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)
173.50
2001 Cornas 'Sarah' {Was 216.00} (Bin End)
194.50
Southern Rhone
2000 Vacqueyras 'Chante de Goute'
102.00
2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Galets Blonds'
232.00
2001 Vacqueyras Vielles Vignes A tank-fermented and aged blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. It is an exceptional, full-bodied, opulent, voluptuous effort displaying loads of liquorice, kirsch liqueur, pepper, and glycerin. This is a pedal to the metal Vacqueyras that represents what the southern Rhone can do so well in great vintages. The wine offers immense hedonistic pleasure. (RP)
142.00
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'
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)
151.00
2006 Vin de Pays 'Cuvee Renaissance'
65.00
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 - £10.95
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 £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
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.
