest plots of the domaine, here s a barnstormer. Intense, powerful but still fresh. Elegance and sheer weight of fruit impress here. Wines to be released later in Please register your interest on our website, We invite you to order now as quantities are limited and we anticipate unprecedented demand. Due to tiny quantities and high demand, many wines are strictly limited to 12 bottles per customer. Please refer to the website, or call , for more information. Drink per 6 bottles per bottle 2012 Gigondas, Font de Tonin...a total knockout effort that delivers rich, full throttle aromas and flavors... Getting a big Wow in my notes... (92-94+) Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate 26 RHÔNE RHÔNE 27

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