Eric Rodez is the 8th generation in Ambonnay. After an informative period of travelling and working with other vignerons he returned to the family domaine in 1982. Dissatisfied with the quality of the wines that were being produced he set about changing the whole ‘ethos’ of the house. Since 1989 he has been working hard to respect the soils and improve their balance. He does not claim to be organic or biodynamic, but prefers to say that he has an ‘organic sensibility’, explaining he prefers to use a minimal amount of chemical treatment if the vines are at risk, than use an excessive amount of copper. Grass is grown between rows and yields kept to a minimum. That being said, with the average age of the vines now 31 years and certain parcels over 70, there are naturally less bunches on the vines.
Eric he has a resolute dedication to quality and an incredibly broad understanding of viticulture and vinification, gained not just from the experiences past down from his father, or learnt at university, but significantly, during his time working in other areas. He learnt the art of barrel ageing during the time he spent in Burgundy - 80% of his wines undergo elevage in wood, (although no new oak). It was closer to home however, that he fine tuned his superb skills of blending, at the house of Krug no less, where he worked for two years. He is keen to explain how crucial and skilled a process the ‘assemblage’ is. He says that the blending of two wines should not result in them fighting against each other, but that the blend should be more ‘noble’ than the individual components; it should not be ‘heavy’, but should create different expressions - like a great mille-feuille! The final and probably most important factor is his undisguised, yet at the same time, down to earth, passion. Eric loves to compare his wines with music. ‘Oh dear’, I hear you scoff. However, this does not come across as self-indulgent, poetic license, but merely heart felt, meaningful metaphors.
Rodez owns 35 different parcels and vinifies each plot and cepage separately to produce 60 different wines, from which he can create his blends. Rodez produces two distinct categories of wine. This includes a tiny production of vintage wines which he classifies as Empreinte de Terroir. These sensational Montrachet-esque cuvees are the pure expression of a single cepage and terroir. The core of his range however, comprises six wines, which are blended each year to produce the same ‘melody’, but never in the same style.
Per case ex VAT
Champagne
1995 Chardonnay, Empreinte de Terroir (per 6x75cl) The Empreinte de Terroir wines are the expression of the vintage and the terroir. Vinification in small barrique, with no mlo-lactic fermentation, no ‘industrial’ cold fermentation, no filtration, but with much passion. The result is truly sensational. A Montrachet of Champagne. Lovely depth to colour with incredible, regally complex bouquet – subtle but intense. The palate is exquisite, with multi-layers of exotic and white fruit, mineral and hints of honey. Wonderful life on the palate with clean lift of acidity. The flavours keep on surprising and evolving on the palate and the finish has an awe-inspiring length and precision. Words really cannot convey the complexity and exceptional class of this wine. (VR)
400.00
2002 Millesime (per 6x75cl) The blend here is 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, from the 2000 harvest. 80% vinification in oak with 35% doing malo-lactic. Pale lemon-gold, but deeper than the Crayeres. Really intense, concentrated persistent bouquet – very serious, mineral. Pure, intense, expressive, complex, elegantly harmonious palate – fabulous, ripe, mineral, mouth-watering fruit and fine, clean acidity. Breathtaking length. (VR)
185.00
Blanc des Blancs (per 6x75cl) Produced from 100% Chardonnay from over six different vintages. 80% vinified in wood. 25% of the blend made malo-lactic fermentation. The nose here is very different. There is stil a lovely vibrance but this has a real intensity of Chardonnay and distinctive hints of mineral. Very different, rounder, weightier palate – ripe, apply, mineral, fine acidity and fabulous complexity. Perfect balance and real lift on the elegant, long finish. (VR)
160.00
Cuvee des Crayeres (per 6x75cl) Produced from 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, from six different harvests, 48% of which is from 2004. 93% is vinified in enamel lined vat with just 7% in wood. Most of the blend has undergone malo-lactic fermentation, with the exception of 15%.The wine is pale, lemon gold in glass, with hint of green. Fine, delicate mousse. Delightfully clean, lively bouquet, floral, white blossom, citrus and mineral. Tantalizing vibrance on the palate, super , ripe, white fruit, complex, but harmonious – and light, not heavy. Really fine balance and persistent length. (VR)
147.00
Cuvee Rose (per 6x75cl) This is an exquisite rose Possessing a very natural, pale onion skin colour. Deep, ripe, intense bouquet – fresh strawberries intermingle with an array of other subtle nuances. Pure, full, rich and substantial yet with lovely elegance. Long, fine finish. (VR)
160.00
Grand Vintages (per 6x75cl) This truly amazing cuvee is the result of a blend of all the best millesimes – 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993 and 1992. From a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir, vinified 100% in oak, with just 6% having performed malo-lactic. Bottled in 2001. Ripe, pure, gentle honeyed and floral bouquet. Surprisingly ‘light’ and youthful on the nose given the vintages, but not lacking in intensity. Pure, ripe intense and generous palate, but without any heaviness. Hints of honey, mineral, floral and acacia. Amazingly complex yet with real poise and harmony. This is an amazing, complex wine, which really evolves in the glass like a great white Burgundy. (VR)
213.00
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.
