Reviews
WINE SPECTATOR - Nov
30, 2007
The
Rhône Valley: "Best in a Generation"
Château Mas Neuf Tradition red 2005 Note : 88 /100
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle red 2004 Note : 89 /100
Robert Parker Jr. — The Wine Advocate -- Issue 156 — Dec. 2004
Rasteau "A la Gloire de Mon Père" 2003 -- Rating 90-92
“Impressive. Structured with loads of tannin as well as a big sweet, chocolatey nose with notions of scortched earth, ripe black cherry fruit and a candied sweetness, this is an opulent, full-throttle Cotes du Rhone-Villages with soft tannin and high glycerin, alcohol and structure. It is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mouvedre that should drink well for a decade."
Our winemakers
featured in the
Avec des si… Vin de pays d'Oc 2004 **
Pascal Granger
Chénas 2006 **
Super Reviews for Jean-Pierre et Michel Auvigue
To go along with two wonderful citations in the 2008 Hachette:
Saint Veran Les Chenes 2006 *** Coup de Coeur!
Macon Solutre Héritiers Cuvée Naturale 2006 ***
Pouilly-Fuissé Les Chailloux 2006 - Two Gold Medals: Vinum Prowein 2206 in Zurich and Concours 2007 in Macon
Le Gibert & Gaillard Guide 2008
Pouilly-Fuissé Vieilles-Vignes 2005 - 90/100
Saint Veran Les chenes 2005 - 85/100
David Lawrason's Wine Blog features
Pascal Granger
It is a real pleasure to welcome David 'back to the future.
He will once again be focused on wine available in Ontario and we're delighted to have the 'original Wine Access Guy' back!
From his recent ' wine blog' for Toronto Life:
Granger 2004 Julienas Cuvee Speciale ***1/2
" A slender, tidy, nicely complex gamay from a vintage considered “typical" or "classic” — which is vigneron-speak for a cooler,
perhaps slightly more difficult vintage than they would really like, especially framed by recent memory of the big 2003s.
I was beguiled by the gentle fragrance here, the seamless integration of fruit, herbs, earth. "
for more:
http://www.torontolife.com/blogs/wine/2006/nov/20/real-beaujolais/
Château Mas Neuf — Tradition Rouge Costières de Nîmes 2004
Jancis Robinson reviews Château Mas Neuf
Château Mas Neuf Tradition red 2005 Note : 88 /100
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle red 2004 Note : 89 /100
Robert Parker Jr. — The Wine Advocate -- Issue 156 — Dec. 2004
Rasteau "A la Gloire de Mon Père" 2003 -- Rating 90-92
“Impressive. Structured with loads of tannin as well as a big sweet, chocolatey nose with notions of scortched earth, ripe black cherry fruit and a candied sweetness, this is an opulent, full-throttle Cotes du Rhone-Villages with soft tannin and high glycerin, alcohol and structure. It is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mouvedre that should drink well for a decade."
Our winemakers
featured in the
2008
Hachette Guide des Vins
The Hachette Guide,
the eldest and the premier
French wine
guide, celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2005.
The 2008 edition features 10,000 wines chosen from 35,000 submitted. The juried tastings are blind and a significant number of the panel members are winemakers themselves.
Simply being cited in the Guide places the wine in the top 29% of wines submitted,
and the rating system can add as many as three stars if enough of the jury agrees.
A Coup de coeur is offered to those rare wines that ‘steal the hearts’ of the entire panel.
The 2008 edition features 10,000 wines chosen from 35,000 submitted. The juried tastings are blind and a significant number of the panel members are winemakers themselves.
Simply being cited in the Guide places the wine in the top 29% of wines submitted,
and the rating system can add as many as three stars if enough of the jury agrees.
A Coup de coeur is offered to those rare wines that ‘steal the hearts’ of the entire panel.
Virtually all of
our producers are
cited in the 2008 Edition, and all are regularly cited in the Guide.
Here is a
quick
summary of the citations; we will add the reviews to the website as we
find
the time to translate them.
Jean-Pierre
et Michel Auvigue
Saint Veran Les Chenes 2006 *** Coup de Coeur!
Macon Solutre Héritiers Cuvée Naturale 2006 ***
Saint Veran Les Chenes 2006 *** Coup de Coeur!
Macon Solutre Héritiers Cuvée Naturale 2006 ***
Grès
Saint Paul
Muscat de Lunel - Sevillane 2006 ** Coup de Coeur!
Grès de Montpellier - Antonin 2005 **
Château Mas NeufMuscat de Lunel - Sevillane 2006 ** Coup de Coeur!
Grès de Montpellier - Antonin 2005 **
Avec des si… Vin de pays d'Oc 2004 **
Pascal Granger
Chénas 2006 **
Vitteaut-Alberti
-- Crémant du Bourgogne
Blanc Brut 2004 **
Chateau du Coing de Saint Fiacre
Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2006 *
Grande Fief de la Cormeraie
Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2006 *
Domaine du Traginer
Banyuls Rimage Mise Tardive 2003 *
Rasteau Cuvée Paul Emile 2005 *
Rasteau-Villages 2004
Domaine de la Camarette
Cotes du Ventoux Armonia Rouge 2005
Blanc Brut 2004 **
Chateau du Coing de Saint Fiacre
Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2006 *
Grande Fief de la Cormeraie
Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2006 *
Domaine du Traginer
Banyuls Rimage Mise Tardive 2003 *
Domaine A.
Cailbourdin
Pouilly-Fumé Tryptique 2006 *
Pouilly-Fumé Boisfleury 2006 *
Pouilly-Fumé Tryptique 2006 *
Pouilly-Fumé Boisfleury 2006 *
Rolly
Gassmann
Gewurtztraminer Stegreben de Rorschwihr 2005 *
Pinto Gris Rotleibel de Rorschwihr 2005 *
Domaine Bressy-Masson
Gewurtztraminer Stegreben de Rorschwihr 2005 *
Pinto Gris Rotleibel de Rorschwihr 2005 *
Rasteau Cuvée Paul Emile 2005 *
Rasteau-Villages 2004
Domaine de la Camarette
Cotes du Ventoux Armonia Rouge 2005
Domaine Romanesca
Moulin-à-Vent 2006Super Reviews for Jean-Pierre et Michel Auvigue
To go along with two wonderful citations in the 2008 Hachette:
Saint Veran Les Chenes 2006 *** Coup de Coeur!
Macon Solutre Héritiers Cuvée Naturale 2006 ***
Pouilly-Fuissé Les Chailloux 2006 - Two Gold Medals: Vinum Prowein 2206 in Zurich and Concours 2007 in Macon
Le Gibert & Gaillard Guide 2008
Pouilly-Fuissé Vieilles-Vignes 2005 - 90/100
Saint Veran Les chenes 2005 - 85/100
David Lawrason's Wine Blog features
Pascal Granger
It is a real pleasure to welcome David 'back to the future.
He will once again be focused on wine available in Ontario and we're delighted to have the 'original Wine Access Guy' back!
From his recent ' wine blog' for Toronto Life:
Granger 2004 Julienas Cuvee Speciale ***1/2
" A slender, tidy, nicely complex gamay from a vintage considered “typical" or "classic” — which is vigneron-speak for a cooler,
perhaps slightly more difficult vintage than they would really like, especially framed by recent memory of the big 2003s.
I was beguiled by the gentle fragrance here, the seamless integration of fruit, herbs, earth. "
for more:
http://www.torontolife.com/blogs/wine/2006/nov/20/real-beaujolais/
Château Mas Neuf — Tradition Rouge Costières de Nîmes 2004
International
Value Wine Awards 2006 (wines under $25) —
Flight Highlight in 'Best Red Blends' & 'France's Best Red', Rating 89. Wine Access Magazine.
Flight Highlight in 'Best Red Blends' & 'France's Best Red', Rating 89. Wine Access Magazine.
Jancis Robinson reviews Château Mas Neuf
Tradition Rouge Costières de Nîmes
“I tasted this wine [the 2003] in a
small line-up of Languedoc 2003s,
including the famous Mas de Daumas Gassac
hailed in Mondovino … The Mas Neuf was the bottle I chose to take from the tasting table to the dining table.”
Jancis Robinson, The Purple Pages, 17 May 2005.
hailed in Mondovino … The Mas Neuf was the bottle I chose to take from the tasting table to the dining table.”
Jancis Robinson, The Purple Pages, 17 May 2005.
Robert
Parker Jr. reviews Château Mas Neuf
Tradition Rouge Costières de Nîmes 2003
Tradition Rouge Costières de Nîmes 2003
- Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (Issue 163) - 87 pts.
Cuvée Compostelle Rouge Costières de Nîmes 2003
“… 70% Grenache and equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah. It exhibits sweet black cherry and cassis fruit interwoven with notes of garrigue, spicy vanillin, and peppery licorice. Medium-bodied and round, with a good finish, it should drink well for 2-3 years.”
- Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (Issue 163) - 90 pts.
Our winemakers
featured in the
2007
Hachette Guide des Vins
The Hachette Guide,
the eldest and the premier
French wine
guide, celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2005.
The 2007 edition features 10,000 wines chosen from 35,000 submitted. The juried tastings are blind and a significant number of the panel members are winemakers themselves.
Simply being cited in the Guide places the wine in the top 30% of wines submitted,
and the rating system can add as many as three stars if enough of the jury agrees.
A Coup de coeur is offered to those rare wines that ‘steal the hearts’ of the entire panel.
The 2007 edition features 10,000 wines chosen from 35,000 submitted. The juried tastings are blind and a significant number of the panel members are winemakers themselves.
Simply being cited in the Guide places the wine in the top 30% of wines submitted,
and the rating system can add as many as three stars if enough of the jury agrees.
A Coup de coeur is offered to those rare wines that ‘steal the hearts’ of the entire panel.
Virtually all of
our producers are
cited in the 2007 Edition, and all are regularly cited in the Guide.
Here is a
quick
summary of the citations; we will add the reviews to the website as we
find
the time to translate them.
Pascal
Granger
Chénas 2005 *** Coup de Coeur!
Julienas Cuvée Spéciale 2005*
Chénas 2005 *** Coup de Coeur!
Julienas Cuvée Spéciale 2005*
Grès
Saint Paul
Muscat de Lunel - Rosanna 2004 **
Grès de Montpellier - Antonin 2004 *
Muscat de Lunel - Sevillane 2004 *
Muscat de Lunel - Rosanna 2004 **
Grès de Montpellier - Antonin 2004 *
Muscat de Lunel - Sevillane 2004 *
Chateau du Coing de Saint Fiacre
Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2005 **
Domaine Romanesca
Moulin-à-Vent 2005 **
Domaine du Traginer
Banyuls Rimage 2004 **
Collioure Cuvée Capatas 2003 *
Domaine Bressy-Masson
Cuvée la Souco d'Or 2003*
Château Mas Neuf
Costeries de Nimes Tradition Rouge 2005*
Vitteaut-Alberti -- Crémant du Bourgogne
Blanc Brut 2004 *
Domaine de la Camarette
Cotes du Ventoux Armonia Rouge 2005
Domaine du Bacarra
Beaujolais-Villages 2004
Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2005 **
Domaine Romanesca
Moulin-à-Vent 2005 **
Domaine du Traginer
Banyuls Rimage 2004 **
Collioure Cuvée Capatas 2003 *
Domaine Bressy-Masson
Cuvée la Souco d'Or 2003*
Château Mas Neuf
Costeries de Nimes Tradition Rouge 2005*
Vitteaut-Alberti -- Crémant du Bourgogne
Blanc Brut 2004 *
André
Petit et Fils
Pineau des Charentes Sélection Rouge*
Pineau des Charentes Sélection Rouge*
Domaine A.
Cailbourdin
Pouilly-Fumé Les Cris 2005 *
Pouilly-Fumé Les Cris 2005 *
Grand
Fief de la Cormeraie
Muscadet S & M sur lie 2005 *
Muscadet S & M sur lie 2005 *
Rolly
Gassmann
Auxerrois Moenchreben de Rorschwihr SGN 2003*
Auxerrois Moenchreben de Rorschwihr SGN 2003*
Domaine de la Camarette
Cotes du Ventoux Armonia Rouge 2005
Domaine du Bacarra
Beaujolais-Villages 2004
Jean-Pierre et Michel Auvigue
Pouilly-Fuissé Vieilles Vignes 2004
The World of Fine Wine, Issue 8, Fall 2005
'ALSACE 2002 — BALANCING ACT'
In a blind tasting, including many of Alsace's finest cuvées, (mostly) from 2002,
Gérard Basset MS MW, Marcel Orford-Williams, & Roy Richards reviewed some 60 wines from
Josmeyer, Kreydenweiss, René Muré, Rolly Gassmann, Bruno Sorg, Trimbach, Domaine Weinbach and Zind-Humbrecht.
The highest 5 scores (and 6 of the top 7 scores; 8 of the top 13 scores)
were awarded to wines from Rolly Gassmann!
Jancis
Robinson reviews 2001s from Domaine Bressy-Masson
CDRV Rasteau 2001 "A la Gloire de Mon Père"
"Great value for a beautifully textured southern Rhône for drinking over the next nine years." (FT 19/11/05)
”The superior cuvée to the Paul Emile bottling described below comes in a bordeaux-shaped bottle and smells intensely gamey and intense yet has very fine tannins. Ripe and rich and soothing, this one should run and run and presumably has even more tannin than the Paul Emile but the weight of fruit disguises them better in this bottling. Lovely texture. Great value.”
17.5/20. Drink 2005-14. (jancisrobinson.com 07/12/05)
CDRV Rasteau 2001 "Cuvée Paul Emile"
”Low-key nose in this second cuvée from this estate and a very sweet palate entry. Quite gamey - tastes as though there is quite a bit of Mourvédre in the blend and lots of quite dry tannin. A massive wine for a second wine. Rich and velvety and satisfying although it will probably become smoother still.” 16.5/20. Drink 2005-09. (jancisrobinson.com 07/12/05)
CDRV Rasteau 2001 "A la Gloire de Mon Père"
"Great value for a beautifully textured southern Rhône for drinking over the next nine years." (FT 19/11/05)
”The superior cuvée to the Paul Emile bottling described below comes in a bordeaux-shaped bottle and smells intensely gamey and intense yet has very fine tannins. Ripe and rich and soothing, this one should run and run and presumably has even more tannin than the Paul Emile but the weight of fruit disguises them better in this bottling. Lovely texture. Great value.”
17.5/20. Drink 2005-14. (jancisrobinson.com 07/12/05)
CDRV Rasteau 2001 "Cuvée Paul Emile"
”Low-key nose in this second cuvée from this estate and a very sweet palate entry. Quite gamey - tastes as though there is quite a bit of Mourvédre in the blend and lots of quite dry tannin. A massive wine for a second wine. Rich and velvety and satisfying although it will probably become smoother still.” 16.5/20. Drink 2005-09. (jancisrobinson.com 07/12/05)
Millesemes,
No 26, 2005
Vitteaut-Alberti -- Rully
"An exemplary family house, always undeniably foremost in its appellation.
One recognizes this quickly with this Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs 2002, which certainly deserved its Gold Medal in Paris, a vintage of high range, very fine, marked by the important percentage of Chardonnay (80%) to Aligoté (20%). [It is] delicately proportioned, powerful, with the concentrated nose where the ripe fruits and the dry fruits dominate, of creamy froth and a very beautiful length.
Very tempting Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé 2002, pure Pinot Noir, dense in the mouth balancing elegance and structure with notes of dry apricot, and full body which deserves an elaborate cuisine.
Taste also Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc Brut (90% Chardonnay and 10% Aligoté); very refined, releasing a undeniable charm in its fruit and its persistence, perfect for aperitif. The entire portfolio profits from an exceptional quality-price-pleasure ratio."
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, March 2004
Domaine A. Cailbourdin Poully-Fumé 2002 Les Cris — Rating 91
Exotic fruits, earth and crushed stone on the nose, along with a Riesling-like whiff of kerosene. Ripe but juicy and taut in the mouth, with a strongly mineral flavour of liquid stone lifted by grapefruit and spring flowers.
Very long, but still a baby.
Robert Parker Jr. — The Wine Advocate -- Issue 151 — Feb. 2004
Bressy-Masson 2001 Rasteau Cuvée Paul Emile — Rating 90
The top cuvée is the spectacular 2001 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Cuvée Paul Emile. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of kirsch liqueur, chocolate, espresso and spicy wood in the background. This impressively soft, full-bodied, concentrated 2001 is delicious, complex and ageworthy. It can be drunk now, but will be even better in 2-3 years. It should last for 10-12 years.
David Lawrason, Wine Access Magazine, March 2004
Domaine Cailbourdin 2002 Cuvee de Boisfleury — Rating 92
This light to mid-weight sauvignon blanc is balanced on a razor's edge. The nose shows lifted gooseberry, anise, fresh cut green pepper, lime, lavender and mineral. Mouth-wateringly brisk, fresh and loaded with lime on the palate. Yet there is rounding mid-palate fruit and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Quenching and delicious, with excellent length.
Rolly Gassmann 1999 Auxerrois Moenchereben — Rating 90
From a small, legendary family winery in the village of Rorschwihr. Very interesting, complex aromas of stewed pear, lime marmalade, melon with mineral and honey notes. Supple, elegant and generous on the palate with an initial sensation of sweetness yet delicate and quite dry. Excellent balance and length, very graceful. Excellent length. Best 2004 to 2008.
Domaine du Bollenberg 2001 Gewurztraminer Selectionée — Rating 90
This is a very rich, ripe gewurztraminer with surprisingly silky texture. Terrific nose of ripe peach, honey, buttercups, licorice, tangerine and spice. Full bodied, sweetish yet finely balanced with excellent flavour focus and length. Flavours have real power, texture is elegant.
Domaine du Bollenberg 2001 Tokay Pinot Gris Tradition — Rating 89
Very good, traditional pinot gris with a ripe nose of fig, banana, honey and a slightly waxy-smoky character. Gentle, mid-weight palate with silky texture. Soft with a hint of sweetness, than a good bitter tang on the finish.
Very good length.
Pascal Granger 2002 Juliénas Cuvée Spéciale — Rating 89
Bright, fairly deep cherry colour. Shows a a nicely lifted, fragrant if slightly sour nose of red and black currant fruit, raspberry and dusty, haystack scents very typical of Gamay. Medium bodied, with a fine sense of fruit sweetness yet tension on the palate. Well balanced, with every good to excellent length. Some dry tannin on the finish.
Domaine Du Terme 2000 Gigondas — Rating 89
From a family domain owned by the recently retired mayor of Gigondas, the wine is now made by daughter and oenologist Anne Marie Gaudin. This shows a lovely sweet fragrant raspberry-plum fruit aromas with gentle cedar, tobacco and fresh meadow scents. Terrific finesse and integration on the palate, with a chalky, fairly tannic finish. Interesting sweetness and bitterness. Age it a couple of years.
Vitteaut-Alberti 2001 Blanc de Blancs Brut — Rating 88
Excellent value Champagne alternative. This is a very fresh, light to medium weight brut with fragrant pear, mineral and toasted almond aromas. Light to mid-weight with a firm beam of mineral acidity and just a bit sweet on the finish. Quite delightful. Very good length.
Vitteaut-Alberti -- Rully
"An exemplary family house, always undeniably foremost in its appellation.
One recognizes this quickly with this Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs 2002, which certainly deserved its Gold Medal in Paris, a vintage of high range, very fine, marked by the important percentage of Chardonnay (80%) to Aligoté (20%). [It is] delicately proportioned, powerful, with the concentrated nose where the ripe fruits and the dry fruits dominate, of creamy froth and a very beautiful length.
Very tempting Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé 2002, pure Pinot Noir, dense in the mouth balancing elegance and structure with notes of dry apricot, and full body which deserves an elaborate cuisine.
Taste also Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc Brut (90% Chardonnay and 10% Aligoté); very refined, releasing a undeniable charm in its fruit and its persistence, perfect for aperitif. The entire portfolio profits from an exceptional quality-price-pleasure ratio."
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, March 2004
Domaine A. Cailbourdin Poully-Fumé 2002 Les Cris — Rating 91
Exotic fruits, earth and crushed stone on the nose, along with a Riesling-like whiff of kerosene. Ripe but juicy and taut in the mouth, with a strongly mineral flavour of liquid stone lifted by grapefruit and spring flowers.
Very long, but still a baby.
Robert Parker Jr. — The Wine Advocate -- Issue 151 — Feb. 2004
Bressy-Masson 2001 Rasteau Cuvée Paul Emile — Rating 90
The top cuvée is the spectacular 2001 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Cuvée Paul Emile. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of kirsch liqueur, chocolate, espresso and spicy wood in the background. This impressively soft, full-bodied, concentrated 2001 is delicious, complex and ageworthy. It can be drunk now, but will be even better in 2-3 years. It should last for 10-12 years.
David Lawrason, Wine Access Magazine, March 2004
Domaine Cailbourdin 2002 Cuvee de Boisfleury — Rating 92
This light to mid-weight sauvignon blanc is balanced on a razor's edge. The nose shows lifted gooseberry, anise, fresh cut green pepper, lime, lavender and mineral. Mouth-wateringly brisk, fresh and loaded with lime on the palate. Yet there is rounding mid-palate fruit and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Quenching and delicious, with excellent length.
Rolly Gassmann 1999 Auxerrois Moenchereben — Rating 90
From a small, legendary family winery in the village of Rorschwihr. Very interesting, complex aromas of stewed pear, lime marmalade, melon with mineral and honey notes. Supple, elegant and generous on the palate with an initial sensation of sweetness yet delicate and quite dry. Excellent balance and length, very graceful. Excellent length. Best 2004 to 2008.
Domaine du Bollenberg 2001 Gewurztraminer Selectionée — Rating 90
This is a very rich, ripe gewurztraminer with surprisingly silky texture. Terrific nose of ripe peach, honey, buttercups, licorice, tangerine and spice. Full bodied, sweetish yet finely balanced with excellent flavour focus and length. Flavours have real power, texture is elegant.
Domaine du Bollenberg 2001 Tokay Pinot Gris Tradition — Rating 89
Very good, traditional pinot gris with a ripe nose of fig, banana, honey and a slightly waxy-smoky character. Gentle, mid-weight palate with silky texture. Soft with a hint of sweetness, than a good bitter tang on the finish.
Very good length.
Pascal Granger 2002 Juliénas Cuvée Spéciale — Rating 89
Bright, fairly deep cherry colour. Shows a a nicely lifted, fragrant if slightly sour nose of red and black currant fruit, raspberry and dusty, haystack scents very typical of Gamay. Medium bodied, with a fine sense of fruit sweetness yet tension on the palate. Well balanced, with every good to excellent length. Some dry tannin on the finish.
Domaine Du Terme 2000 Gigondas — Rating 89
From a family domain owned by the recently retired mayor of Gigondas, the wine is now made by daughter and oenologist Anne Marie Gaudin. This shows a lovely sweet fragrant raspberry-plum fruit aromas with gentle cedar, tobacco and fresh meadow scents. Terrific finesse and integration on the palate, with a chalky, fairly tannic finish. Interesting sweetness and bitterness. Age it a couple of years.
Vitteaut-Alberti 2001 Blanc de Blancs Brut — Rating 88
Excellent value Champagne alternative. This is a very fresh, light to medium weight brut with fragrant pear, mineral and toasted almond aromas. Light to mid-weight with a firm beam of mineral acidity and just a bit sweet on the finish. Quite delightful. Very good length.