Rhône Valley & French Regional Wines

Now Available From K&L Wine Merchants... Monday Jan 15th, 2018 [View in Browser]( [Special Rhone Feature]( a string of quiet vintages in the Rhône, this historic region came roaring back with two back to back harvests that have the critics raving and collectors clamoring for more. The 2015s and 2016s, while each with their own distinctive traits and characteristics, are both notable for their profound range and depth - these are wines that are destined to reward for decades to come. The 2015s are more classically styled with a stately approach, while the 2016s are riper, fleshier, and more flamboyant. While many of these wines are truly superlative, we wouldn’t advise purchasing indiscriminately, which is why we’ve assembled a carefully curated list here, so you can zero in on the best of the best. One of the central highlights in this month’s newsletter are the wines of [Ferraton Père et Fils](. This property has long enjoyed a sterling reputation as one of the most respected and committed in the Northern Rhône. After working in partnership with the legendary Michel Chapoutier for several years, the decision was made to sell the property outright. Since coming under the full stewardship of Chapoutier in 2006, these brilliant wines have ascended to an entirely new level. From the very sharply priced [2014 “La Source” Saint-Joseph]( to the big pointed [2015 "L'Eglantine" Côte-Rôtie]( and everything in between, these are blockbuster efforts that are more than deserving of your attention. The Rhône isn’t the only story today, as we’re also featuring the less trodden regions (but no less spectacular) of the Jura, Cahors, and Madiran. The wines from these appellations range in style from the wildly exotic [2010 Domaine Dugois Vin Jaune Arbois]( to the downright delicious [2012 Château Bouscassé Madiran](. Given that they don’t command the attention of Bordeaux or Burgundy, the prices from these gems remain very approachable. For those looking to expand their horizons, we strongly recommend you delve into these under-the-radar finds [View our electronic newsletter!]( Highlights this month include... Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2016 Delas Freres "St-Esprit" Côtes du Rhône Rouge 95 $9.99 [View]( 2013 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes 93 $16.99 [View]( 2014 Ferraton Père et Fils "Les Calendes" Crozes-Hermitage $17.99 [View]( 2015 Domaine de la Réserve d'O "Hissez O" Terrasses du Larzac $29.99 [View]( 2010 Domaine Dugois Vin Jaune Arbois (620ml) $39.99 [View]( 2015 Domaine Santa Duc "Prestige des Hautes Garrigues" Gigondas (Pre-Arrival) 97 $49.99 [View]( 2015 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival) 97 $69.99 [View]( 2015 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival) 98 $99.99 [View]( 2015 Isabel Ferrando "Colombis" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 96 $109.99 [View]( 2015 Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie (Pre-Arrival) 96 $189.99 [View]( [2016 Delas Freres "St-Esprit" Côtes du Rhône Rouge]( [2016 Delas Freres "St-Esprit" Côtes du Rhône Rouge]( ($9.99) 95 points Decanter: "60% Syrah, 40% Grenache. Lovely rich opulent and floral, black berry and plum nose, the palate is big with well layered fruit, attractively firm but soft tannin and hints of oak, a big wine with a lovely finish. *Gold Medal Winner Decanter Asia Wine Awards*" (07/2017) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Saint-Esprit is a screaming value. If offers bold black cherry and blueberry fruit aromas, lively fruit flavors, silky tannins and a crisp, lengthy mocha-tinged finish. Drink this fun, bouncy little wine over the next couple of years.(JC)" (10/2017) Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 Riding the rambunctious Rhone region as I do, over the past few months I've had several customers politely inquire, "Do you have any Delas Esprit?" Well, up until a few days ago the answer was sadly "No, nada, negativo." But the New Year brings wondrous surprises, and the 2016 vintage has just landed, promising a fresh abundance of black cherry and red plum fruits, suave spice, rich licorice and floral notes, with a crisp, impressively mouthwatering finish. A promise... one bottle will lead to many more, so please, don't be shy, this is a simply brilliant everyday Rhone! Bradshaw]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 If you haven't had a 2016 from the Rhône yet, this is the perfect place to start. Priced right and delicious from beginning to end, this is a go-to red if there ever was one. Offering up lush, expressive red and black fruit, a solid backbone of acidity, and engaging notes of mocha, espresso, and a suggestion of tobacco, it's hard to believe it can be had under the $10 mark. For those who love easy-going, soft, and plush reds with a velvety delivery, the "St-Esprit" is right on the money. Go ahead and buy a case, as this is a 2016 to return to again and again. St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 A classic nose full of spice and bits of earth but shows real character. On the palate the wine's freshness is ever present in its crisp acidity, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have weight this wine is sensational at the price point and has more facets than luster, more flavors than just being soft. This is a real bargain! Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 If the incredible quality of the 2016 Delas Freres "St. Esprit" Cotes du Rhone is indicative of what you can expect from Southern Rhone in 2016-Hold onto your hats!! For under $10 I do not think there is a better value at K&L currently. This is a beautiful red wine with gorgeous aromas of red fruits, spice and mineral notes. On the palate there is a cool rush of red berry, mocha, chocolate nuances and a hit of earth. The acidity is present s well as firm tannins and admirable structure. A great value this wine is destined to be your new everyday house red. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes]( [2013 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes]( ($16.99) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Vines up to 50-years-old are the basis of this rich and tannic wine. While it does have some age, it still has a way to go. Big bold tannins show strongly along with ripe black-plum skins. The wood aging has given this wine a smooth elegant edge that contrasts with the still young fruitiness. Drink from 2021. (RV)" (07/2017) K&L Notes: Chateau Peyros is a 17th century estate situated in the southern part of Madiran. In 1999, Jean Jacques Lesgourgues bought the estate and began the process of modernizing and revitalizing this historic property. Peyros, which means "stony place," sits atop soils of clay and limestone but the vineyards themselves are covered in the large rolled stones (galets roules) left after the last ice age. The 20 hectares of the estate are farmed sustainably utilizing organic treatments while a herd of sheep walk around the property from May through October grazing the grasses between the rows of the vines and creating manure for enriching the soil. The Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Franc with an average vine age between 40-50 years. The wine spends about 12 months in oak barrels (about 40% new) before it is bottled. This is no shy Madiran. It is full of the power and texture that one associates with the region. With some decanting it is absolutely appropriate with rich dishes of sausage, duck confit and rustic pâtés. Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 15, 2018 The amazing Tannat-derived wines of Madiran could almost be thought of as medicine, as they contain the highest levels of cardiovascular-enhancing anthocyaninsthink resveratrol of any wines. Take heart, as they also possess the added appeal of being absolutely delicious. Peyros is an aromatic, deeply-structured wine, replete with flavors of black plums, cocoa powder, spices and fresh roasted coffee, with plenty of stony minerality to boot. Being primarily Tannat, tannins are still present, but with a few years behind it, this wine is crushed velvet on the finish. Uncork and enjoy with a soulful, wintry beef stew! Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 11, 2018 I am falling in love with the wines of Madiran. There has been so much forward progression in the making and styling of these wines, it is hard to keep up. I'm not the only one either. Fans of fuller bodied reds from Bordeaux, Cahors and even California are finding a lot to like here. We have had tremendous success with a few noteworthy producers but for cost to quality, no one beats Peyros. Densely packed, velvety structrue, deep dark fruit and tons of graphite minerality are just a few of my notes when tasting the old vine Peyros. The small percentage of Cabernet Franc adds a little polish but the wine never loses its focus on its Tannat roots. This is bold and savory wine that is at its most harmonious with lush charcuterie, grilled sausages and of course, my favorite winter treat - Cassoulet! Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 07, 2018 A blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cab Franc, the Peyros is one of the most interesting under French reds we have right now. I find touches of charcoal and black fruit on the nose with just a hint of leather. On the palate there is an incredibly pure fruit expression--you could draw similarities to Bordeaux or Chinon, but it has a thing all its own going on. With really mighty tannins, it is highly structured. This is pretty good right now, great, in fact, for the price. But you could just as easily sit on this and watch it evolve into something really special. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Ferraton Père et Fils "Les Calendes" Crozes-Hermitage]( [2014 Ferraton Père et Fils "Les Calendes" Crozes-Hermitage]( ($17.99) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A new wine, the 2014 Crozes Hermitage Calendes is a classic, peppery, charming and medium-bodied effort that has plenty of fruit, nicely integrated acidity and a good finish. (JD) The quality (and number of cuvées) from this estate continues to soar, and this is easily the finest lineup up of wines Ive tasted from this team. (JD)" (12/2016) Wine Spectator: "This offers a good core of black cherry and crushed plum fruit that melds slowly with light juniper, licorice and tobacco accents through the medium-weight finish. (JM)" (11/2016) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Domaine de la Réserve d'O "Hissez O" Terrasses du Larzac]( [2015 Domaine de la Réserve d'O "Hissez O" Terrasses du Larzac]( ($29.99) The Hissez O is the pinnacle of production for the domaine. Sourced from the highest-altitude, lowest-yielding parcel, the wine is composed of 60% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 5% Cinsault. The Hissez O is also aged in large, older demi-muid barrels, adding richness and texture to the wine. As with all things Reserve d'O, the farming is certified both Ecocert Organic and Demeter Biodynamic. (Keith Mabry, K&L French Regional Buyer) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 Domaine Dugois Vin Jaune Arbois (620ml)]( [2010 Domaine Dugois Vin Jaune Arbois (620ml)]( ($39.99) In 1973, Daniel Dugois bought 2 hectares of vineyard and a house equipped with wine cellars in a village called Les Arsures, where he was born. He cultivated the vineyard and sold his production primarily to Henri Maire, one of the most prominent producers in Jura at that time. In 1982, Daniel made his first harvest in his own cellars and began to sell his wines to consumers. His first ever harvest earned him his first Gold Medal for his Chardonnay at the Jura Wine Contest. Daniel and his wife Monique have continued to work on the quality of their wines and their efforts have since been recognized in many wine contests and guidebook reviews. In 2003, their son Philippe returned to the estate to lend a hand in the winemaking and in 2013 he took charge of the vineyard. Vin Jaune is the original icon wine of the Jura. Known as the "Yellow Wine" it is aged for 6 years under a layer of yeast without any topping up. This aging process creates a wonderuflly unique and complex wine that will age for decades following its bottling. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Domaine Santa Duc "Prestige des Hautes Garrigues" Gigondas (Pre-Arrival)]( ($49.99) 94-97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lastly, the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a beauty boasting killer notes of dark fruits, crushed rocks, pepper, garrigue and scorched earth. This seriously good 2015 has building richness, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish, all suggesting short-term cellaring will be your friend. It will keep for two decades of more." (10/2017) 93-95 points Vinous: "Full ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, incense, spicecake and candied flowers show outstanding energy and clarity. Sweet, seamless and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry and lavender pastille flavors that fan out steadily with air. Rich but nervy and precise as well, carrying no excess fat. Velvety tannins frame an extremely long, incisive finish that leaves behind notes of sweet dark berries and candied flowers. (JR)" (09/2017) 93 points James Suckling: "Mourvèdre steps up to one third of the blend while the balance is grenache. This has an attractive array of ripe dark cherry and blue plum fruits. The tannins are framed up with a deeper, wider shape. Try from 2020, this needs time." (09/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)]( ($69.99) 97 points James Suckling: "All 13 grapes. This has a dark fruited, blueberry and blue plum nose with wide swinging tannins. Some white peppery elements, violets, brooding dark spices, blue fruits and dark plums. Builds from the ground up. Dark stones. Impressive, powerful wine. Drink from 2025. *Top 100 of 2017*" (08/2017) 97 points Wine Spectator: "A stunner from the get-go, with waves of thoroughly seductive boysenberry, plum, blueberry and raspberry reduction forming the core, while roasted apple wood, rooibos tea, bergamot, and anise notes flash throughout. Has plenty of bass, with a Turkish coffee accent and a hint of alder driving underneath. Everything moves in lockstep through the seriously long finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. (JM)" (09/2017) 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Bottled in late July, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is an amazing effort, especially when one considers the production volume. Loaded with black cherry fruit and cola-like spice, this full-bodied, richly textured wine never seems heavy or warm, while exotic Indian spice notes linger on the finish. It should drink well for at least 20 years. (JC)" (10/2017) 96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as a blend of 30% each of Mourvèdre and Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, and theyre more and more keeping the stems with Syrah component. This is a beauty that offers more depth and richness than just about every other wine in the vintage. Blackberry, black raspberries, garrigue, spice and hints of saddle leather all flow to a full-bodied, rich, layered 2015 that has a stacked, concentrated mid-palate, ripe, sweet tannin and an undeniable opulence thats missing from too many 2015s. Marc Perrin compared this cuvée to 2001, and I cant disagree with him. Drink this blockbuster beauty anytime over the coming two decades. The Perrin family continues to knock it out of the park and have produced some of the wines of the vintage in 2015. 96+ points." (10/2017) 93-95 points Vinous: "Brilliant ruby. Spice-accented aromas of ripe red fruits, candied flowers, earth and smoky minerals; a zesty white pepper quality emerges with aeration. Sweet, expansive and energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors and a subtle touch of smoke. Completely stains the palate and shows outstanding clarity on the strikingly long, focused finish, where smooth tannins make a late appearance. (JR)" (03/2017) 95 points Decanter: "Depth and detail on the dark-fruit nose. Stylish, balanced and very persistent, delivers crunchy, spicy fruit. Drinking Window 2020-2044. (JL)" (04/2017) Jancis Robinson: "Superb juiciness and bramble fruits. Some blackcurrant notes on the palate, a very savoury cigar and cedar character and a gentle Provençal herby note. Loads of breadth and complexity. (RH)" (10/2016) Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 09, 2017 A recent visit to Beaucastel for some barrel tasting definitely showed us why this is consistently one of the best producers in the region. The 2015 has all of the beautiful rich undertones of classic CDP with the fresh lifted quality of the vintage. Copious fruit, spicebox nuances and an impeccably balanced palate of sweet tannins and underlying acidity. A wine that will drink well in its youth and evolve gracefully for 15-20 years. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)]( ($99.99) 98 points Wine Spectator: "This has a drop-dead gorgeous core of cassis and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors that holds center stage but still allows notes of Lapsang souchong tea, anise, incense and shiso leaf to chime in. Very long, with a sublime feel through the mineral-tinged finish. So seductive already, but this will cruise in the cellar. Drink now through 2040." (08/2017) 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Bottled in May, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a floral, elegant, unbelievably complex wine. Roses and violets, cherries and stone fruit, cinnamon and allspice and more are carried across the full-bodied yet almost weightless palate, finishing in a swirl of silky tannins and lingering spice. Drink it over the next two decades. Because there are fewer wines to taste at Clos des PapesPaul-Vincent Avril steadfastly produces only a single white and a single red Châteauneuf du Papethere is more time to talk. "I love Burgundy," he says, and that preference is reflected in the wines. On the other hand, "Maturity for Grenache is never under 14.5%, but it's not at 16% or 17% for me." He also allows that it's not all about Grenache, saying that complexity comes from blending varieties and sites, which he often does in the same fermentation vats. There's no oak used for the whites because he feels the wines lose too much freshness. For the reds, it was instructive to taste through various foudres to see the differences that varietal makeup and site can have on the wines. He compares 2016 to 2010 and 1990, while 2015 he likens to 2005 and 1978. You won't be disappointed in whichever one you choose.(JC)" (10/2017) 94-96 points Vinous: "(raised in foudres) Deep ruby. Hugely aromatic red and dark berry, potpourri and floral scents are underscored by smoky minerality and an exotic suggestion of Asian spices. Sappy, focused and impressively deep yet lively, offering alluringly sweet raspberry, cherry compote and spicecake flavors and a refreshingly bitter touch of blood orange. Puts on weight and spreads out steadily with air, acquiring a succulent herb note that carries through the strikingly long, mineral-laced, gently tannic finish. This beauty is shaping up to be among the standouts of this extremely successful vintage. (JR)" (03/2017) 96 points Decanter: "A superlatively elegant, middleweight, Mourvèdrerich Châteauneuf that glides across the palate like silk, featuring juicy plum and strawberry fruits, lifted juniper and fennel seed freshness. Very fine clay tannins. Intense but not through extraction; generous, but with energy and precision. Effortless.(MW)" (01/2017) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted on three separate occasions, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Paul-Vincent is a classic, elegant, and incredibly complex style of wine reminiscent of a Grand Cru Red Burgundy (Chambolle-Musigny?). Black raspberries, blueberries, incense, pine resin, dried orange and exotic floral notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, ethereally textured 2015 that has moderate tannin, beautiful purity, and a seamless finish. I compared this to an improved 2005 last year when I tasted it from barrel, but Im not sure that comparison holds today, and I struggle to come up with another similar vintage. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful wine that should be at its best from 2020-2030+. (JebDunnuck.com)" (10/2017) 93 points James Suckling: "Impressive and bright mixed summer berry and spiced cherry fruits on the nose in a vibrant, alluringly complex style. The palate delivers succulently ripe red cherry and plum fruit flavors. Plenty of weight. Gently warm and spicy finish. Drink from 2020." (08/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Isabel Ferrando "Colombis" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( [2015 Isabel Ferrando "Colombis" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( ($109.99) 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "From some of the appellation's cooler sites and 60- to 80-year-old vines, the 100% Grenache 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis is a stunner. It has a true sense of garrigue, along with dark fruit, peppery spice and rich, velvety tannins. I wouldn't turn down a glass now, but it should be even better in a few years' time. (JC)" (10/2017) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is a more open, sexy wine based on very old vine Grenache from the sandy soils of the Colombis, Cristia and Rayas lieux-dits. Framboise, incense, potpourri and floral notes all emerge from this pretty, elegant, complex Grenache that has sweet fruit, polished tannins and a great finish. Like all the 2015s, it's made in a more elegant style, yet still packs ample fruit. Id happily drink bottles anytime over the coming 10-15 years. (JebDunnuck.com)" (10/2017) 95 points Wine Spectator: "Offers gorgeous mouthfeel, with very fine-grained tannins thoroughly embedded into the core of crushed blackberry, raspberry puree and plum pâte de fruit flavors. Mouthwatering licorice snap, black tea and graphite notes drive the finish, adding serious length and depth. Integrated enough to be tempting now, but this will deliver much more after cellaring. Best from 2020 through 2040. (JM, Web-2017)" (07/2017) 92-94 points Vinous: "Lurid ruby. Highly fragrant scents of ripe red berries, Indian spices, garrigue and candied flowers; a smoky mineral element builds steadily in the glass. Smooth and seamless in texture, offering palate-staining black raspberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show a suave marriage of depth and vivacity. Closes spicy, gently tannic and impressively long, leaving lingering notes of emphatic red berry, allspice and floral pastille behind. (JR)" (03/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie (Pre-Arrival)]( ($189.99) 93-96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "As for the two Côte Rôties, I was able to taste through numerous components of his 2015 Côte Rôtie and they all possessed beautiful purity of fruit, impressive concentration and serious amounts of firm, tight tannin. All of the samples rated between 93-96, but its a backward, beast of a wine that should only be purchased by those with cold cellars and plenty of patience (but I promise, youll be rewarded for your patience). Jean-Paul and Corinne Jamet continue to fashion a staunchly traditional Côte Rôtie thats not destemmed and is aged in a tiny amount of new oak. They also make an impressive Côtes du Rhône (red and white) and a new cuvée, their Condrieu Vernillon. Regarding the 2015 vintage, this was compared to 1999 by Jean Paul, which is a vintage he disliked early on and found too over the top. He commented that it came around with cellaring. I have to agree with him, as I love his 1999.(JD)" (12/2016) 93-95 points Vinous: "(95% whole clusters): Opaque ruby. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh black and blue fruits, candied licorice and dark chocolate, with a sexy floral note adding complexity. Broad, seamless and appealingly sweet, offering intense blackcurrant and boysenberry flavors that are energized by a refreshing snap of juicy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity smoothly and finishes very long and youthfully tannic, leaving a sappy dark fruit note behind. (JR)" (04/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on: Check Out Our Blog: [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Shipping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA Click here to manage your e-mail settings with K&L Wine Merchants or alternatively, [click here to unsubscribe from all mailings]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [K&L](