Rhone 2004 En Primeur

Transcription

1 Rhone 2004 En Primeur 2004 was a superlative year in both the north and south of the Rhone Valley; after the drought affected and incredibly hot 2003 vintage, yields were understandably down. May, June and July in 2004 were very hot again, yet cool weather and rain in August provided welcome relief and allowed the grapes to catch up in terms of physiological ripeness. In the south Le Mistral played its part in September the fierce, hot wind blew and this resulted in the berries concentrating considerably, so much so that the yields in 2004 were actually lower than The result of the rain in September (as well as the wind) was wines of both great ripeness and finesse not as powerful as 2001 and the 2003 vintages. There is huge fruit, yet also plenty of tannins and very good acidity it is a charming and delicious vintage of overall great quality. The north experienced more settled conditions; after the huge heat of 2003, this vintage was regarded as remarkably easy! Growers were able to pick on physiological ripeness determined by the grower at the time of picking a real rarity! Therefore, also, the winemakers own style is more evident. On the whole this is a vintage of great concentration and purity. The white wines from both north and south are a real treat, avoiding the blousy, low acid style of the 2003, and instead showing cleaner concentration, fragrant fruit and balance. In short, 2004 is a classic vintage overall more consistent than 2003, where in extreme conditions, some amazing wines were made, yet also many overblown, hot, simple wines. The other good news is that prices have largely remained stable, and in some instances even dropping. As ever, the wines are offered under bond (ex duty and VAT), and duty paid (including VAT), per case delivery is not included. Many of the wines will have to be allocated, so orders will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. Some wines are already available, though most will be arriving later in the year. Please note that when placing an order, this will be an allocation request we will only charge you once the allocation is confirmed you will receive an invoice marked paid as confirmation; payment details must be included with the order if you wish to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please call in advance. Chateau du Saint Cosme/Saint Cosme The wines have not been tasted yet, and the majority of comments are directly from Louis Barruol himself. Please also note that the whites are NB: To purchase 'Valbelle' and/or Cote-Rotie, you must buy another Saint Cosme wine to qualify. The 2 combined do NOT count... Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc % Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 20% Marsanne, fermented and aged on lees for 6 months. The Roussanne is fermented in new and 1 year old oak, the balance in 2-3 year old barrels. The richness of the Roussanne is balanced by the freshness of the Marsanne and the austerity of the Clairette. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: 98.50

2 Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc 'La Poste' 2005 A very limited, 100% Clairette cuvée - only 2 barrels were made. Coming from a single vineyard, this was fermented and aged for 10 months in 1 year old barrels. Apparently it contains fruit from three little vines of Grenache. There will be a red 'La Poste' from Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Saint Cosme Condrieu 2005 Aged for 8 months, 30% in new oak, 40% in 1 year old, and 30% in 2 year old oak. The fruit is a pure explosion of violet, marmalade, and pomelo. There is no room in Saint Cosme for heavy apricot. The mouth is liquorice-oriented and really refined. Another very good vintage. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone % Syrah, more restrained than the Lovely pure vibrant Syrah red fruit, a touch of pepper and soft tannins. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 'Les Deux Albion' 2004 This is always a lovely, perfumed, supple style of Cotes du Rhone. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, and the white Clairette. Aged in concrete vats, the grapes come largely from Cairanne but also Rasteau and Vinsobres. Rich and spicy with great intensity and freshness. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine de la Crillons Cotes de Ventoux 2004 Coming from a separate property, 100% Grenache, very low yielding. It's really dense with savoury fruit, lots of pepper and great intensity, it shows huge potential. Aged in 3-4 year old barrels. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

3 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas % Grenache, 28% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, aged for 12 months in 70% barrels, and 30% vats. An absolutely perfect vintage - after 2003, Louis says "The fruit is back", and goes on to say "the wines are very well structured but they have such a 'crunchy' fruit which reminds us that Grenache and Pinot Noir are cousins, and maybe brothers, who knows..."great structure and finesse, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 'Valbelle' % Grenache, 20% Syrah, aged 12 months in 50% new oak, 50% 1 year old oak, coming from the oldest vines of the domaine. It is a co-fermentation of fruit from several old vines from different terroirs. 'Valbelle' 2004 reminds Louis of 1995 and 1998 because of its structure. The wine is meaty, voluptuous and with a long finish. Great extract, this is destined to be a classic. Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 'Valbelle' 2004 Magnums 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah, aged 12 months in 50% new oak, 50% 1 year old oak, coming from the oldest vines of the domaine. It is a co-fermentation of fruit from several old vines from different terroirs. 'Valbelle' 2004 reminds Louis of 1995 and 1998 because of its structure. The wine is meaty, voluptuous and with a long finish. Great extract, this is destined to be a classic. Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 'Hominis Fides' % Grenache, 10% Syrah aged for 12 months in 100% 3 year old oak; this comes from the oldest vines of the estate, planted in 1902; Louis had said he would not make this wine again, but he changed his mind! "It's deep and there's the typical tight and soft texture only given by the old Grenache vines. This is the Gigondas from our grandfathers". Very limited. Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 'Hominis Fides' 2004 Magnums 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah aged for 12 months in 100% 3 year old oak; this comes from the oldest vines of the estate, planted in 1902; Louis had said he would not make this wine again, but he changed his mind! "It's deep and there's the typical tight and soft texture only given by the old Grenache vines. This is the Gigondas from our grandfathers". Very limited. Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price:

4 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape % Grenache, 40% Mourvedre coming from Le Caru and Valori; aged 12 months in 2-4 year old oak. Louis loves Mourvedre, and his own domaine plantings bore their first fruit in The Mourvedre comes from the big 'galets' where the roots are deeply established in the old red soils - this allows the Mourvedre to really express itself. The cool winds have made this tighter and brighter with great structure. A wine packed with fruit and great potential. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Saint Cosme St. Joseph % Syrah, aged for 12 months in 20% new oak, and 80% in 3 year old barrels. Coming from the late ripening vineyards of Schist and Granite. It is clear St. Joseph is a real passion of Louis "St. Joseph 2004 is less upfront than 2003 but its finesse and its aromatic precision make a magnificent bottle, with a less 'noisy' style." Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Saint Cosme Cote-Rotie % Syrah, aged for 15 months in new oak. "Most of the terroirs used to build this cuvée are in the Cote-Brune, and almost all of them are among the greatest. My Cote-Rotie is very classical. This is a very good vintage we could compare with the Yields were kept low with 2 green harvests taking place." I think this is one of Louis's greatest wines and as ever we have very little. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Saint Cosme Cote-Rotie 2004 Magnums 100% Syrah, aged for 15 months in new oak. "Most of the terroirs used to build this cuvée are in the Cote-Brune, and almost all of them are among the greatest. My Cote-Rotie is very classical. This is a very good vintage we could compare with the Yields were kept low with 2 green harvests taking place." I think this is one of Louis's greatest wines and as ever we have very little. Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: Domaine Bernard Faurie, Hermitage Bernard Faurie St. Joseph 2004 From old vines; lovely bright, juicy Syrah character. Medium bodied, elegant and fresh. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

5 Bernard Faurie Hermitage 'Cuvée Greffieux' 2004 Intense, powerful, spicy, meaty wine. Dark berry and cherry fruit, rich with firm, ripe tannins. Needs time, drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Bernard Faurie Hermitage 'Cuvée Assemblage' 2004 Not tasted; understood to be a selection of the best barrels from the various vineyards in Bessards, Greffieux, and Meal. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone 'Bouquet des Garrigues' Blanc 2004 Full-flavoured, perfumed with dry, tangy stone fruits. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2004 A serious wine partly aged in oak. A Roussanne dominant blend, it shows lovely rich apricot fruit with a touch of lime and spice. Long and rich, drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone 'Bouquet des Garrigues' Rouge 2004 Always a must buy! 80% Grenache 20% Syrah. Spicy with bags of juicy, peppery fruit. Full flavoured with a lot of 'garrigues' too - top wine. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Villages 2004 Really serious quality, and as good as many Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Coming from slightly better vines than the 'Garrigues', this has lovely red and black fruits. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

6 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 A Grenache dominant blend, aged in large older casks. As ever, this has an almost Burgundian feel to it. The fruit is supple with a lovely sweetness. Good acidity and a long spicy finish, this is already delicious. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Les Quartz' % Grenache, 15% Syrah, aged in small oak barrels. Deep in colour, with a powerful, expressive nose of dark berries, chocolate, spice, and tobacco. The fruit on the palate is quite voluptuous, really concentrated, with meats, leather and black pepper. Very long, drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Reserve' 2004 Very limited, can only be ordered when accompanying another Clos du Caillou wine. The first release since the fabulous 2001, this is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah. has a wonderful, opulent nose of ripe berry, cassis, mocha, clove, black pepper and cinnamon. It is really rich yet restrained on the complex palate. Lovely fruit with great spice and depth - beautiful. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine Colombier, Tain L'Hermitage Colombier Hermitage Blanc 2004 Very limited. Debut release, aged in 500 litre oak barrels; rich and intense from 60 year old vines. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Colombier Crozes-Hermitage 2004 The 2003 was a stunner and this is even better; lots of ripe cassis fruit and spice, already delicious. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

7 Colombier Crozes-Hermitage 'Cuvée Gaby' 2004 A selection of the best cuvees; really intense and rich with black fruits, great intensity, along with good acidity and fine tannins. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Colombier Hermitage Rouge 2004 Very limited. Warm, rich, powerful, and meaty; incredibly dense and brooding, this has great potential. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine Daniel & Denis Alary Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne 'La Brunotte' % Grenache, 30% Mourvedre. Lovely, ripe and rounded fruit, it's got power and intensity yet also an appealing softness. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne 'Font D'Estevans' % Syrah, 40% Grenache. A powerful Syrah nose, meaty with plum fruit. Really deep in colour with richness yet also a lovely supple character. Good acidity on the finish. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne 'Jean de Verde' % old vine Grenache, 5% Carignan. A wonderful exotic nose of Provencal herbs with white pepper and berry fruits. Mouthfilling and rich with tremendous sweet fruit. Chateauneuf-du-Pape in style though more forward. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine de la Charbonniere, Chateauneuf-du-Pape I have only tasted the lovely 2004 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc; however, this is a very consistent domaine making ripe, juicy styles, almost Burgundian in texture with huge fruit and spice. Generally these flamboyant wines show their best 4-7 years after vintage, though some of the 1998's are drinking beautifully. Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

8 Charbonniere Vacqueyras 'Cuvée Speciale' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée du Domaine' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Mourre de Perdrix' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Vielles Vignes' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Hautes Brusquieres' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine de la Soumade, Rasteau This is one of my favourite producers, anywhere in the world. André Romero is a passionate and committed producer who built a new winery in Since 1998 his wines have been universally outstanding, even including the disastrous 2002 vintage! I have not tasted the 2004's but going on previous efforts and a report of "simply amazing" from one MW importer is more than enough to convince me. The Vin de Pays Merlot puts many St. Emilion Grand Cru to shame, and the Cabernet is rich and intense, and again a real claret buster! As you move up the scale of the Rasteau's, the vines get older, and new oak is employed. The 'Violettes' is a Syrah-Viognier blend, while the 'Fleur de Confiance' is an amazing lateharvested, massively intense Grenache blend from old vines - very rare. These wines cannot be recommended highly enough. Soumade Cotes du Rhone 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Soumade Vin de Pays Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Soumade Vin de Pays Merlot 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: 75.20

9 Soumade Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Soumade Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 'Cuvée Prestige' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Soumade Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 'Cuvée Confiance' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Soumade Cotes du Rhone 'Les Violettes' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Soumade Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 'Fleur de Confiance' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine de Mourchon Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret 'Grande Reserve' 2004 This is the first wine I have tasted from this highly rated producer and it is fabulous. A blend of old vine Grenache with a good slug of Syrah, partly aged in new oak. It's deep, dense, dark, and spicy and packed with ripe fruits, as well as spice and plain chocolate. It is a big wine that is delicious now but really needs time. A cracking wine that belies its Cotes du Rhone Villages appellation. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine de Villeneuve, Chateauneuf-du-Pape The 2004 was awarded 5* in Decanters magazine in their comprehensive 2004 Chateauneufdu-Pape tasting; the only others to receive 5* were Chateau de Beaucastel and Clos des Papes. They commented "Big, full-bodied, powerful wine with potential for long aging. Nose deep but subdued, creamy rich fruit on the palate. Vigorous and intense. Loads of extract, threatens to overwhelm but balance and length on the finish " Villeneuve Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Les Vielles Vignes' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

10 Domaine des Escaravailles, Rasteau This is a fabulous property from whom we currently ship our 'house' Cotes du Rhone & Rosé. They also make some wonderful, richer, higher quality wines. New this year are the old vine Rasteau 'Sassira' and 'Heritage 1924'. Not tasted yet, but the house style is one of generosity, full, rich fruit and spice, concentration and finesse. Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone 'Sablieres' 2004 Delicious, easy drinking wine with no shortage of fruit and spice - available now! Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne 'Le Ponce' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 'Sassira' 2004 Syrah. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau 'Heritage 1924' 2004 Grenache. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Reservée' 2004 Due Spring Not tasted as the wine will not be bottled until the end of the year. Reports are that it is great follow-up to the Feraud, the winemaker, said "the fruit was harvested under exceptional conditions and the wine was a pleasure to make." Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Reservée' 2004 Magnums Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price:

11 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Daniel Brunier of Vieux Telegraphe is a huge fan of the 2004 vintage, and places it on a par with the legendary 1978 and 1990 vintages - it's certainly the finest Vieux Telegraphe I have tasted. Like many of the best wines, it is really quite Burgundian in style, with lots of ripe berry fruits, smoky, gamey, vibrant and with ripe tannins on a long and intense finish. It's concentrated and deep with fine acidity and complexity. Drink Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'La Crau' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine Edmond Duclaux, Cote-Rotie Edmond Duclaux Cote-Rotie 2004 A lovely, silky, elegant Cote-Rotie - Duclaux describes it as Burgundian. It has lovely, bright, sweet raspberry fruit with a touch of spice. Very pure with fine, ripe tannins. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine Fondreche, Ventoux Fondreche Cotes de Ventoux 'Fayard' 2004 A great value blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Carignan. A touch of oak on the nose which is dominated by ripe red fruits and spice. Fresh and elegant with fine tannins. Drink now Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Fondreche Cotes de Ventoux 'Nadal' % Syrah, 45% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre. A bigger wine than the 'Fayard'; black fruits and pepper abound. Quite a dense, structured wine with firm, ripe tannins. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Fondreche Cotes de Ventoux 'Persia' % Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. A lovely opulent nose of plum and damson, with cinnamon and cloves. Intense sweet fruits on the palate, really quite meaty and dense. Juicy and vibrant, it has good acidity and ripe tannins, and is already impressive. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

12 Domaine Grand Veneur, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée La Fontaine' Blanc 2004 Stunning old vine Roussanne cuvée, barrel fermented. Lovely, rich, honeyed nose and palate, peachy, viscous and very long. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Grand Veneur Lirac 'Clos des Sixte' 2004 The 2003 was fabulous, and thankfully this is a worthy successor. Not as big as the 2003, yet still a rich, powerful spicy wine of great concentration. Good acidity along with warm dense fruit. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 A medium bodied wine with lots of sweet berry fruits; herbs and garrigue add interest. It needs time to soften but all the components are present. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Les Origines' 2004 This is exciting! A really rich, flashy nose of blackcurrant fruit, cherry, liquorice, plain chocolate and tobacco. Huge, dense, and concentrated yet with fabulous acidity to brighten the wine up. Kirsch, cassis, and violets abound. Supple and velvety, and great quality. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine La Boussiere, Gigondas Boussiere Gigondas 2004 Coming from a high altitude (300 metres) vineyard, this is picked very late. The wine has an almost Burgundian texture, and is rich and intense with lovely red berry fruits. Finishes with a floral tone, juicy and long. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

13 Domaine les Pallieres, Gigondas Pallieres Gigondas Vielles Vignes 2004 Part of the excellent Brunier family (Vieux Telegraphe etc), this is the best Pallieres to date, and especially since Brunier and his American agent Kermit Lynch bought the property. A lovely, floral, herbal, meaty nose with wild strawberry, garrigue, violets, rose and minerals. It's a supple wine with great fruit, rich yet not heavy. Bright and complex, with a long fresh finish laden with red fruits and herbs - very, very good! Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Pallieres Gigondas Vielles Vignes 2004 Magnums Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: Domaine Philippe Faury, Chavanay A new domaine to me; the 2003's were impressive and the 2004 whites have lovely, tangy, perfumed fruit, great elegance and length. Philippe Faury Condrieu 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Philippe Faury Condrieu 'La Berne' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Philippe Faury St. Joseph Blanc 2004 An excellent tangy blend of 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Philippe Faury St. Joseph Rouge 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Philippe Faury St. Joseph Rouge 'Cuvée La Gloriette' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Philippe Faury Cote-Rotie 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

14 Domaine Pierre Usseglio, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Now considered premier league in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre have transformed this estate. They split their duties equally between the vineyards and the cellar, whilst their respective wines look after the business side of things. They are very excited about their 2004 wines describing them as "Burgundian in texture." The wines always get amazing press. There was no 'Reserve des Deux Freres' in Please note that to get the stunning 'Mon Aieul' you must purchase the regular Chateauneuf-du-Pape on a 2:1 ratio - for example 1 case (12) regular Chateauneuf-du-Pape allows purchase of 1x6 'Mon Aieul'. Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Mon Aieul' % Grenache from year old vines. Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: Domaine Roger Sabon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape The 2003's from Sabon were outstanding, but then his wines usually are! Since 1998 this has been one of the best and most consistent wineries. The wines are made very traditionally and reflect the very old vines and various terroirs of the vineyards wines are more refined than 2003, with not quite the same power; I like both 2003 and 2004, yet they are quite different. Regardless, if the Cotes du Rhone and Lirac are anything to go by, these are terrific wines. Roger Sabon Cotes du Rhone 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Roger Sabon Lirac 'Chapelle de Maillac' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Les Olivets' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Reservée' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Prestige' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

15 Domaine Santa Duc, Gigondas Santa Duc Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 'Les Plans' 2004 Excellent value, juicy fresh blend of Rhone varietals and a little Merlot. Vibrant spicy drinking for now and over the next 3 years. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Santa Duc Cotes du Rhone 'Les Quatre Terres' 2004 From 4 different villages around Gigondas; it's bright and juicy like the first wine yet with extra density and tannins. A chunk, rich Cotes du Rhone of great quality. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Santa Duc Gigondas 2004 A really consistent wine over the last years, this 2004 is a classic example. Full of spicy fruit with Provencal herbs and bitter chocolate on the nose. Dense and sweet on the palate with intense red berry fruit, spice, coffee and herbs. Great length, great potential; a classic Gigondas with great fruit, drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Santa Duc Gigondas 'Les Hautes Garrigues' 2004 Not tasted and still in barrel; reports are that this is as spectacular a young Gigondas as the regular bottling; it's a late harvest selection from older vines, powerful and ageworthy, based on superripe Grenache. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Domaine Vincent Paris, Cornas Vincent Paris was an unknown name to me until I tried his spectacular 2003 wines. These are supercharged Cornas, full of rich, spicy, sweet Syrah fruit, smoky and gamey. The 2004's are not tasted but are reported to be full and rich yet with more elegance than the huge 2003's. A producer very much on the up. Vincent Paris Cornas 'Granit 30' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Vincent Paris Cornas 'Granit 60' 2004 Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

16 M. Chapoutier "The secret of this vintage lies in patience" commented Michel Chapoutier. He continued "We started grape harvests in the last week of September (almost 3 weeks after the official harvest was announced), and they carried through into the first week of October. The Roussanne and Marsanne have offered acidity/sugar balances worthy of the greatest vintages. The white wines are rapidly developing an intense and complex nose and a surprising full bodied character. The Syrah was gathered in at the moment of optimum phenolic maturity: the tannins are suave and the colour intensity is deep. Making the most of the cool mornings for harvesting, our grapes were steeped at a temperature of 18oC. For this reason the natural flora fermentation is gentle, with no excess of temperature, thus enabling the wine to develop with precision, complexity, and a wealth of aromas. Following 4-6 weeks of maceration, the freshness of the nose and the refined tannins already revealed by the red wines enables us to predict a fine cellaring vintage. Grenache, this Mediterranean grape variety with its enormous appetite for sunshine, also made the most of the September heat. In fact we harvested our Grenache with an alcohol potential of over 15%. The wines are a wonderful ruby colour, high in alcohol and release a mature and enticing fruitiness." PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ALLOCATION REQUEST - CONFIRMATION WILL BE VIA INVOICE AT THE END OF MARCH 2006 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'Le Pavillon' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'Le Pavillon' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'L'Ermite' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'L'Ermite' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'Le Meal' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'Le Meal' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price:

17 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'Les Greffieux' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge 'Les Greffieux' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Cote-Rotie 'Mordorée' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Cote-Rotie 'Mordorée' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Barbe Rac' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Barbe Rac' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Croix de Bois' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Croix de Bois' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier St. Joseph 'Les Granits' Rouge 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier St. Joseph 'Les Granits' Rouge 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage 'Les Varonniers' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price:

18 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage 'Les Varonniers' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc 'L'Ermite' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc 'L'Ermite' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc 'Le Meal' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc 'Le Meal' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc 'De L'Oreé' 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc 'De L'Oreé' 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier St. Joseph 'Les Granits' Blanc 2004 Case Qty: 6 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 6 Case Price: M. Chapoutier St. Joseph 'Les Granits' Blanc 2004 Magnum Case Qty: 1 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 1 Case Price: M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Vin de Paille (3x37.5cl) 2004 Case Qty: 3 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 3 Case Price:

19 Marc Sorrel, Tain L Hermitage Not tasted. We get a miniscule allocation of these fabulous Hermitage's. The 2003's were atypical and hugely alcoholic. Sorrel himself has raved about these 2004's which are more expressive though still very ripe. Sorrel has also been experimenting with new oak and really likes the results. The 2004 red was aged in about 30% new oak; the white is 50% Roussanne and 50% Marsanne - honey, minerals, and power all in proportion, and considered by Sorrel to be the finest Rocoules to date. Sorrel Hermitage Blanc et Rouge 2004 Mixed Case 6 bottles each of Hermitage Blanc 'Les Rocoules' and Hermitage Rouge 'Le Greal' Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Mas de Boislauzon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 Spicy, meaty nose with hints of plain chocolate, coffee and cracked pepper. Dense and powerful, with ripe red and black berry fruits, firm and dry, it's well structured and needs time. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée du Quet' 2004 Inky colour with a massive nose of red and black fruit aromas. It's a voluptuous, luscious, sweetly fruited wine of huge appeal. With great acidity, this is powerful yet not heavy with a hugely long, clean finish. Beautiful wine, drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Pierre Gaillard, Malleval Gaillard St. Joseph 'Clos de Cuminaille' 2004 Rich, spicy, peppery wine - serious with a dense, chewy, rich mid-palate. Long. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Gaillard St. Joseph 'Les Pierres' 2004 Pierre's top St. Joseph. Incredible depth - however nothing is forced or overripe. Great definition, structure and length. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

20 Gaillard Cote-Rotie 'Brune et Blonde' 2004 Lovely, typical Cote-Rotie - floral nose with violets, red and black berry, meaty and peppery too. A lovely, fresh, pure style. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Gaillard Cote-Rotie 'Rose Poupre' 2004 Very limited. A big, dense, muscular style, more concentrated than the Brune et Blonde, and more backward. It still retains classic violet notes but also liquorice, meat and black pepper. Great potential, drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: René Rostaing, Ampuis Rostaing Cote-Rotie 'Classique' 2004 Black fruits & mocha on the nose with violets and spice too. Medium-bodied and lively, great purity. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Rostaing Cote-Rotie 'La Ladonne' 2004 Very limited, must be purchased with the 'Classique' in equal amounts. From vines averaging 35 years of age, this is lovely, refined Cote-Rotie. Rich and intense but not overblown. Almost Burgundian in texture. Black fruits with truffle and spice, crisp cherry fruit, oak and spice on a tight, impressive finish. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Rostaing Cote-Rotie 'La Blonde' 2004 Very limited. Must be ordered with the 'Classique' in equal amounts. The biggest of the three wines. A little Viognier is added to the wine giving it extra perfume and lift. Powerful, with sweet juicy fruit - plum, cherry as well as coffee, smoky bacon and raspberry. Wonderful complexity. Ripe Syrah at its most expressive. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price:

21 Yann Chave, Tain L'Hermitage Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 2004 Yann Chave is making great wines; this is a delicious, bright red fruit, juicy, peppery Syrah. Bright and appealing with lovely fruit purity and a typical touch of smoky bacon. Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 'Le Rouvre' 2004 Previously known as 'Tete de cuvee', this sees a touch of new oak. Richer and plusher than regular, Asian spices, toast, pepper, and bright fruits, ripe tannins. It's rich yet retaining elegance. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: Yann Chave Hermitage 2004 Very limited. Not tasted, but in recent vintages it has been outstanding. Reported to be big, powerful, dense and brooding. Drink Case Qty: 12 Under Bond Case Price: Case Qty: 12 Case Price: