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May 2008 Specialty Club
2005 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Although Burgundy has rightfully received tremendous acclaim for
the 2005 vintage, it was also a great year in the southern Rhone, particularly for
Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This small, family estate has always been one of Bear's
favorite producers, and over the years, we have had many silky reds and lovely rosés
from them. Gerard Charvin and his son Laurent own only 8 hectares in
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and they make this wine from the very best lots, mostly from 50-
to 70-year-old vines. Primarily Grenache, with some Syrah, Mourvedre, and Vaccarese,
the wine is very lush but still quite elegant, with dark fruit, licorice, and coffee flavors
and a long, smoky finish. It is ready to drink now or can be cellared for up to 15
years. An excellent match for braised beef dishes, it is $65.00 and we do have a
tiny bit more available.
2005 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
Télégramme Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc
The excellence of the 2005 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is not
limited to red wine, as you will see when you taste this gorgeous cuvée from the
region's most famous producer, the Brunier family. The winery, founded in 1898,
derives its name from an old telegraph station that stood on the Plateau de la Crau,
now considered the most elite vineyard site in the area. The Bruniers use the
Télégramme label for their wines from younger vines that are still two or
three years away from providing the grapes for their elite bottlings. This bottle
is just lovely - a full-bodied, rich wine with wonderful complexity and lovely soft
floral tones. It's a perfect introduction to the white wines of the southern
Rhone. Enjoy it now, with anything from tomato salad to goat cheese to salmon to
roasted chicken. It costs $33.00 and we can still get a bit more, although
Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites are always in short supply.
The 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet will arrive at the shop on May 2. As always,
club members have first priority and may purchase up to 6 bottles at $140 per bottle
(plus tax). Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested.
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