Licensee List January 29th 2015 Table of Contents Languedoc 1 Rhone Valley 1 - 2 Beaujolais 3 Niagara 4 - 5 Piedmont 5 - 6 Burgundy: Chablis 6 Mâcon 6 Côte de Beaune 6 - 8 Côte de Nuits 8 Coming Soon: 9 Notes and numerical scores by: S.T. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media A.G. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media A.M.- Allen Meadows’, Burghound WA - The Wine Advocate Domaine Roque Sestière Another very fine example of the rare but excellent white Corbières from Roland Lagarde. Classic southern grape varieties Grenache Blanc and Maccabeo are blended in this wine, cool fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve fresh fruit flavours. Rich and fullbodied enough to accompany spicy dishes. Try with mediterranean specialties such as saffron-infused bouillabaisse or even meaty, salty west-coast oysters! 2013 Corbières Blanc “Carte Noire” $In Transit Château Aiguilloux The 2010 Cuvée des Trois Seigneurs is a blend of 60%, 75+ year old Carignan with 30% Grenache and 10% Syrah. This is the estates’ top wine, reflecting a traditional interpretation of Corbières. It shows prodigious depth of fruit, volume and a wonderful aromatic, earthy, old-viney character. 2011 Corbières Cuvée des Trois Seigneurs $In Transit Clos Bagatelle The Simon family trace the ownership of their property back to 1623. A subsoil of chalk underlies the more southerly part of the appellation of Saint Chinian where they make most of their wine, above which there is a gravelly clay-limestone soil. Wines are mostly traditionally vinified, then blended and the cuvee tradition, currently in stock is made in glass-lined concrete vats and, unoaked and composed predominantly of Syrah, with Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault to balance. The unoaked 2012 Cuvee Tradition has soaring aromatics and is rich and full, yet surprisingly light on its feet, making it eminently drinkable. 2013 Saint Chinian Cuvee A l’Origine $In Transit Domaine de la Garrigue The hard working Combe family who run this domaine are blessed with ideal Vacqueras terroir of cailloux and free draining sand on very well exposed hillsides in the Dentelles de Montmirail region. Harvest is entirely by hand and these wines are “raised” as much in the vineyard as they are in the cellars. All wines are bottles without fining or filtration. The blend is predominantly Grenach with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault making up the balance. 2011 Vacqueyras $In Transit 1 Domaine L’Oratoire Saint Martin The hard working Alary family have exceptional sites in the Cote-du-Rhone village of Cairanne, which yields them stunning, perfumed, ripe fruit. Despite neighbouring Rasteau, known for rugged, tannic wines, the wines of Cairanne made by the Alary family ally richness with pure, silky textures and super-fine tannins. 2012 Cairanne “Reserve des Seigneurs” $32.30 Domaine Franck Balthazar Franck Balthazar who took over the winemaking from his father Rene from the 2003 vintage is making denser, firmer and generally stronger wines. No doubt this is aided by the acquisition of a large parcel of his uncle Noel Verset’s ancient vines, including some rare “Franc Pied”. This is Cornas at its best- dense rich yet rugged and mineral-laden. 2012 Cornas “Chaillot”, $63.75 "Tasted from different barrels: #1: High-pitched, distinctly spicy red fruits on the nose and palate. Vaguely pinot-like in its relative delicacy and focus. Fine-grained tannins add gentle grip to the long, spice-dominated finish. #2: Ripe cherry and candied plum scents show good ripeness and a hint of licorice. Offers bitter cherry and anise flavors and chewy texture. Closes with solid grip, an echo of cherry pit and good sweet persistence. #3: Aromas of black and blue fruits and incense. The most exotic of these four barrels and the most densely packed, with intense blueberry and cassis flavors and a touch of minerality adding lift and bite. #4: Emphatic, smoke-laced dark berry and cherry-cola aromas, with suggestions of smoky minerals, licorice pastille and cracked pepper. Supple, expansive dark berry compote flavors are deep but lively and appealingly sweet. Velvety tannins come on late and fold smoothly into the ripe berry fruit on the strikingly long, mineral-driven finish." 92-94 points, I.W.C., March/Apr 14. Domaine de la Janasse “Domaine de la Janasse is run with incredible passion by Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle. What this family operation has achieved over the last decade is nothing short of remarkable considering the breadth of wines made, from their Vin de Pays, which are among the finest made in France, to their world-class Cotes du Rhones and Chateauneuf du Papes. While this estate is at the top of its game, it is not content to rest on the status quo and continues to push the envelope.” RP 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin $102 "The brilliant 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin boasts abundant amounts of mulberry, lavender, black cherry, licorice and spring flower characteristics. Stunningly rich, full-bodied and opulent, it should age effortlessly for at least a decade. It is unquestionably one of the candidates for wine of the vintage." RP 92-94, Wine Advocate #203, October 2012 2 Beaujolais Clos de la Roilette Expressed by second generation, steeped-in-tradition winemaker Alain Coudert, this is Beaujolais at its greatest depth. The Clos de la Roillette demarcates a unique geology from the rest of the appellation. Formerly part of the most age-worthy Moulin-A-Vent Cru, when Fleurie was created in the 1920's, politics trumped terroir and this parcel was lumped in with Fleurie. Like MAV however, a thick wedge of manganese-rich clay underlies the upper granite portion, giving these wines more weight and density than other Fleurie. The Cuvée Tardive comes from two parcels of old vines and the vine age definitely contributes to Tardive's impressive, seriously nuanced and layered complexity. The Griffe du Marquis cuvée is a special label, made only in great vintages from the estates oldest vine parcel, planted in 1930 and is treated to longer ageing in barrique. 2013 Fleurie Cuvée Classique $25.75 *No reviews published for the 2013's yet Georges Descombes Inspired by Marcel Lapierre in the early 1980s, and now widely recognized as part of Beaujolais’ new establishment of natural winemakers, Georges Descombes took over production of the family's 16 ha of vines, converting them to organic viticulture in 1988. Applying sulfur only in minimal quantities just before bottling, he works a longer elevage than his peers, in 60-hectolitre concrete vats, to give a little bottle age to let them settle. These are extremely well-crafted wines that transparently express their terroirs. 2012 Regnie $27.90 "The 2012 Regnie has an endearing sense of completeness on the nose, with assertive scents of red cherries, dried fig and blueberry that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with brisk tannins. There is decent weight here, although the finish is structured and more reserved than the nose implies, denuded the flesh that a more benevolent season would bring. Still, this is a very fine Regnie." 89 points Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate. 2012 Morgon Vieilles Vignes $39.80 "The 2012 Morgon Vieilles Vignes has a well-defined bouquet with scents of wild strawberry, dark cherry and minerals that gently unfurl from the glass, although never achieving the intensity of what a more benevolent vintage might have given. The palate has a confident, open entry with vibrant red cherry fruit laced with white pepper, building gently in the mouth toward a precise, detailed finish along similar lines to the 2013 Chiroubles. Excellent. Drink now-2019." 90 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate. 3 Niagara Tawse Estate Proprietor Moray Tawse has spared no expense in creating Niagara’s newest Premier Estate Winery. Built right into the Vineland “Double Bench” the new winery is 100% gravityfed, powered by environmentally benign, geo-thermal energy and implements state-of-theart specialized winemaking equipment to process fruit with the utmost care. Paul Pender's work in the vineyards reducing yields and use of largely Burgundian wine making techniques result in wines of great depth and rare vineyard and varietal typicity for Ontario. Now Paul Pender has the gift of guidance from consultant Burgundian winemaker Pascal Marchand. Many of the vineyards are comprised of old-vine (25 years+) fruit! Please note that because all orders are shipped directly from the winery via courier, there is a $7.00 + G.S.T. shipping charge per case. Sparkling Wines! 2013 Limestone Ridge Riesling "Spark" 2012 "Spark" (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir) $16.84 $21.06 Restauant Only (VQA Niagara Peninsula) 2013 Tawse Riesling 2013 Tawse Rosé 2012 Tawse Chardonnay 2011 Tawse Cabernet-Merlot $13.42 $13.47 $16.84 $17.69 Small Bottles (375 ml) 2012 Tawse Riesling 2011 "Spark" 2011 Chardonnay Quarry Road, Vinemount Ridge ❀ 2011 Chardonnay Estate, VQA Twenty Mile Bench Ridge ❀ 2010 Cabernet Franc “Grower’s Blend”, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2011 Tawse Cabernet Merlot 2008 Meritage $9.95 $12.62 $16.89 $17.69 $13.47 $12.95 $26.13 Whites 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay 2012 Riesling “Limestone Ridge” 2013 Chardonnay Musque, 2013 Pinot Gris 2013 Gewurztraminer Quarry Road Vineyard 2011 Chardonnay Quarry Road Estate, Vinemount Ridge ❀ $16.84 $18.53 $20.22 $21.06 $21.06 $30.35 2011 Chardonnay “Estate”, Twenty Mile Bench ❀ 2011 Chardonnay “Lenko Vineyard”, Beamsville Bench 2011 Chardonnay “Robyn’s Block” Estate Twenty Mile Bench ❀ $32.04 $37.95 $38.79 4 Pinot Noir & Gamay 2013 Gamay 2011 Pinot Noir Growerʼs Blend, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2011 Pinot Noir Quarry Road Estate, VQA Vinemount Ridge ❀ 2010 Pinot Noir “Laidlaw”, VQA Vinemount Ridge 2010 Pinot Noir “Lauritzen”, VQA Vinemount Ridge 2010 Pinot Noir Cherry Avenue Estate, Twenty Mile Bench ❀ $16 $22.75 $30.35 $37.95 $37.95 $48.97 Cabernet Franc 2011 Cabernet Franc “Grower’s Blend”, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2011 Cabernet Franc, Laundry Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Franc Van Bers Vineyard, VQA Creek Shores $22.75 $26.97 $42.17 Bordeaux Varieties 2011 Grower’s Blend Meritage 2011 Merlot “David’s Block ❀ 2010 Meritage, VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.29 $42.17 $50.61 Sweet Wines (200ml) 2013 Riesling Icewine, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2010 Cabernet Franc Icewine $29.51 $29.51 Wine in Kegs (20L) 2013 Tawse Riesling 2013 Tawse Rosé 2012 Tawse Chardonnay 2013 Gamay 2012 Cabernet-Merlot (Cost equivalent to 24 bottles or 18L) $321.20 $274.33 $404.15 $383.89 $424.56 ❀ Certified Organic, Biodynamic Piedmont Azienda Agricola di Bruno Rocca In addition to owning the choicest parcel within Rabajà, (one of Italy's great vineyards, according to Antonio Galloni), Bruno Rocca has two children who are passionate, hard working and deeply invested in the family business. Francesco Rocca seems to have slightly more classic leanings than his dad and new oak is down, while larger casks are on their way in. However, Bruno Rocca remains as active as always. Rocca's driven daughter Luisa looks after the business. According to Antonio Galloni, "it seems pretty clear to me that the best wines from this small, family-run domain have yet to be made, and that is more than enough to be energized about what is happening here." 5 2011 Barbaresco Rabaja $119 “Good bright red. Subtle perfumed aromas of raspberry, white pepper, cinnamon and red rose. Suave, precise flavors of red cherry, raspberry and sweet spices show a juicy, elegant quality. Finishes extremely long and pure, filling the mouth with perfume. A real beauty with great aging potential: this has the charm and grace of the entry-level 2011 Barbaresco and the density and complexity of the Coparossa, but is much better than either one. ST 94 Chablis Domaine Testut Cyril Testut makes just 3 wines- a single vineyard village wine “Rive Droit” from a property immediately south of Montee de Tonnerre, the excellent 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre and the Grand Cru “Grenouilles”. All are made in his classic ripe yet steely, mineral-rich style. 2013 Chablis “Rive Droit” $31.85 Domaine Merlin “This is Chardonnay at its most appealing: soft and crisp, reliable year in year out, never unduly acidic, invariably plump and fruity: a wine of quality and interest but a wine without pretension.” CC Olivier Merlin is one of Mâcon’s finest winemakers, leading the appellation to the improved reputation it is once again enjoying. The talented Olivier Merlin has recently acquired some parcels of first-rate vines. These wines are carefully vinified, un-fined and unfiltered, offering exceptional quality/price rapport. These represent a return to pure, minimalist-style Chardonnay that reflect the exceptional quality of the 2009 vintage. 2012 Macon La Roche Vineuse $In Transit Maison Nicolas Potel The young Nicolas Potel has made a remarkable debut as a négociant. Through his close connections with some of the finest growers in Burgundy, Nicolas manages to acquire some highly prized barrels of various cuvées. He then makes his mark on the wine during the élevage phase, turning out elegant, fragrant, and very stylish examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 2010 Bourgogne Rouge “Cuvée Gérard Potel” $In Transit 6 Domaine Alain Chavy Today the domaine is run by Alain Chavy and is one of the best in the village. The domaine consists of nearly 12 hectares of vineyards including 4 Premieres Crus sites. Alain aims for a style that is neither overtly fruit-driven nor oak-based. Their wines emphasize the mineral notes of Puligny and are models of finesse and elegance. They also offer terrific value for money. 2011 Puligny-Montrachet "Les Charmes" $71 Comte Armand 2011 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux $195 "Not surprisingly, the nose is similar to that of the Pommard "1er" though it's more complex with a perfumed character to the distinctly earth-inflected red currant, blue berry and plum aromas. There is good power and plenty of punch to the broad-shouldered and muscular medium-bodied flavors that are shaped by relatively fine-grained tannins on the perfectly balanced and highly persistent finish. This is really very impressive and while it's not quite at the same level as the 2010 version, it's a more than worthy successor." 92-94 points. A.M. Apr 15, 2013 ♥ Domaine Marquis D’Angerville The Marquis D’Angerville has long been considered the benchmark producer of Volnay and widely believed to be one of the finest run Domaines in all of Burgundy. We are thrilled to be offering a few delicious wines from the supple and vibrant 2009 vintage, including just the second bottled vintage of the 1er Cru Clos des Angles, which shows a deft minerality and round, dense character. While the labeled 1er Cru, from a combination of smaller 1er cru sites and young vine fruit from Caillerets and Ducs punches way above its weight class. 2011 Volnay 1er Cru Fremiet ♥ $119 (February Arrival) "This is also quite beguilingly perfumed with an ultra-high-toned nose of pure essence of red pinot fruit that reveals plenty of wet stone character. There is a palpable sense of underlying tension as this is particularly vibrant and this sensation is enhanced by the intense salinity that pervades both the mid-palate as well as the impressively persistent and mouth coating finish. This impeccably well-balanced effort displays the inherent muscularity of a fine Frémiets and will need at least a decade to arrive at its apogee." AM 90-93 2011 Volnay 1er Cru Champans ♥ $147 (February Arrival) “A less elegant but every bit as complex nose demonstrates a distinctly different aromatic profile with a much earthier character to the spice, red pinot and mildly sauvage aromas. The intense and strikingly pure flavors ooze a fine and relatively discreet minerality, all wrapped in a tautly muscled, balanced and marvelously persistent finish. This harmonious effort is relatively fine by the standards of the terroir and this should amply reward mid to long-term cellaring. In a word, terrific.” AM 92-94 7 Domaine Benjamin Leroux The uber-talented Benjamin Leroux has recently departed Comte Armand to focus his energies on his own domaine which he started in 2007. The grapes sourced for the Leroux label increasingly come from estate vineyards, as well as select old vine parcels from top growers. The exceptional 2012 wines are finely etched, aromatic, intellectual, and detailed, much like the character Benjamin. He’s a winner of Burgundy’s best young talent trophy, a leading force in organic and biodynamic viticulture, and is now widely reputed to be among the best winemakers in France. Benjamin is garnering exceptional praise from all the leading Burgundy wine writers, and the following quote from Jancis Robinson says a lot. "You may remember that when I asked Allen Meadows, aka Burghound, who he thought might be a natural heir to the late great Henri Jayer of Burgundy, one of the two people he cited was young Benjamin Leroux of Domaine Comte Armand." Jan. 2009 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazées $140 "The 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Embrazees had also just finished its malo-lactic, although here a little sulfur had been added. It is endowed with more tropical scents on the nose when compared to Les Baudines – more generous and open on the nose at this stage. The palate is concentrated with spice-tinged orange zest and quince notes. There is a gradual build toward a complete, quite harmonious finish that has superb persistency. Excellent.” N.M., erobertparker.com, 90-92, #210, Dec 2013 2012 Corton - No reviews $190 Burgundy – Cote de Nuits Marchand-Tawse By Private Order Whites 2011 SAINT-ROMAIN 2011 LADOIX 1er CRU « Les Grechons » 2011 NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 1ER CRU « Les Terres Blanches » 2011 MERSAULT 1er CRU « Blagny » 2011 MERSAULT 1er CRU « Charmes » Reds 2011 CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES 2011 CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY 2011 VOSNE-ROMANEE 2011 FIXIN 1er CRU « Clos du Chapitre » 2011 POMMARD 1er CRU « Les Charmots » 2011 NUIT-SAINT-GEORGES 1ER CRU Le Perrieres 2011 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU Fonteny 2011 CORTON GRAND CRU *Minimum 6 bottles per order *Reviews available upon request $49.95 $75.95 $87.95 $97.95 $119.95 $47.95 $83.95 $87.95 $67.95 $79.95 $109.95 $122.95 $134.95 8 In Transit Chateau Franc Cardinal 2009 Francs Cote de Bordeaux Domaine de la Janasse 2012 Cote du Rhone Tradition 9
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