The end of Summer is in sight and so plans for a full and exciting programme of WSET® Wine & Spirits Courses are now in place.

All details of Course content, syllabus, prices etc can be found on the Training tab of the main FWW website.

We can, of course, offer other dates outside of this programme for bespoke courses on board etc – just ask us for details.

The courses will be held at the FWW HQ in Vence 06140 (French Riviera) unless specified. 

WSET® Level 1 Foundation Certificate in Wines (1 DAY)

Monday 26th September 2011
Monday 10th October 2011
Tuesday 18th October 2011 – CROATIA (ask for details)
Thursday 10th November 2011
Friday 25th November 2011

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits (3 DAYS)
(Intermediate)
Weds 28th – Fri 30th September 2011
Weds 12th – Fri 14th October 2011
Weds 19th – Fri 21st October 2011 – CROATIA (ask for details)
Mon 21st – Weds 23rd November 2011

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines & Spirits (5 DAYS)
(Advanced)
Weds 26th – Fri 28th and Mon 31st Oct & Tues 1st Nov 2011
(inc weekend break)

We are also in the process of putting dates together for Spirits & Cocktail training courses – watch this space!

Helen Brotherton

Wines with *** will be available from 10th August 2011   �
Chateau / Domaine Appellation Region/ Country Vintage  Price HT
    

Batailley Pauillac Bordeaux, France 2000 79.00 €
D’Armailhac Pauillac Bordeaux, France 1996 70.00 €
D’Armailhac Pauillac Bordeaux, France 2003 72.00 €
Haut Batailley Pauillac Bordeaux, France 1990 99.00 €
Pontet Canet  Pauillac Bordeaux, France 1996 103.00 €

Branaire Ducru *** St Julien Bordeaux, France 1995 82.00 €
Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien Bordeaux, France 1986 190.00 €
Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien Bordeaux, France 1996 218.00 €
Gruaud Larose  St Julien Bordeaux, France 1995 96.00 €
Léoville Barton St Julien Bordeaux, France 1996 146.00 €
Léoville Las Cases St Julien Bordeaux, France 1994 142.00 €
Talbot *** St Julien Bordeaux, France 1995 93.00 €

Durfort Vivens *** Margaux Bordeaux, France 2000 65.00 €
Kirwan  Margaux Bordeaux, France 1998 82.00 €
Kirwan  Margaux Bordeaux, France 2000 104.00 €
Kirwan  Margaux Bordeaux, France 2002 52.00 €
Preiure Lichine Margaux Bordeaux, France 2000 78.00 €

Calon Ségur St Estephe Bordeaux, France 1996 102.00 €
Cos d’Estournel  *** St Estephe Bordeaux, France 1995 233.00 €

Chasse Spleen Moulis Bordeaux, France 2000 49.00 €

Beau-Sejour Bécot St Emilion Bordeaux, France 2005 105.00 €
Bellevue St Emilion Bordeaux, France 2000 135.00 €
Canon La Gaffeliere  *** St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1990 158.00 €
La Gaffeliere *** St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1995 69.00 €
Gracia St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1999 140.00 €
La Mondotte St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1995 86.00 €
Pavie  *** St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1990 186.00 €
Pavie Macquin St Emilion Bordeaux, France 2003 160.00 €

La Fleur Pétrus Pomerol Bordeaux, France 1995 272.00 €

Suduiraut Sauternes Bordeaux, France 2006 52.00 €
Rieussec *** Sauternes Bordeaux, France 1990 125.00 €

Faiveley Corton GC Burgundy, France 2002 112.00 €

Chapoutier “La Mordorée” Côte Rôtie Rhône, France 1997 118.00 €
Guigal St Joseph Hospices de Vignes *** St Joseph Rhône, France 2005 111.00 €

Isole e Olena Cepparello  Tuscany, Italy 2004 78.00 €
Sassicaia  Tuscany, Italy 1998 265.00 €
Sassicaia  Tuscany, Italy 2000 265.00 €
Tignanello   Tuscany, Italy 2008 102.00 €
Brunello di Montalcino Cerbaiona  Tuscany, Italy 2005 98.00 €

Bruno Giacosa “Asili” Barbaresco Piemonte, Italy 2005 125.00 €
Bruno Giacosa “Rabaja” Barbaresco Piemonte, Italy 2005 105.00 €
Sandrone “La Vigne” Barolo Piemonte, Italy 2004 130.00 €

Pingus Ribero del Duero Spain 2001 727.00 €
Aalto PS Aalto Priorat Spain 2003 90.00 €

Caymus Special Selection *** Cab Sauv Napa Valley USA 1999 195.00 €
Ecole 41 “Perigee” (B’deaux blend)  Washington State USA 2005 65.00 €
Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast California, USA 2008 61.00 €
Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast California, USA 2008 61.00 €
“Opus One” Mondavi Napa Valley California, USA 1990 245.00 €

Yacht Gourmet Croatia

Your Wine Supply & Provisioning needs in Croatia solved!!!  We are delighted to announce that we will be working alongside Yacht Gourmet Croatia (www.yachtgourmetcroatia.com) this season to ensure that you get the best advice, service and, most importantly, WINE & Provisions when you leave the French Riviera and head off to the beautiful Dalmatian coast.  

As a small (but perfectly formed!) enterprise and business in an industry that demands such high levels of excellence, we here at FWW have recognised that where we can’t quite stretch geographically in terms of service, a similar sized & focussed company elsewhere in the Med could take over to meet your every need & wine requirement.

So, having known how Alessia & Marin of YGC have been building a loyal and resolute customer basis for a long time in Croatia, we recognise ourselves in them.  We can see that, like us, they are a determined young and independent business, whose staff will go so much further to meet your needs on a very personal level and who can offer a real and refreshing alternative to the other “big fish” suppliers here in the Mediterranean.

We do not take a “slice” of their business, but we share knowledge, contacts and goals. Knowing that we probably have more mutual and crossover yachting customers than even we realise, here is an opportunity to make sure that at least some of your charter destinations this Summer will be serviced and looked after smoothly and efficiently.  If you are planning to visit Croatia with owners or charterers this season, just let us know: we will then alert Alessia & Marin to your imminent arrival and together we will work really hard to make sure that you get what you want, wine-wise & provisioning and when and where you want it!

Together, the two companies will strive to give you the ultimate in service in both the Riviera and Croatia.   We are always here for you!

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St Julien

Our Winefinder service procures wines absolutely to order from the best current sources in terms of Price and Provenance. We also take the opportunity to acquire small parcels of fine wines as we discover them throughout Europe – may we introduce our FWW Treasure Trove!

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

WHITES

1. Flowers Estate, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008
 Sonoma Coast, California USA
 61.00€
 Showing balanced depth and complexity with a light straw colour. Aromas unfold  with layers of lemon drop, pear, apricot and wet stone mineral. This vintage shows  crispness and intense fruit on the palate – lush and balanced.

2. NEW Château Suduiraut Sauternes 2006 (Sweet)
 Sauternes 1er Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
 52.00€

Sauternes is arguably the finest sweet wine in the world and here Château Suduiraut, a stone’s throw from the immortal Château d’Yquem, produces outstanding wines  which are profound, intense and complex as any from the region. The flavours  explode with lots of dried apricots, candied lemon and a big peachy finish.

This wine is medium gold in color, with a flamboyant, buttery, intensely intoxicating nose of  smoked tropical fruits, especially pineapple, melted caramel, and honeyed orange. Unctuously  textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish, it should have 30+ years of longevity Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 93 points

Dried citrus fruit and apple crumble aromas follow through to a full, thick and intense palate,  with loads of lemon curd and apple skin character. Wine Spectator 92 points
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A honeyed concentrate, with notes of orange blossom and a beautiful purity. There is a lovely flavour of richness which caresses the palate displaying complexity, depth and a fine balance. An undoubted triumph here. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

REDS

Bordeaux

3. Château Pichon Baron Longueville 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 155.00€

Pichon Baron, a leading Pauillac 2eme Cru Classé estate, is one of Bordeaux’s most  illustrious “super seconds”. The best examples have layer upon layer of unctuous, vanilla scented and cassis fruit intermingled with cigar box and lead pencil shavings  aromas – as they require cellaring for at least 10 years, this 1996 is drinking  magnificently now!

Pichon Longueville Baron’s 1996 has turned out to be even better than I thought from cask.  The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that has put on weight in the bottle. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of  tobacco, new saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. This well-endowed, classic Pauillac  should be at its finest between 2006-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points

 
4. Château Pontet Canet 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 5ème Cru Classé
 103.00€

 A super star, great value property which borders Mouton Rothschild, owner Alfred Tesseron is outperforming this property’s historic reputation by perhaps the greatest  degree in the whole of Bordeaux.  Shortly to be granted full eco Organic certification.  The 1996 is just starting to come into its stride!

With coaxing, the wine offers aromas of black currant jam intertwined with minerals, sweet oak,  and spice. A full-bodied wine, it possesses layered, concentrated, sweet fruit, with an elevated level of ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 points

5. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1996
 St Julien, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 218.00€

 A description of the land, the name literally means “beautiful pebble”: small stones and gravel permit good drainage of the soils and that’s exactly what Cabernet  Sauvignon thrives on!

 A thoroughly outstanding wine, sleek and racy with loads of character. Intense floral and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral. Full bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Wine Spectator 92 points

6. Château Beau Séjour Bécot 2005
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 1er Grand Cru Classé
 105.00€

In the upper echelon, and rightfully so, of Bordeaux right bank producers, but still offering excellent value for money, even for this exquisite 2005 vintage, for its fruit  dripping, well-made Merlot based wines.

Offers aromas of blackberry, coffee and tar, with a full body, silky tannins and a blackberry, mineral and light vanilla aftertaste. Balanced, refined and pretty. Wine Spectator 92 points

The bottled 2005 Beau Sejour Becot confirms that this is the finest effort from this estate in the  thirty years I have been covering Bordeaux. A classic blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is an intense, full-bodied St.-Emilion revealing notes of espresso roast, chocolate, blackberries, licorice, and truffles. With sweet but noticeable  tannins, good acidity, and a powerful, long finish, this textbook St.-Emilion cuts a swath  between the modern school of winemaking and the traditionalists. Robert Parker (Wine  Advocate) 94 points

7. Château Pavie Macquin 2003
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 1er Grand Cru Classé
 160.00€

 Recently promoted in the 2006 St Emilion classification re-shuffle and is a property  which has really hit form in the last 10 years, producing first-class wines. Since 1990  Nicholas Thienpoint of Vieux Château Certan has been in charge of the vineyards  which he manages on organic lines.

One of the top St Emilion’s of the vintage. Deep, intense colour. Ripe, dark fruit and licquorice nose. Rich layered extract, velvety texture of fruit with a muscular tannic structure. Powerful but ripe and balanced with a long fresh finish.  Decanter Rating ****

Burgundian, liqueur-like nose – very distinctive! Full-bodied, quite soft and a different structure  from most. Fine tannins and some tarry flavours on the finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

 
8. Château Bellevue 2000
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 Grand Cru Classé
 135.00€

St Emilion

 With just over 6 hectares planted (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc), this estate  cuddles up next to Ch Angelus and Beau Séjour Becot, this wine has been catching the eye of wine guru and critic Robert Parker in the US – he gives this vintage a  staggering 95+ points!
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Impressive fruit in this wine, with crushed plums and spices. Full- to medium-bodied, with super  silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A refined and beautiful wine. Best after 2008.
 Wine Spectator 91 points

 
9. Château Kirwan 2000
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 3ème Cru Classé
 104.00€

 An illustrious property, currently passing through a bit of a golden age, Kirwan takes its name from its original Irish proprietor who was, rather unfortunately, guillotined  in 1792! The wines from Kirwan continue to offer seriously good value for a 3ème Classed growth.

Lovely stylish nose, oak and cassis, finely perfumed. Rich and opulent, lush, big ripe tannins, formidable and built to last. Tight and powerful. Drink 2008-17.
Decanter Rating **** 4 stars

Dense, dark nose of black fruit leading to a full palate with sweet fruit and good structure –  plenty of potential here. This is very good indeed!
The Wine Doctor 17.5 / 20

 …shows attractive plum and berry character, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with a solid  core of fruit and very refined tannins. Lasts a long time on the finish. Very, very silky.
 Wine Spectator 92 points

10. NEW Château Kirwan 1998
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 3ème Cru Classé
 82.00€

New Barriques at Chateau Kirwan, Margaux

Extremely well-crafted, with interesting aromas of berry and black olive. Medium to full-bodied,  with superfine tannins and a medium finish. Best after 2006. 8,330 cases made.
 Wine Spectator 89 points

 The opaque purple-colored 1998 boasts a smoky, licorice, cassis, and mineral-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, powerful, yet elegant, it successfully balances complexity with an  unbridled richness and power. Very impressive, particularly in view of its exceptional  concentration, it will handsomely repay cellaring of two decades or more. Anticipated maturity:  2006-2025. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90 points

Very good earthy, wild violets, gamey Cabernet bouquet, complex. Very fine length and excellent ripeness, proper structure and superb tannins. Drink 2009-21. Decanter rating **** 4  stars

 
11. NEW Château d’Armailhac 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 5ème Cru Classé
 70.00€

 No other vineyard in Bordeaux has undergone so many name changes but now as  Château d’Armailhac it represents one of the shrewdest buys in Pauillac.  With  the work in both the vineyards and the cellar overseen by the team from next  door neighbour, Mouton Rothschild, and the grapes from predominantly 50+ aged  Cabernet Sauvignon vines, d’Armailhac is never a soft, lightweight option!  But here,  fully in its stride is a successful and seductive wine, brimful of mature & supple fruit.

Wonderful aromas of ripe fruit, spices, licorice and fresh herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine  tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Balanced and delicious. Wine Spectator 88 points

Quite deep. Lots of bold black fruit. Fine, firm structure and poise. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

12. NEW Château Prieure – Lichine 2000
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 5ème Cru Classé
 78.00€

 Thanks to its rather subdued presence in the market place, this property offers the richness of Margaux terroir at an almost alarmingly good price. The estate came to  notice when, then a mere 11 hectares, it was bought by the famous French wine writer,  Alexis Lichine, and still carries his name. 

 A solid red, with big, velvety tannins and lots of ripe fruit, tobacco and chocolate character. Long, fresh finish. One of the best Prieuré-Lichine in a long, long time. Wine Spectator 91 points

Undeniably the finest Prieure-Lichine in 30-40 years, this textured, rich, medium to full-bodied  2000 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a knock-out nose of black cherries, cassis, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and toasty oak in the background. The wine is sweet on the attack, full- bodied, and well-textured, with oodles of fruit and glycerin. This is sexy stuff that can be drunk early, but will age gracefully for 15-16 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2026. Bravo! Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90 points
 

Very good full colour, smoky, Cabernet/blackcurrant, quite concentrated nose, finely extracted  and very good ripe fruit, very ripe Merlot rounds and softens it, a very attractive, supple  Margaux with beautiful balance for the medium term. Ready 2006-2015. Decanter rating **** 4  stars

13. NEW Château Leoville Barton 1996
 St Julien, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 146.00€

Anthony Barton

 The wines of Anthony Barton, and most specifically those of Chateau Léoville-Barton, exist in a unique place; there are few wines held in such high regard by the press, the  trade and consumer alike, whilst also maintaining a reputation for good value. Add in  an amiable proprietor, of Irish descent, who has been outspoken on the matter of  Bordeaux as a wine for giving pleasure – for drinking no less – rather than as a vehicle  for investment, and you perhaps have something close to the perfect Bordeaux  chateau.

This impressive wine is a classic. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant fruit intertwined with spicy oak and truffle-like scents. The wine is brilliantly made,  full-bodied, and tightly-structured with plenty of muscle and outstanding concentration and purity Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 points

 Wild berries on the nose, with an exotic flower undertone. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and  a long, rich finish. Gorgeous red. Give it time.  Wine Spectator 91 points

14. NEW Château Lanessan 1994
 Haut – Médoc, Bordeaux, France
 Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
 42.00€

 Château Lanessan describes itself as Grand Cru Hors Classé and this refers to the fact  that one of the previous owners felt it unnecessary to submit samples for the 1855 Classification and consequently its traditional ranking as a 4ème Cru Classé was never  ratified. Lanessan is now owned by G.F.A des Domaines Bouteiller and has a  reputation for producing Cru Classé standard wines at Cru Bourgeois prices.  Lanessan is located just to the south of Gruaud- Larose and the blend is  predominately Cabernet Sauvignon based and is aged in oak barrels for 18  months.

15. NEW Château Gracia 1999
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 140.00€

This is a garage wine that has many Medoc aristocrats unsettled as well as jealous of  the prices these small gems are fetching, Gracia is produced from a 4.4-acre vineyard  with microscopic yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare and the massively dense wines are often compared favourably to the lushness of nearby Château Ausone.

The 1999 Gracia is made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 100% new oak and is bottled without fining or filtration. There are just 425  cases produced. The dense, gorgeously perfumed 1999 boasts notes of jammy cherries  infused with licorice, smoke, and minerals. It possesses layers of concentration, low acidity, and tremendous purity as well as length. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points

16. NEW Château Batailley 2000
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 5ème Cru Classé
 79.00€

The name Batailley is said to derive from a “bataille” fought 600 years ago between the French and the English on the same spot as the present property. Château  Batailley is owned by Emile Casteja of the famous negociants, Borie-Manoux, and  produces classically styled Pauillac wines with intense cassis and smoky character and  is considered one of the best value wines in the commune.

Aromas of blackberry and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a  caressing finish. Layered, beautiful and just starting to come around. Wine Spectator 90 points

 Huge colour, deep tobacco-y fruit, fat and fleshy and good oak, very ripe, spicy fruit, robust and  good concentration.  Decanter rating **** 4 stars

Black currant, licorice, damp earth, moss, and fresh porcini mushroom characteristics emerge from this dark plum/ruby-colored Pauillac.  Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 88 points

Rhône Valley

17. Côte Rôtie “La Mordorée” M. Chapoutier 1997
 Rhône, France
 118.00€
 The Côte – Rôtie vineyard is certainly one of the oldest in existence and Vienne wines were already highly reputed by Rome as far back as one century BC. Since Michel  Chapoutier took control of this long-established firm in 1988, quality has soared.
All the vineyards are now run on biodynamic principles and all his wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
 “Filtering a wine is like making love with a condom,” says Michel Chapoutier and crucial to his philosophy is the production of “téte de cuvées”, which include La Mordorée made from 60 year old vines on the Côte Blonde.

The 1997 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is an extremely expressive, open-knit, aromatic, and seductive example. Chapoutier believes it is the finest he has ever made. It is soft, accessible, and easy to understand. The saturated ruby/purple color is accompanied by tell-tale aromas of black raspberries, roasted herbs, smoke, and meat. The wine is medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic, with low acidity, superb concentration, and an intense black cherry,  camphor-like, olive component. This wine should be drinkable upon release, and last for two  decades. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92-94 points

A class act. Succulent yet ripe, showing wonderfully defined aromas and flavors, kicking with lively acidity but also delivering plenty of ripe fruit, smoke, grilled meat and leather notes.  Supple, subtle, sweet tannin structure. This Rhône red is enjoyable on release, but has the  stuffing to  age. Wine Spectator 93 points
 

Italy

18. “Cepparello” Isole e Olena 2004
 Tuscany, Italy
 78.00€

 A barrique – aged 100% Sangiovese classified as an IGT – at the time of its creation in the 1980’s, a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not be labelled as Chianti!!

It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

19. “Ornellaia” Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia 2005
 Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
 198.00€
 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is without question one of Italy’s blue-chip properties. The  gorgeous, sprawling estate is located in Bolgheri in Tuscany’s Maremma.  Ornellaia is a Bordeaux inspired blend consisting principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet  Franc and Merlot.

Displays beautiful aromas of ripe fruit, with currant, plum and blackberry. This complex and full- bodied Tuscan red has soft, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Shows a deft hand in the winemaking.  Wine Spectator 95 points
20. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 1998
 Tuscany, Italy
 265.00€

 “Unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon’s I have ever tasted, it continues to go from strength to strength” Robert Parker
Sassicaia is one of the original show-stopping Super Tuscans and is now a “must  have” on any noteworthy cellar list.

Shows its class. Loaded with fruit. Rich yet balanced, with lots of jammy and plummy  character. Full-bodied, with round tannins and a silky finish. Exotic. Sass made excellent wine again in a less than easy year. Wine Spectator 93 points

 Fairly subdued on the nose (but in fairness the sample had only just been opened – I’d love to look at this after decanting), just an allusion to prune and leather. But absolutely stunning on the palate. The spice is softly embroidered into shimmering fruit. Very very firm, sleek tannins. Terribly elegant, softly spoken and precise. Detailed and fine lined. Unending silky-spiced  length. Jancis Robinson 18 /20

21. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 2000
 Tuscany, Italy
 265.00€
Hickory, black cherry, spice rack, cedarwood and a mushroomy earthy tone to the nose.  Likewise on the palate, a funky expressive nose, like fresh compost and over-ripe fruit. The  structure is eminently accessible whilst grippy enough to keep, and is showing development  that will surely expand with age. Very good Jancis Robinson 17.5++/20

22. Barbaresco “Asili”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
 Piemonte, Italy
 125.00€
 Single vineyard traditional style Barbaresco, it shows remarkable balance and  harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant  it is actually hard to perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome  inner balance and poise.

Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

23. Barbaresco “Rabaja”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
 Piemonte, Italy
 105.00€
 A different single vineyard – just as joyously exquisite!

Wonderful perfume in this Barbaresco with flowers and ripe berries, including strawberry. Full  bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish.  A superb wine. 95 points Wine Spectator

24. NEW Barolo “Le Vigne”, Sandrone 2004
 Piemonte, Italy
 130.00€

 Multi – award winning wines from this highly regarded modernist Barolo producer in the Langhe hills – and a star studded vintage – the best of the decade – a winning combination!  Luciano Sandrone has built up a top quality wine estate from its small- scale beginnings in 1978. His Barolo is made in the modern style: elegant, attractive  and easy to appreciate right from its first years in the bottle, but with no less power  and structure than traditional Barolos. Luciano is a Burgundy fanatic (he sports a  map of the Cote de Nuits & Beaune on his wall of his office) and his wines in their  silky elegance are certainly reminiscent of the Cote d’Or’s finest.

The 2004 Barolo Le Vigne is a phenomenal effort. Sweet, long and pure, it reveals an expansive core of perfumed ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Despite its notable concentration it is made in a restrained style, showing remarkable elegance as well as harmony, with superb  length and finessed tannins on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2019.  Wine Advocate 96  points

 Aromas of dried rose, with plum and violet. Full-bodied, with fine yet big tannins and a long, caressing finish. Dense and structured. A serious young red. Strong. Wine Spectator 94 points
Spain

25. Dominio de Pingus 2001
 Ribero del Duero, Spain
 727.00€

 A candidate for perfection in the world of wine – truly one of the most profound wines ever made in Spain. Miniscule production (less than 500 cases per year) in the hands  of intrepid Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck – one of the world’s most highly  regarded and sought after wines. Peter’s aim is to produce “an unmistakeably Spanish  wine” from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo).
 

It offers great fruit on the attack along with huge body, and notes of grilled meats intermixed with Provencal herbs, pepper, spice box, cigar smoke, and copious quantities of barbecue  smoke-infused blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Anticipated  maturity: 2010-2028. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points
Power and restraint join forces in this muscular red. Alluring spicy aromas give way to a thick palate with flavors of plum, coffee, tobacco and mineral, backed by firm tannins. It remains  balanced and fresh on the long finish. Best after 2006. 500 cases made. 95 points Wine Spectator

USA

26. Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008
 Sonoma Coast, California, USA
 61.00€ SOLD OUT
Walt and Joan Flowers purchased 321 acres in the northern Sonoma Coast, high  above the Pacific Ocean in 1989 with the intention of producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a place they believed to be uniquely suited to growing them. Fresh  fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum are followed by hints of violet, spice and  pepper. Tannins are supple with a lingering finish showing cola, smoke and  strawberry.

27. L’Ecole 41, Seven Hills Vineyard “Perigee” 2005
 Washington State, USA
 61.00€
 Perigee exemplifies elegance: the essence of the Estate’s Seven Hills Vineyard – a  blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot and Cab Franc, it shows smooth, silky red  cherry and blackberry fruit, with rich, floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and  mocha on a vivid, mineral, earthy finish.
 Perigee 2005 – 92 points (Wine Advocate)

 
 Black cherry, ripe firm tannin with a leather and liquorice finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

28. Opus One 1990
 Napa Valley, California, USA
 245.00€

 Probably California’s single most famous exported wine – the co-production  between the Rothschilds of Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi in California.  Capturing the best of both worlds in a truly sublime representation of the  Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
 

Dramatic, with its ripe, rich, plush core of exotic currant, anise, cedar, vanilla and berry notes that are enormously complex on the finish. Delicious. Wine Spectator 96 points

Our Winefinder service procures wines absolutely to order from the best current sources in terms of Price and Provenance. We also take the opportunity to acquire small parcels of fine wines as we discover them throughout Europe – may we introduce our FWW Treasure Trove!

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

Whites

1. WillaKenzie Estates Pinot Gris 2007
 Willamette Valley, Oregon USA
 27.00€ SOLD OUT
 This Pinot Gris is made in a rich and complex Alsatian style, fermented in stainless  steel, with generous aromatics and a pleasingly rich mouthfeel dominated by ripe  ear,  peach and a touch of grapefruit. This wine sees no wood and has flavours and aromas  of stone fruit, orange blossom and honeysuckle with a light minerality and a crisp  finish.

2. Flowers Estate, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008
 Sonoma Coast, California USA
 61.00€
 Showing balanced depth and complexity with a light straw colour. Aromas unfold  with layers of lemon drop, pear, apricot and wet stone mineral. This vintage shows  crispness and intense fruit on the palate – lush and balanced.

Reds
Bordeaux

3. Château Pichon Baron Longueville 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 155.00€
 Pichon Baron, a leading Pauillac 2eme Cru Classé estate, is one of Bordeaux’s most  illustrious “super seconds”. The best examples have layer upon layer of unctuous,  vanilla scented and cassis fruit intermingled with cigar box and lead pencil shavings  aromas – as they require cellaring for at least 10 years, this 1996 is drinking  magnificently now!

 Pichon Longueville Baron’s 1996 has turned out to be even better than I thought from cask.  The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that  has put on weight in the bottle. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of  tobacco, new saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. This well-endowed, classic Pauillac  should be at its finest between 2006-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points
4. Château Pontet Canet 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 5ème Cru Classé
 103.00€
 A super star, great value property which borders Mouton Rothschild, owner Alfred  Tesseron is outperforming this property’s historic reputation by perhaps the greatest  degree in the whole of Bordeaux.  Shortly to be granted full eco Organic certification.  The 1996 is just starting to come into its stride!

 With coaxing, the wine offers aromas of black currant jam intertwined with minerals, sweet oak,  and spice. A full-bodied wine, it possesses layered, concentrated, sweet fruit, with an elevated  level of ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 points

5. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1996
 St Julien, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 218.00€
 A description of the land, the name literally means “beautiful pebble”: small stones  and gravel permit good drainage of the soils and that’s exactly what Cabernet  Sauvignon thrives on!

 A thoroughly outstanding wine, sleek and racy with loads of character. Intense floral and  blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral. Full bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, long  finish. Wine Spectator 92 points

6. Château Beau Séjour Bécot 2005
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 1er Grand Cru Classé
 105.00€
 In the upper echelon, and rightfully so, of Bordeaux right bank producers, but still  offering excellent value for money, even for this exquisite 2005 vintage, for its fruit  dripping, well-made Merlot based wines.

 Offers aromas of blackberry, coffee and tar, with a full body, silky tannins and a blackberry,  mineral and light vanilla aftertaste. Balanced, refined and pretty. Wine Spectator 92 points

 The bottled 2005 Beau Sejour Becot confirms that this is the finest effort from this estate in the  thirty years I have been covering Bordeaux. A classic blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet  Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is an intense, full-bodied St.-Emilion revealing notes of  espresso roast, chocolate, blackberries, licorice, and truffles. With sweet but noticeable  tannins, good acidity, and a powerful, long finish, this textbook St.-Emilion cuts a swath  between the modern school of winemaking and the traditionalists. Robert Parker (Wine  Advocate) 94 points

7. Château Pavie Macquin 2003
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 1er Grand Cru Classé
 160.00€
 Recently promoted in the 2006 St Emilion classification re-shuffle and is a property  which has really hit form in the last 10 years, producing first-class wines. Since 1990  Nicholas Thienpoint of Vieux Château Certan has been in charge of the vineyards  which he manages on organic lines.

 One of the top St Emilion’s of the vintage. Deep, intense colour. Ripe, dark fruit and licquorice  nose. Rich layered extract, velvety texture of fruit with a muscular tannic structure. Powerful but  ripe and balanced with a long fresh finish.  Decanter Rating ****

 Burgundian, liqueur-like nose – very distinctive! Full-bodied, quite soft and a different structure  from most. Fine tannins and some tarry flavours on the finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20
8. Château Bellevue 2000
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 Grand Cru Classé
 135.00€
 With just over 6 hectares planted (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc), this estate  cuddles up next to Ch Angelus and Beau Séjour Becot, this wine has been catching the  eye of wine guru and critic Robert Parker in the US – he gives this vintage a  staggering 95+ points!
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 Impressive fruit in this wine, with crushed plums and spices. Full- to medium-bodied, with super  silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A refined and beautiful wine. Best after 2008.
 Wine Spectator 91 points

9. Château Kirwan 1996
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 3ème Cru Classé
 90.00€ SOLD OUT
 An illustrious property, currently passing through a bit of a golden age under the deft  winemaking expertise of Michel Rolland.  Kirwan takes its name from its original  Irish proprietor who was, rather unfortunately, guillotined in 1792

 Pretty plum and blackberry character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish.
 Wine Spectator 90 points

 Fantastic tanginess, so rich and deep. Brooding and opulent. A stonker. 10 years+.
 Decanter Rating ****
10. Château Kirwan 2000
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 3ème Cru Classé
 104.00€
 Lovely stylish nose, oak and cassis, finely perfumed. Rich and opulent,  lush, big ripe tannins,  formidable and built to last. Tight and powerful.  Drink 2008-17.
 Decanter Rating ****

 Dense, dark nose of black fruit leading to a full palate with sweet fruit and good structure –  plenty of potential here. This is very good indeed!
 The Wine Doctor 17.5 / 20

 …shows attractive plum and berry character, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with a solid  core of fruit and very refined tannins. Lasts a long time on the finish. Very, very silky.
 Wine Spectator 92 points

Rhône Valley

11. Côte Rôtie “La Mordorée” M. Chapoutier 1997
 Rhône, France
 118.00€
 The Côte – Rôtie vineyard is certainly one of the oldest in existence and Vienne wines  were already highly reputed by Rome as far back as one century BC. Since Michel  Chapoutier took control of this long-established firm in 1988, quality has soared.
 All the vineyards are now run on biodynamic principles and all his wines are bottled  unfined and unfiltered.
 “Filtering a wine is like making love with a condom,” says Michel Chapoutier and
 Crucial to Michel Chapoutier’s philosophy is the production of “téte de cuvées”, which  include La Mordorée made from 60 year old vines on the Côte Blonde.

 The 1997 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is an extremely expressive, open-knit, aromatic, and  seductive example. Chapoutier believes it is the finest he has ever made. It is soft, accessible,  and easy to understand. The saturated ruby/purple color is accompanied by tell-tale aromas of  black raspberries, roasted herbs, smoke, and meat. The wine is medium to full-bodied and  moderately tannic, with low acidity, superb concentration, and an intense black cherry,  camphor-like, olive component. This wine should be drinkable upon release, and last for two  decades. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92-94 points

 A class act. Succulent yet ripe, showing wonderfully defined aromas and flavors, kicking with  lively acidity but also delivering plenty of ripe fruit, smoke, grilled meat and leather notes.  Supple, subtle, sweet tannin structure. This Rhône red is enjoyable on release, but has the  stuffing to age. Wine Spectator 93 points
 

Italy

12. “Cepparello” Isole e Olena 2004
 Tuscany, Italy
 78.00€
 A barrique – aged 100% Sangiovese classified as an IGT – at the time of its creation in  the 1980’s, a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not be labelled as Chianti!!

 It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing  outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it  has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to  experience this wine’s full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the  bottle. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. Robert Parker (Wine
 Advocate) 95 points

13. “Ornellaia” Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia 2005
 Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
 198.00€
 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is without question one of Italy’s blue-chip properties. The  gorgeous, sprawling estate is located in Bolgheri in Tuscany’s Maremma.  Ornellaia is  a Bordeaux inspired blend consisting principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet  Franc and Merlot.

 Displays beautiful aromas of ripe fruit, with currant, plum and blackberry. This complex and full- bodied Tuscan red has soft, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Shows a deft hand in the  winemaking.  Wine Spectator 95 points

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14. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 1998
 Tuscany, Italy
 265.00€
 “Unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon’s I  have ever tasted, it continues to go from strength to strength” Robert Parker
 Sassicaia is one of the original show-stopping Super Tuscans and is now a “must  have” on any noteworthy cellar list.

 Shows its class. Loaded with fruit. Rich yet balanced, with lots of jammy and plummy  character. Full-bodied, with round tannins and a silky finish. Exotic. Sass made excellent wine  again in a less than easy year. Wine Spectator 93 points

 Fairly subdued on the nose (but in fairness the sample had only just been opened – I’d love to  look at this after decanting), just an allusion to prune and leather. But absolutely stunning on  the palate. The spice is softly embroidered into shimmering fruit. Very very firm, sleek tannins.  Terribly elegant, softly spoken and precise. Detailed and fine lined. Unending silky-spiced  length. Jancis Robinson 18 /20

15. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 2000
 Tuscany, Italy
 265.00€
 Hickory, black cherry, spice rack, cedarwood and a mushroomy earthy tone to the nose.  Likewise on the palate, a funky expressive nose, like fresh compost and over-ripe fruit. The  structure is eminently accessible whilst grippy enough to keep, and is showing development  that will surely expand with age. Very good Jancis Robinson 17.5++/20

16. Barbaresco “Asili”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
 Piemonte, Italy
 125.00€
 Single vineyard traditional style Barbaresco, it shows remarkable balance and  harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant  it is actually hard to perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome  inner balance and poise.

 Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from  this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

17. Barbaresco “Rabaja”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
 Piemonte, Italy
 105.00€
 A different single vineyard – just as joyously exquisite!

 Wonderful perfume in this Barbaresco with flowers and ripe berries, including strawberry. Full  bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish.  A superb wine. 95 points Wine Spectator
Spain
18. Dominio de Pingus 2001 LAST BOTTLE!
 Ribero del Duero, Spain
 727.00€
 A candidate for perfection in the world of wine – truly one of the most profound wines  ever made in Spain. Miniscule production (less than 500 cases per year) in the hands  of intrepid Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck – one of the world’s most highly  regarded and sought after wines. Peter’s aim is to produce “an unmistakeably Spanish  wine” from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo).
 It offers great fruit on the attack along with huge body, and notes of grilled meats intermixed  with Provencal herbs, pepper, spice box, cigar smoke, and copious quantities of barbecue  smoke-infused blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Anticipated  maturity: 2010-2028. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points
 Power and restraint join forces in this muscular red. Alluring spicy aromas give way to a thick  palate with flavors of plum, coffee, tobacco and mineral, backed by firm tannins. It remains  balanced and fresh on the long finish. Best after 2006. 500 cases made.                                   95 points Wine Spectator
USA
19. Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008
 Sonoma Coast, California, USA
 61.00€ SOLD OUT
 Walt and Joan Flowers purchased 321 acres in the northern Sonoma Coast, high  above the Pacific Ocean in 1989 with the intention of producing Pinot Noir and  Chardonnay in a place they believed to be uniquely suited to growing them. Fresh  fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum are followed by hints of violet, spice and  pepper. Tannins are supple with a lingering finish showing cola, smoke and  strawberry.

20. WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007
 SOLD OUT
 Oregon, USA
 33.00€
 Named after the soil that defines it, WillaKenzie Estate is a small family-owned  winery dedicated to the highest expression of terroir. They make wonderful wines  exclusively from the Pinot family of grapes. This Pinot Noir offers complex aromas of  red and black fruits with attractive floral tones and a touch of spice. The finish is long  with hints of candied fruit and spice and beautifully combines elegance and  concentration, finely balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins.

21. Howell Mountain Red, Duckhorn 2004 SOLD OUT
 Napa Valley, California, USA
 87.00€
 From one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines comes  this blend (57% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, plus Cab Franc and Petit Verdot) from two  Howell Mountain vineyard sites. A wine of exceptional structure and extracted  aromatics of peppermint, chocolate, bramble, soy and ginger spice. On the palate it is  ush and mouthfilling with Howell Mountain’s signature wild berry and currant  flavours, alongside notes of taoasted marshmallow, espresso, earth, sage and  sandalwood. Extraordinary!
22. L’Ecole 41, Seven Hills Vineyard “Perigee” 2005
 Washington State, USA
 61.00€
 Perigee exemplifies elegance: the essence of the Estate’s Seven Hills Vineyard – a  blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot and Cab Franc, it shows smooth, silky red  cherry and blackberry fruit, with rich, floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and  mocha on a vivid, mineral, earthy finish.
 Perigee 2005 – 92 points (Wine Advocate)
 Black cherry, ripe firm tannin with a leather and liquorice finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

23. Opus One 1990
 Napa Valley, California, USA
 225.00€
 Probably California’s single most famous exported wine – the co-production  between the Rothschilds of Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi in California.  Capturing the best of both worlds in a truly sublime representation of the  Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
 Dramatic, with its ripe, rich, plush core of exotic currant, anise, cedar, vanilla and berry notes  that are enormously complex on the finish. Delicious. Wine Spectator 96 points

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

Whites

1. WillaKenzie Estates Pinot Gris 2007
Willamette Valley, Oregon USA
27.00€

This Pinot Gris is made in a rich and complex Alsatian style, fermented in stainless steel, with generous aromatics and a pleasingly rich mouthfeel dominated by ripe ear, peach and a touch of grapefruit. This wine sees no wood and has flavours and aromas of stone fruit, orange blossom and honeysuckle with a light minerality and a crisp finish.

2. Flowers Estate, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2007
Sonoma Coast, California USA
61.00€
Showing balanced depth and complexity with a light straw colour. Aromas unfold with layers of lemon drop, pear, apricot and wet stone mineral. This vintage shows crispness and intense fruit on the palate – lush and balanced.

Reds

3. Château Pichon Baron Longueville 1996
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
130.00€

Pichon Baron, a leading Pauillac 2eme Cru Classé estate, is one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious “super seconds”. The best examples have layer upon layer of unctuous, vanilla scented and cassis fruit intermingled with cigar box and lead pencil shavings aromas – as they require cellaring for at least 10 years, this 1996 is drinking magnificently now!
Pichon Longueville Baron’s 1996 has turned out to be even better than I thought from cask. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that has put on weight in the bottle. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of tobacco, new saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. This well-endowed, classic Pauillac should be at its finest between 2006-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points

4. “Cepparello” Isole e Olena 2004
Tuscany, Italy
70.00€
A barrique – aged 100% Sangiovese classified as an IGT – at the time of its creation in the 1980’s, a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not be labelled as Chianti!!

It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to experience this wine’s full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the bottle. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

5. Barbaresco “Asili”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
Piemonte, Italy
115.00€
Single vineyard traditional style Barbaresco, it shows remarkable balance and harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant it is actually hard to perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome inner balance and poise.

Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

6. Barbaresco “Rabaja”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
Piemonte, Italy
95.00€
A different single vineyard – just as joyously exquisite!

Wonderful perfume in this Barbaresco with flowers and ripe berries, including strawberry. Full bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish. A superb wine. 95 points Wine Spectator

7. Dominio de Pingus 2001
Ribero del Duero, Spain
727.00€
A candidate for perfection in the world of wine – truly one of the most profound wines ever made in Spain. Miniscule production (less than 500 cases per year) in the hands of intrepid Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck – one of the world’s most highly regarded and sought after wines. Peter’s aim is to produce “an unmistakeably Spanish wine” from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo).

It offers great fruit on the attack along with huge body, and notes of grilled meats intermixed with Provencal herbs, pepper, spice box, cigar smoke, and copious quantities of barbecue smoke-infused blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

Power and restraint join forces in this muscular red. Alluring spicy aromas give way to a thick palate with flavors of plum, coffee, tobacco and mineral, backed by firm tannins. It remains balanced and fresh on the long finish. Best after 2006. 95 points Wine Spectator

8. Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008
Sonoma Coast, California, USA
61.00€
Walt and Joan Flowers purchased 321 acres in the northern Sonoma Coast, high above the Pacific Ocean in 1989 with the intention of producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a place they believed to be uniquely suited to growing them. Fresh fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum are followed by hints of violet, spice and pepper. Tannins are supple with a lingering finish showing cola, smoke and strawberry.

9. WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007
Oregon, USA
33.00€
Named after the soil that defines it, WillaKenzie Estate is a small family-owned winery dedicated to the highest expression of terroir. They make wonderful wines exclusively from the Pinot family of grapes. This Pinot Noir offers complex aromas of red and black fruits with attractive floral tones and a touch of spice. The finish is long with hints of candied fruit and spice and beautifully combines elegance and concentration, finely balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins.

10. Howell Mountain Red, Duckhorn 2004
Napa Valley, California, USA
87.00€
From one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines comes this blend (57% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, plus Cab Franc and Petit Verdot) from two Howell Mountain vineyard sites. A wine of exceptional structure and extracted aromatics of peppermint, chocolate, bramble, soy and ginger spice. On the palate it is lush and mouthfilling with Howell Mountain’s signature wild berry and currant flavours, alongside notes of toasted marshmallow, espresso, earth, sage and sandalwood. Extraordinary!

11. L’Ecole 41, Seven Hills Vineyard “Perigee” 2005
Washington Satate, USA
61.00€
Perigee exemplifies elegance: the essence of the Estate’s Seven Hills Vineyard – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot and Cab Franc, it shows smooth, silky red cherry and blackberry fruit, with rich, floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and mocha on a vivid, mineral, earthy finish.

Perigee 2005 – 92 points (Wine Advocate)

Over to the Rhône and the Estate we used for our Grape Escape tour, the fabulous Domaine de Mourchon for warm hearted juicy Grenache and Syrah based stunners. We’ve listed their luscious rosé “Loubie” at 7.25€ (something a bit more intense and punchy than our delicate Provence flowers), their eminently quaffable “Tradition” at 8.75€, a Côtes du Rhône – Villages – peppery, packed with berry fruit and smooth as silk, and their incredibly dense and brambly Grande Réserve at 15.00€. As a special introduction to our new list, we are offering a case of 12 of the superb 2006 Grande Réserve for the price of 11 bottles, representing a saving of 1.25€ per bottle! Amongst other projects with the McKinlay family at Domaine de Mourchon, we are working on developing a trio of wines to package specially for Nice Rugby Club for their next season – we’ll keep you posted as we progress.

Reading this, you’d think our wine list was all French – but think again! We really enjoy setting ourselves the challenge of sourcing non French wine here in France. I believe French customs officers think we are a bit bonkers when we go to them with various paperwork to import wines from other countries – “surely we ‘ave enough wine ‘ere??” But scour the globe we do, and the list now has wines from New Zealand, Chile, Germany, California, Spain and much more. We are particularly looking forward to sharing Delta Vineyards exquisite strawberry scented Pinot Noir from Marlborough (19.50€) with you and introducing you to the wonders of the grape variety Alvarinho from Vinho Verde DO in Portugal (16.00€) – the most perfect seafood wine ever. Also, banish memories of sickly Liebfraumilch which has done so much damage to Germany’s image in the wine world – we have two of Ernie Loosens wondrous Rieslings from the Mosel to tempt you – a spine-tingly yummy Kabinett from the Erdener Treppchen vineyard that is all apples and honey at (14.75€) and heavenly, spicy nectarine filled ethereally enchanting Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese (18.75€)

On the whole, we have chosen just a couple of wines to star on our list, but we can usually get other wines from the same producers – just ask. The list itself also has Food Matching suggestions and full descriptions of what to expect from each wine. Also new for Summer 2010 is our FWW Treasure Trove – a small selection of parcels of “ready to drink” Fine Wines, mostly Bordeaux. These wines will change and come and go, so when you spot something you think is an amazing bargain from say, St Emilion, in the Trove you best snap it up as we cannot promise to find the same again. This will be appearing as a special section on the Wine List page – just as soon as our web wizard, Ben from Pure Design International can magic it up for us.

That’s it folks! Fine Wine Works is signing off for 2009 – your last chance to share any quality time with us is at our New Year’s Eve event in Cannes on 31st December (check out our Forthcoming Events page for details).

Bon Fete!

Helen Brotherton
22.12.09

Our morning ritual is no longer driven by the need to revise furiously (Nigel) nor to put the finishing touches to a lesson plan or double check a Wine fact (Helen) in the magnificent Hugh Johnson “Wine Atlas” or to confirm the ampelography and parentage or synonym of a particular grape variety with Jancis Robinson’s excellent “Vine’s Grapes and Wines”. Nor indeed, is the kitchen a buzz with late night cooking madness that is us setting out to provide a first class lunch for all the students each day as a welcome respite from the intense vinous absorption of knowledge and wine itself. I have to say, though, that the FWW lunches during a Wine Course have become almost legendary as I try and match a menu to the wines we are likely to have opened during that mornings Sessions.

During the Advanced course we dined on a Seafood Lasagne with various dregs of Chablis and Chassagne Montrachet; a classic Coq au Vin with a passable Nuits St Georges and my Sweet and Sour Pork met its match with a selection of Rieslings from Germany, Alsace and Australia. The last day (yup, the “big Exam in the afternoon” day) of the course gave me the dilemma of the last two course work sessions being Fortified (Sherries and Ports etc) and Spirits. Not ideal as a match for Lunch! However, we’d skipped tasting the two Greek wines in a previous session as the WSET had reviewed and revised some of the Wine regions before this new academic year and Greece, alas, had fallen from grace and was no longer part of the mandatory tastings. I had, however, already purchased said wines as the course had originally been planned for earlier this year in June – you have to be one step ahead with sourcing some of the wines for these courses…have you tried picking up Greek wines here in France?? So, a flash of inspiration and the final days “brain food” consisted of a Meze of the usual Taramasolata, Hummous, stuffed Vine Leaves and a particularly garlicky home-made Tzsatziki. Then I griddled some Oregano Marinated Lamb with Olive Oil for a sort of Souvlaki, served with a big, fresh and juicy Greek Salad of Feta, Tomato and Cucumber. The Greek white, a Vilana from the Peloponnese was a bit underwhelming but the Xynomavro from Naoussa hit the spot superbly. I think, having checked the candidate’s Answer Sheets and assessed the Practical Blind Tasting element of the exam, that “a little of taste of Corfu” at lunchtime prepared the students admirably for their arduous 2 hour long exam. The papers themselves were couriered back to London for final marking, so we shall just have to wait with baited breath for the results!

One final “share” with you all: the intriguing results of a little Champagne tasting we did on the penultimate day! You are probably aware by now, that we are the sole representatives of Vilmart champagnes here on the Côte d’Azur and so convinced are of their sheer quality and “wow” factor that we wanted to “blind taste” them head to head with market leaders in their particular category. As we had a room full of Wine Professionals and Yacht Crew, all candidates for the course and as we had to crack open Champagnes anyway as part of the syllabus, we pitted our Vilmart Grand Cellier Brut NV (35€) against the standard Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV (also approx RRP of 35€). Only one vote went to the Veuve whereas the Vilmart (or at this stage it was simply Wine B) was otherwise unanimously praised for the finesse of its mousse, the creaminess of its texture and the full on elegance of the liquid in the glass. The second duo was our top of the range premium Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée 2000 (74€) versus the mighty Dom Perignon 2000 (approx 120€) – one would think that the extra Fifty smackers would have leapt out and throttled you in terms of obvious quality and class, but alas, it was a tricky call between the two of them. This time it was Vilmart’s (Wine A this time) energy and freshness which captivated the tasters against a rather vegetal and subdued DP – a bit of a triumph for our “just different” Vilmart wines. Do check out the Vilmart page on the website to get the full story (and place your orders for Christmas, of course!!)

Helen Brotherton
05.10.09