Rhône 2012 En Primeur Offer November 2013

Transcription

1 Rhône 2012 En Primeur Offer November 2013

2 Why Buy En Primeur? En Primeur offers are essentially the first offering of the wines when they are yet to be bottled at the winery. Wines are offered at an in bond price, i.e. excluding duty and VAT, all of which become payable if the wine is delivered duty paid. Wines can be delivered in bond to an account at a bonded warehouse, without having to pay duty and VAT. The essential benefit of buying En Primeur is to secure highly sought-after wines that are often impossible to find later and at a price that is expected to be less than their market value once available. The Offer Prices are quoted in bond UK per case of 12 x 75cl, unless otherwise stated. TBC prices: please contact the Fine Wine Team for allocation and price. Payment is due with order. Wines will be shipped August to December Orders for customers that have requested delivery to UK bonded warehouses will be delivered, as soon as the wines are landed in the UK, unless otherwise advised in writing. This offer opens on Wednesday 20th November 2013 at 9 am. Please call us on or us at finewine@genesiswines.com with your requests. Please note, where we do not yet have prices we have estimated a cost based on previous years. Please do let us know where you would like further information, as we have constant updates from our producers so information is liable to change. ***** Forthcoming Events Tuesday 19th November 2013: Rhône 2012 Cask Sample Tasting. Wednesday 20th November 2013: Fine Wine Dinner with Rene Rostaing Tuesday 26th November 2013: Genesis Wines Christmas Offer Tasting. Wednesday15th January 2014: Burgundy Cask Sample Tasting. Please let us know if you would like to receive further details or book tickets to any tastings. Tel: finewine@genesiswines.com

3 Introduction The Rhône has produced very few poor vintages in the last 10 years; indeed, 2009 and 2010 were absolutely outstanding vintages, and whilst the wines of 2011 showed less depth, they certainly did not lack a charm of their own. So we were very much looking forward to seeing what the Rhône had in store for us this year, and happily we were not disappointed. The wines of 2012 are aromatic, with good fruit concentration and sweetness. Above all though, they are elegant and very well-balanced, have lovely freshness and more moderate alcohol levels than last year. In 2012, the wines from both the North and South have more concentration than in Most growers we visited certainly preferred this vintage to last year s, and consider the wines to have more substantial structure and consequently improved aging potential on the previous year. Although the acidity levels were relatively low at harvest, the fermentation processes have lifted these significantly and wines from both ends of the Rhône are notably fresh and lively. The Vintage While most of France s major wine regions struggled in 2012, the Rhône stands apart. The growing season and harvest benefited from the mostly dry, sunny weather and some well-timed rain; although vines in the South of the Rhône showed some indication of water deprivation by the end of August. This was relieved by some rain at the beginning of September, which allowed the ripening process to conclude and harvest started in early October, as usual. Rhône vignerons have grown accustomed to a pattern of late harvests that stretch into October, as later good weather allows grapes to ripen fully, even in tricky weather conditions. In Northern Rhône conditions were slightly different following a particularly harsh winter. A few growers we saw lamented the long and difficult season, with a tough winter and significant period of time in freezing temperatures and harsh winds. The spring was wet, contributing to disease pressure on the vines, with plenty of early vegetative growth, but by the beginning of July things were looking up, with the weather remaining dry and sunny until the end of August, and continuing into the harvest which ran from 17th September to 5th October. This resulted in elegant, juicy wines with an intense aroma. The Wines The North Overall the Syrah from this area is very expressive, showing an aromatic intensity, some bold flavours and refined tannins. The wines are well-rounded and beautifully balanced, characterized by their elegance all the way from Côte Rôtie to Hermitage; supple, velvety tannins are in harmony with a delightful freshness. René Rostaing has described the 2012 vintage as classic, as the wines reflect their terroir beautifully, with even the more robust vineyards of Hermitage and Cornas showing great finesse. The South Following the 2011 vintage where alcohol levels were high close to 16%, the 2012 wines are, in contrast, defined by their elegance, good balance and freshness. Tannins are much in evidence, but supple and well-rounded, with Grenache giving smoothness and a subtle, sweet note. It is tempting to draw comparisons with 2007 as both vintages show elegance, finesse and an excellent flavour profile. Recommendation Overall, Bérenger (our French buyer) and I were extremely impressed with the 2012 vintage both in the North and the South following our week-long tasting in early November. The wines in the North were elegant, fresh, true to their appellation and balanced. And in the South, beautiful bright, red and black fruit of good concentration, matched with freshness and more moderate alcohol levels as well as integrated oak and tannins give wonderfully balanced wines, appealing already but with staying power. Once again, we have focused our selection for the 2012 En Primeur campaign to include only the very best wines available from each Domaine. This should make the buying decision for you all the more easy. There are no average wines in this offer. Pricing is thankfully consistent with last year s campaign, which leaves the Rhone as the go to place for some of the top, classic French Appellation wines. As far as I am concerned, these 2012 s are a must-buy for any Rhone lover especially so given the less than perfect conditions in the 2013 vintage. Stuart Rankine November 2013

4 Contents The North... Pages 3-8 Domaine Aléofane - Natacha Chave... Domaine Colombier, Tain Hermitage... Domaine René Rostaing, Ampuis... François Villard, St Michel... Pierre Gaillard, Malleval... Domaine Chatagnier, St Pierre de Boeuf... Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 The South... Pages 9-12 Domaine de la Mordorée, Tavel... Domaine de Marcoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape... Domaine Grand Veneur, Châteauneuf-du-Pape... La Ferme du Mont, Châteauneuf-du-Pape... Le Clos du Caillou, Châteauneuf-du-Pape... Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Terms & Conditions of Sale... Page 13 Stuart Rankine stuartr@genesiswines.com (mobile) Paul Jones paulj@genesiswines.com (mobile) Steve Parsons stevep@genesiswines.com (mobile) Bérenger Piras berengerp@genesiswines.com (mobile) Genesis Wines Ltd 78 Tachbrook St, London SW1V 2NA Tel Fax sales@genesiswines.com 2 For all enquiries and orders please call or fax

5 Northern Rhône Domaine Aléofane - Natacha Chave, Mercurol Natacha is the youngest in a long line of winemakers, and sister of the eminent Yann Chave. With her small plots of old vine Crozes Hermitage and St Joseph combined with her talents in the winery, Natacha has gained a dedicated following in recent years. Sadly we were unable to taste Natacha s 2012s when we were in the Rhône, but we ve included what we know below and heard positive comments about these wines. They will be at our tasting, so we are interested to hear what you think. Crozes Hermitage The Crozes Hermitage is deep in colour with plenty of fruit character on the nose. There is a lovely, soft mouthfeel and the wine is of medium body. St Joseph Natacha s St Joseph is also said to be very gentle and delicate. We are very much looking forward to sampling both of these wines with you. sales@genesiswines.com 3

6 Domaine Colombier, Tain l Hermitage Run by the Viale brothers, Domaine Colombier have been making their superb wine for a little over two decades, although they have been tending their vines for much longer. Already, they are considered to be amongst the finest producers in the region, and this year s wines certainly do not let them down. Despite the difficulties encountered in the vineyard, the 2012 vintage was quite manageable in the winery. Fermentation went smoothly and the alcohol content is, on average, 0.5-1% less than it has been for the last 3 years. The wines are very well balanced with easy drinking, fruit-driven, Crozes Hermitage and good Hermitage with great ageing potential. White Hermitage Blanc Perfumed and peachy with almost tropical fruits on the nose, there is so much in the glass with this wine! On the palate, there is a wonderful intensity and concentration. A rich, opulent wine with great balance and freshness, and a touch of grapefruit to the long finish. Drink from Genesis ***** Crozes Hermitage Vibrant red and black fruits on the nose, with juicy fluidity on the palate. There is a lovely freshness and acidity with integrated tannins giving good structure. An appealing finish. Drink from late Genesis ***½ Crozes Hermitage Cuvée Gaby More power in this wine than in the straight Crozes Hermitage. Freshly crushed red and blackberry fruit character. Concentrated, almot voluptuous palate but freshness and tension is still nicely retained. There is a lovely, long, spicy finish. Drink from Genesis **** Hermitage Slightly closed up, as is typical of this Hermitage in youth. Concentrated, black fruits with black pepper and spice - everything the Gaby has but more! There is a long, powerful finish, and whilst this is not exactly a wine for today - or even tomorrow, it is truly excellent. Drink from Genesis ****½ 4 For all enquiries and orders please call or fax

7 Domaine René Rostaing, Ampuis René Rostaing is seen by many as Monsieur Côte Rôtie : he is a born vigneron who makes exceptional wines for the sake of making wine and not for the approval of the critics. René has been very pleased with the 2012s, finding this to be a classic vintage, reflecting the terrior well and with plenty of charm. We are sure you will agree! White Les Lezardes Viognier 2012 Spicy, tropical, peachy notes. Quite an unctuous mouthfeel and just a touch of residual sugar. A broad wine with a long, spicy finish. Drink from Genesis ***½ Côte Rôtie Ampodium 2012 Bright and lifted aromas of both red and black fruits, with floral hints and a touch of pepper spice. Fresh and elegant, this wine has a firm structure with very well integrated tannins and a long, perfumed, spicy finish. Drink from Genesis **** Côte Rôtie La Landonne 2012 Darker fruits here - plums and black cherry notes. A more dense and profound wine, although retaining elegance and charm. Complex with concentrated forest fruit. Lovely freshness still, and silky, sweet tannins. Very well-balanced with a wonderful, long, peppery finish. Drink from Genesis ****½ Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde This wine is a little more closed on the nose, but ample sweet, black fruits follow on the palate. There is excellent complexity with notes of forest floor, liquorice along with some spicy flavours. This is very concentrated but has charming freshness and ripe tannins which contribute wonderfully to the overall structure. A powerful, long finish. Drink from Genesis ****½ sales@genesiswines.com 5

8 François Villard, St Michel François offers a great example of modern Rhône winemaking; with extensive investment in both winery and cuverie, the best oak money can buy and his meticulous selection of grape parcels, these wines are going from strength to strength. We were most impressed by the 2012 vintage and looking forward to drinking these next Christmas and in years to come. White Condrieu de Poncins 2012 Aromatic, peachy, tropical fruits. Richness, power and concentration on the palate. This wine has wonderfully complex, creamy notes and texture. It s lovely and fresh, and most certainly a big wine. Drink from Genesis ***½ St Joseph Poivre et Sol 2012 Perfumed, violet notes leap out of the glass along with some black pepper spice. This is very fresh on the palate with ripe, concentrated red and black fruit. A very drinkable style and beautifully balanced. Purity and length on the the finish. Drink from Genesis **** St Joseph Seysuel 2012 The vines from the Seysuel are directly opposite the Côte Rôtie. Concentrated, perfumed, red and black mulberry fruit on the palate, crushed red peppercorns add complexity. Tannins are ripe and round, and overall the wine is beautifully balanced with a long finish. Drink from Genesis **** St Joseph Les Reflets 2012 A powerful wine with a dense, dark palate. Masses of dark, warm, spicy fruit aligned with firm tannins. Rich and generous, this wine needs a bit more time to fully mature and be drinking at its best. Drink from Genesis *** Côte Rôtie Le Gallet Blanc Limited Still slightly closed up at this stage, though nevertheless the bouquet gives way to an elegant and concentrated palate full of spicy red and black fruit. Plenty of grip and freshness, so typical of this vintage. There are meaty and savoury notes and a very long finish. Drink from 2017 Genesis ****½ For all enquiries and orders please call or fax

9 Pierre Gaillard, Malleval Having earned his stripes tending the La Turque vineyards for Guigal in the 1980s you would expect Pierre Gaillard to have made his reputation solely on Côte Rôtie. However, the name Gaillard is equally associated with both St Joseph and Condrieu of the highest quality, and this vintage does not disappoint. Crozes Hermitage 2012 and black powdery fruits. Quite perfumed, leading to a concentrated palate. Good complexity with black peppery spice. Still very fresh and shows great drinkability. Appealing, juicy finish. Drink from Genesis *** St Joseph Les Pierres 2012 Lifted, spicy black forest fruits. The rich palate goes hand in hand with typical 2012 freshness. Extremely well balanced, Silky tannins give structure and poise. Lovely, long, elegant finish. Drink from Genesis **** Cornas 2012 Dark chocolatey and black cherry notes. A warm, spicy, palate is backed up by ripe tannins and some wild flavour notes. Well-balanced with good length. Drink from Genesis ***½ Côte Rôtie Rose Poupre Limited Bright, perfumed, red and black berry notes. Very ripe and focussed sweet fruit on the palate. Great power and concentrated but retaining elegance, freshness and balance. Very long and appealing finish. Drink from Genesis ***** sales@genesiswines.com 7

10 Domaine Chatagnier, St Pierre de Boeuf Not having been born into a winemaking family, Aurélien Chatagnier was motivated by his own passion for the land and to make memorable wines, initially assisted by his good friend, Pierre Gaillard, seen above! Chatagnier s reds are silky and subtle, though with some very elegant and charming notes to otherwise dark and robust wines. By contrast, the whites are fragrant with subtle mineral notes. White St Joseph Blanc 2012 Floral, and fresh with peachy, tropical aromatics. A crisp acidity lifts the wine, which is very appealing and drinkable. Good length too. Drink from *** Condrieu Limited supply Fresh, lifted aromatics of peach complement a lovely, herbaceous, spicy complexity. This is a very elegant wine with layers of flavour giving way to a long, perfumed finish. Very good. Drink from ****½ St Joseph Sybarite 2012 Tasted from four barrel parcels. A common, perfume leaps from the glass throughout. Incredibly appealing, fine and elegant. Sweet, black and red fruits with black pepper spice, minerality and meaty notes. Very intense and concentrated with a finish that goes on and on. Drink from Genesis **** Côte Rôtie Limited supply Gorgeous, perfumed nose. Supremely elegant with red pepper spice, meaty and herbal notes. Concentrated, juicy palate. Very fresh with a very long, perfumed finish. Drink from Genesis ****½ For all enquiries and orders please call or fax

11 Southern Rhône per case of 12 in bond Domaine de la Mordorée, Tavel Christophe Delorme is the definition of a superstar winemaker, having hosted his own show for French TV. But aside from local fame he is most certainly one of the very best vignerons in the country (and the world according to a rather influential Baltimore-based writer). These wines are consistently good and the 2012s do not disappoint. Lirac La Dame Rousse % Syrah, 50% Grenache Aromatic, attractive red and black fruit. Supple, juicy and drinkable. Well-balanced with integrated tannins. Some elegance here also and finishes well. Appealing. Drink from Genesis *** Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois Bright, attractive nose. Fruit forward and supple. Sweet red and black berries. Glycerol mouthfeel. Not overly spicy. Fine, integrated tannins. Attractive and drinkable. Drink from Genesis ***½ Domaine de Marcoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape The superb double act of Catherine and Sophie Armenier make some of our favourite wines in the whole of the Rhône. With Catherine looking after the biodynamic vineyards, and Sophie in the cellar there is one of the finest teams in the country behind these wines. The crop was very healthy due to the climatic conditions and the phenolic maturity was very good, so the alcohol content is not too high in This vintage shows homogeonous wines with fantastic balance, voluptuous fruit, colour and tannins. White Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc % Roussanne and 30% Bourboulenc Unoaked with fragrant peachy notes and white flowers. This wine is lifted and aromatic with very fresh, crisp acidity. There is a touch of grapefruit on the palate, together with some stone fruit. Overall this is a very well balanced and elegant wine with good length. Very drinkable. Drink from Genesis **** Lirac La Lorentine % Grenache, 25% Syrah & Mourvèdre. Fresh, supple and ripe. Pretty, cassis expression with layers of forest fruit. There is a softness and roundness to the wine, contributing to its fresh appeal. Very drinkable. Drink from Genesis ***½ Châteauneuf-du-Pape % Grenache with small amounts of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault Elegant, perfumed nose, with heaps of juicy red and black berry fruit. Spicy and a little warm, but also rounded, supple and appealing. Drinkable already. Just 14.5% abv. this year. Drink from Genesis ****½ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieille Vignes % Grenache Quite a ridiculous nose. So unctuous, it smells almost sweet. Heady concentration on the palate. Very sweet and juicy, with red fruits complementing herbs and pepper spice. Freshness and the hallmark balance of 2012 abounds. Very long and very good. Drink from Genesis ***** sales@genesiswines.com 9

12 Domaine Grand Veneur, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Since taking over the running of the Domaine, Christophe and Sébastien (Alain s sons) are regularly acquiring top scores and accolades. Thankfully however, they have kept their prices grounded despite this added attention. This vintage is consistent here with the other wines of the Rhône, in that alcohol levels are in check and overall there is a very good balance to the wines. All these Châteauneuf-du-Papes have fresh acidity and are supple and smooth, giving them great drinkability now as well as significant aging potential. White Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc % Clairette 40% Roussanne Lovely, perfumed, peachy and tropical nose. Herbal and spicy notes on the palate. Very fresh and pure. Lovely balance and finish. Drink from Genesis ***1/2 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Fontaine % Roussanne. A gorgeous, lifted, almost exotic nose of tropical fruits and perfume. Very concentrated on the palate and appealing freshness. A very long finish with hints of lanolin and wax. 50% new oak is well-integrated. Drink from Genesis ****1/ est est. Châteauneuf-du-Pape % Grenache 20% Syrah 10% Mourvèdre Full of bright, red, cherry fruits. The palate is concentrated with spicy, peppery complexity. Ripe tannins give good structure. This is very fresh with an appealing finish. Drink from Genesis ***½ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines % Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah More power and intensity on the nose and palate here. Darker, spicier fruit than the straight Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This wine is very supple and fresh with a lovely, long finish. Drink from Genesis **** est est. 10 For all enquiries and orders please call or fax

13 La Ferme du Mont, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Stéphane Vedeau, the latest in line of this family run domaine, is most certainly one of the new breed of growers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Stéphane s passion is for Grenache, he tends 50 hectares of old vines over several appellations where he allows the vines to grow in a completely natural environment, in harmony with the native vegetation. Ferme du Mont s 2012s are a perfect example of the vintage with delicious fruit, supple tannins and superb drinkability in both the short and medium term, even, indeed before the 2009s or 2010s. Côtes du Rhône Villages Le Ponnant 2012 More structure than above. Layers of red and black fruits. Freshness again and great drinkability. Well balanced and good length. Drink from Genesis ***1/2 Gigondas Jugunda 2012 Very bright and fruit forward with plenty of juicy red and black fruits. Fluidity, freshness and balancing, ripe, tannins. Appealing drinkability. Drink from Genesis ***1/2 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 Open, bright, with juicy berry fruit. Crunchy acid freshness. Overall great balance and elegance. Long, fruity finish, which is appealing and moreish. Drink from Genesis **** sales@genesiswines.com 11

14 Le Clos du Caillou, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Clos du Caillou is run by owner Sylvie Vacheron, winemaker Bruno Gaspard and larger than life consultant Philippe Cambie. Their plan is, and always has been, to balance consistency and greatness in equal measures. This year the wines are fresh and well-balanced, better than in 2011 with good acohol levels and acidity. White Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres Blanc 2012 Mostly Roussanne. With delicate, perfumed, peachy tropical notes. Very pure and with appealing freshness. Good weight. Soft but balancing acidity. A long, perfumed finish. Drink from Genesis **** Côtes du Rhône Bouquet des Garrigues % Grenache 10% Syrah 5% Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Bold and intense aromas of red and black fruit. Quite opulent and powerful but combined with a lovely freshness. Spice notes on the moderately long finish. A powerhouse for a Côtes du Rhône. Drink from Genesis ***1/2 Côtes du Rhône Quartz % Grenache 15% Syrah. Intense, concentrated, juicy red and black fruits. Spicy background and grippy tannins holidng the wine together. A fresh, long finish. Drink from Genesis **** Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres % Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre. Bright red fruits plus cassis. Warmer alcohol here but not overblown. Very ripe with a silky mouthfeel. Lovely freshness again and fine, integrated tannins. A Vin de Garde. Drink from Genesis **** Châteauneuf-du-Pape Quartz % Grenache 15% Syrah. Intense dark fruit aromas and floral notes. Very concentrated here with firm but integrated tannin. Chocolatey complexity adds to the fresh, juicy fruits. Drink from Genesis ****1/ Châteauneuf Reserve % Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre. Unusually the two grape varieties are vinified together, giving a powerful wine with good tannins, dark fruit and sweet spice. This is a wonderfully concentrated wine with great length. Drink from Genesis **** 12 For all enquiries and orders please call or fax

15 Terms & Conditions of Sale These terms apply to all sales transactions, unless varied in writing, and form the basis of accepting any order Prices: all prices are quoted in per case (12 x 75cl except where indicated) in bond (exclusive of duty and VAT). Duty and VAT will be charged at the time of a duty paid delivery. Order and payment: our minimum order is one case (9 litres) and all orders are subject to confirmation. Orders cannot be confirmed until payment in is received in full; payment may be made by direct transfer to our bank (Barclays Bank plc: Sort Code Account ) or by cheque. Wines remain the property of Genesis Wines Limited until paid for in full. Delivery: Delivery: delivery is free for most of the UK for orders over 350 ex VAT and duty. Deliveries will be charged at 15 for orders less than 350 ex VAT and duty within London postal districts and 20 outside. Delivery charges are applicable on orders to the following postal code areas: AB, BT, DD, DG, HS, IM, IV, KA27, KA28, KW, KY, PA, PH, PO30-42, TD and ZE, where delivery will be charged at cost. Next day delivery is normally available within the Greater London area. In the rest of England delivery is usually within 48 hours from confirmation of order and 72 hours in the North of England and Scotland. For En Primeur orders you will be informed of their anticipated arrival at our bonded warehouse. The signing of a delivery note by customers for receipt of wine will constitute the acceptance and receipt of that wine. Orders for customers that have requested delivery to UK bonded warehouses will be delivered once the wines are recieved unless otherwise advised in writing. Damaged wines: you undertake to inspect goods on delivery and notify Genesis Wines Limited in writing within 5 days of any damaged wines or other defects. Force majeure: we shall not be liable for any failure to meet our obligations caused by events outside our control. 6. E&OE. Should you have a comment or query of any sort, please contact us by sales@genesiswines.com telephone or fax or write to us at 78 Tachbrook Street, London, SW1V 2NA and we shall aim to reply within 24 (working) hours. sales@genesiswines.com 13

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