CHATEAU CISSAC – Cru Bourgois Haut Medoc 2004

Arguably the most renowned wines on earth, the wines of Bordeaux continue to epitomize the power and complexity Bordeaux blends are capable of. While most wines here are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, both Merlot and Cabernet Franc play important roles in adding layered complexity to the finished wines, and allow winemakers in each commune within the region to use the blend that is best suited to their unique combination of soil and meso-climate. The famous communes each have their own classic traits with elegant balance and refinement.

In 1895, Jacques Mondon, a lawyer in Pauillac, acquired several vineyards in the parish of Cissac-Medoc. He combined these different vineyards under the name of Chateau Cissac.In 1940, Louis Vialard inherited the property from his grand-parents Mondon and he set about the task of restoring the vineyards and the out-buildings as well as the family home. The Chateau is of a particular architectural style, a ‘chartreuse’ of the 18th century and is probably on the site of a roman villa.

We have  a limited amount of this wine available at a special price of only £18.99 per bottle.

The return to more conventional weather during 2004 saw also a return to a more classic style, this of course was seen generally across Bordeaux and not just in Cissac. Chateau Cissac 2004 exhibits a full purple red colour, fresh ripe dark fruit nose with hints of vanilla and tobacco, in the mouth there is a nice viscosity, autumnal fruits with fresh clean tannins, culminating in a typical Chateau Cissac elegant finish..

Domaine de Villargeau, Coteaux du Giennois, Sauvignon Blanc.

Having tasted a selection of wines poured by François Thibault it was clear to me that we had to have some. These are excellent alternatives to Pouilly-Fumé, minerally in style but full of flavour, and importantly good value too.

Domaine de Villargeau is a very young domaine, although  the vineyards themselves are not so young. Located in the Coteaux du Giennois appellation just a few miles to the north of Sancerre, the domaine came into being in 1991 thanks to two brothers Jean-Fernand and François Thibault. Their vineyards were originally classified only as vin délimité de qualité supérieure, a rapidly vanishing halfway-house between thevin de pays and appellation contrôlée levels. Indeed, by 1998 the region was upgraded to the latter level for its white (Sauvignon Blanc), red and rosé (both Pinot Noir) wines. Two years later the Thibault brothers were joined by Jean-Fernand’s son Marc, and the trio continue at the helm today.

The vineyards are located near Cosne-sur-Loire and cover 20 hectares of the appellation (of which there are only 180 hectares – so Villargeau is a major player here), although only about three quarters of this area are in full production. The soils are largely flinty, and the majority of the vines are Sauvignon Blanc, with just 4 hectares of Pinot Noir and 1 hectare of Gamay for the Thibault’s red and rosé wines. The work on the vineyard is along the lines of  organic viticulture but allows for the limited and reasoned application of chemical treatments when and where deemed appropriate. The yields are controlled through bunch thinning, and the vines encouraged to dig deep for their nutrients by the planting of grass between the rows.

We have a small amount of this wine available on a first come first serve basis….HURRY!

An absolute steal at £9.99 bottle

A HIDDEN GEM IN THE CROWN OF SPAIN.

For those of you who know me well will be aware of my love for all things Spanish. This passion for their food and wine is shared with an old  colleague, Steve Day, who has one of the best palates I have come across during my time in the wine trade. Steve’s aim has always been to find a great Rioja house that made a statement of quality that would make Spanish wine aficionados sit up and take note. Not an easy task, bearing in mind how popular and well distributed the greater wines of this region are.

In Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta he has found a jewel in the Spanish crown. Established in Haro in 1895, Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta is one of the most respected names in the region with a colourful history inexorably linked with the foundations of the local wine laws. Its wines have been exported to North and South America for over 100 years. As to why they are not better known on our shores remains a mystery to me. As soon as I tasted the first couple of wines in the range I new these were for you; full of class, beautifully made expressions of the local grapes and terroir,and with that elegance through the range that excites.

We are lucky enough to be allowed to promote these wines and after allowing one customer to sample the merest dreg left behind in the bottle by Steve, my first order was secured, a case of one of their top wines “Ventilla 71″ ( named after the street the original Bodega was built on) a real bargain at £21.99 bottle. It shows a cherry garnet rim, sweet spices, creamy oak, ripe full fruit expression, powerful, fleshy, spicy with beautifully balanced round tannins. I know that we can not all reach the top of the tree, but the other less expensive wines in the range will not dissapoint. Why not pop in and try them for yourself; like I need an excuse to open some?