How many times I wonder, do we bemoan the fact that something is not as good as we feel it should be? How many of us actually do anything about it? Well a certain restaurateur in Santa Barbara became so disgruntled by the average quality of the French wine he was being offered in the mid 1980s that he travelled across the Atlantic to do just that. This was of course Patrick Lesec who began persuading a few well-sited estates to grow grapes and make wines his way. ‘His way’ was simple – not to make new-world wines in France, but rather to use ripe fruit, low yields and non interventionist winemaking techniques to provide a true expression of the great terroir of the French vineyards. In many instances, his initiative came at a perfect time for some of the estates that he approached: as they passed from one generation to another. The experiment was a resounding success and now, some 12 years on, Patrick manages an impressive portfolio of highly individual wines. He works very closely with vignerons whose vineyards have interesting grapes and noteworthy terroirs to help them optimise the potential of their land and vines. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration and a careful selection and judicious use of new oak is paramount. The charisma, class and balance of his wines are formidable.
Per case ex VAT
Northern Rhone
2000 Cornas 'Sarah' {Was £198.00} (Bin End) Made from 100% destemmed Syrah. From the excellent Les Chailloux vineyard exhibits aromas of roasted espresso intermixed with the animal, leather, and burnt earth characteristics of a top Cornas. With sweet tannin, outstanding ripeness and depth, and a large, medium to full-bodied mouth feel, it will drink well for 6-7 years (RP)
173.50
2001 Cornas 'Sarah' {Was 216.00} (Bin End) A classic, rich, spicy, herby nose of blackcurrant, taponade and olives. Dry, low acidity, medium tannins. Spicy and peppery with an intensity of blackcurrant fruit and a touch of oak. Still young though. More modern in style althought it retains a traditional edge. Good finish with the finish still slightly masked. (CG)
194.50
Southern Rhone
2000 Vacqueyras 'Chante de Goute' A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it possesses a deep ruby/purple colour in addition to a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, damp earth, forest floor, truffles, and spice box. Long, deep, rich, and structured, with formidable tannin to shed, it should be at its finest between 2006-2012. (RP)
123.00
2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Galets Blonds'
255.00
2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Bargeton' A Clean, fruity nose. Aromas of deep redcurrant/ berry, raspberry liquor, kirsch and herbs. Very ripe (not over ripe) with minerals and a touch of wood smoke. Dry, medium acidity, high smooth tannins, full bodied with lots of ripe, kirsch, redcurrant/ berry, herbs, spice and mineral nuances. Stunning and liquor like, seamless and concentrated. Reminiscent of Lo Givot. (CG)
403.00
2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Galets Blonds' A blend of 92% Grenache and 8% Syrah was aged in foudre, tank, and small oak barrels (about 20%). Its dark ruby/plum/purple-tinged color is followed by a big, sweet nose of kirsch liqueur, herbes de Provence, and an oil of pepper-like character. Concentrated and full-bodied, with an old vine essence to its personality, this super Chateauneuf du Pape tips the scales at 16.5% alcohol. This is undeniably one of the stars of this irregular vintage. It should drink well for 12-15+ years. (RP)
273.00
Southern France
1999 St Chinian 'Navarre' A very deep, dark nose of dense black fruit, plums, garrigue and a dried fruit/fortified edge. Pleasantly rich with a great complexity of sweet fruit flavours, toasty oak, violets, herbs, cassis and licourice. (CG)
166.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £11.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £19.26
sparkling wines £24.67
fortified wines £25.68
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
