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$12.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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A surprisingly lush, full example of its appellation that might disappoint those looking for more typically bright, tart, lighter Picpoul virtues. Ripe pear and honeydew melon are tinged with pungent herbs as well as bitter melon rind and pear pip, and a hint of white pepper in the finish adds further stimulation.
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
5
available
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A surprisingly lush, full example of its appellation that might disappoint those looking for more typically bright, tart, lighter Picpoul virtues. Ripe pear and honeydew melon are tinged with pungent herbs as well as bitter melon rind and pear pip, and a hint of white pepper in the finish adds further stimulation.
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$21.95
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WS 89
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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List $27.00
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89 points Wine Spectator: "[$27 list] An intense, focused white, displaying interesting notes of chalk and sea salt to the firm flavors of apple, melon and smoke. Hints of dried apricot and lavender mark the finish. Drink now through 2017. 30 cases imported. (2012)"
Producer notes: "With a production of 1,250 cases, the Bandol Blanc consists primarily of Clairette and Ugni Blanc, with Bourboulenc and Sauvignon Blanc rounding out the blend and bringing aromatic complexity and freshness. Malolactic fermentation avoided. After fermentation, the wine was aged 5 months in stainless steel tanks or concrete before bottling."
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$23.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
9
available
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Paul Strang (South-West France: The Wines and Winemakers): "The Barré family has been growing vines at Viella since 1850, and Didier represents the sixth generation... His roguish and teasing manner conceals a deep seriousness for his wines, which are regularly cited as among the best of the region. The vineyard covers about 24 hectares, partly on a pebbly-clay plateau to the west of the village and partly on a south-eastern slope over the east where Didier grows his grapes for pacherenc. Some of his vines go back 100 years."
The cuvee "Vitis MCM" is made with 100% Tannat harvested from vines planted in 1900 and aged in 80% new oak barrels.
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$17.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
1
available
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From Madiran, Southwest France. 90% Tannat, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines over 50 years old. Very ripe, rich Madiran that takes no prisoners. This wine succeeds in obtaining more fruit than tannin! The color is nearly opaque - - it doesn't get much darker than this. It displays notes of black fruit (blackcurrant and blackberry) along with just a hint of red fruit. There is a cedar-like creaminess to the oak which is extremely well-integrated. Tannins pick up on the finish but, let's face it, this is Madiran and that is to be expected. These tannins disolve when the wine is matched with richly flavored meats like leg of lamb, duck, goose or game.
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$13.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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50% Gros Manseng, 25% Petit Courbu, 25% Petit Manseng. Golden yellow with green highlights. Subtle aromas of citrus, exotic fruits and acadia flowers. Fresh attack, full palate, fruity and rich. A harmoniously balanced wine. Drink for 5 years as an aperitif, or with shellfish or other seafood.
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "This dry Rose comes from Provence, the homeland of the greatest dry Rosé wines. Drinking more like a $20 bottle, the 2012 Bieler is a gem amongst pale pinks with its broad midpalate loaded with wild strawberry and bright berry fruit." 55% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cinsault.
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$18.95
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WS 87
France
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South of France
In stock,
8
available
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List $28.00
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87 points Wine Spectator: "[$28 list] Peppery and juicy, with red plum flavors backed up by paprika and spice notes, with a zesty finish. Drink now through 2013. 900 cases made. (10/15/10)"
Producer notes: "Delicate wine with a strong minerality which is typical of this soil -- very sloping laminated schist slopes and sandy shales. These grounds allow a very deep rooting of the vines, thus limiting the effect of drought which is dreaded so much under our Mediterranean climate. 'Les Schistes' is a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Carignan. 'Les Schistes' wants to express all the delicacy and the purity of this soil."
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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'Wine of the Week,' Santa Rosa Press Democrat: "...a striking rosé with refreshing acidity and notes of currant, raspberry and mineral. It has great balance and a crisp finish. (4/10/13)" Made from 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache.
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$11.95
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RR 91
France
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South of France
In stock,
2
available
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List $15.00
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91 points Rhone Report: "[$15 list] A thrilling white, as well as an unbelievable value, the 2010 Michel Gassier Cotes du Rhone Villages Visan Cercius, a blend of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon that's aged on lees and all in concrete tank, delivers a perfumed, intense array of melon, grapefruit, green herbs, and brilliant wet stone-like minerality on the nose. Showing some real edge and cut to the aromas, the palate fleshes out and shows a medium+ bodied, textured, and full feel, beautiful purity of fruit, and brilliant acidity that carries the finish. Extremely versatile on the dinner table, this outstanding white should be purchased by the case load and consumed over the coming 1-2 years. (Sep 2011)"
70% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Organic. Aged on the lees in concrete vat. 25 year old vines. On the southern edge of the Rhone Valley near the ancient city of Nimes the legendary mistral winds of Provence -- "Cercius" in Latin -- sweep over the vineyards and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The brisk cross winds protect the grapes' freshness which is preserved during vinification in concrete tanks. Rich, ripe almost honey-like nose with prominent mineral character. Food pairing: Versatile. White meats, fish with light herb to heavy cream sauce.
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$11.95
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RR 90
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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List $15.00
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90 points Rhone Report: "[$15 list] Beautifully fresh and lively, the 2011 Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc, a blend of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon, delivers an outstanding bouquet of citrus-laced wild herbs, lime, and loads of wet stone-like minerality that flows to a medium bodied, juicy, acid driven palate that has a pure, focused texture and outstanding length. A smoking value, this is perfect for a hot summer day or for starting a meal. Given the balance and freshness, it will most likely age well, yet I still recommend drinking bottles in their first year or two. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "70% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Straw yellow with soft green highlights. Very aromatic, predominantly aromas of citrus, flowers, and flint. Medium bodied and crisp, pairs well with roasted monkfish, paprika grilled game hen, and goat cheeses."
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$12.95
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RP 90
WS 89
France
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South of France
In stock,
5
available
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90 points Robert Parker: No tasting note given. Previous vintage rated 92-94 points by Robert Parker: "...very high quality and deserve[s] readers’ attention. Hopefully my prose has convinced more than a handful of readers to try these remarkable wines from one of the most fascinating and compelling personalities in the entire wine world, and one dedicated to the highest quality."
89 points Wine Spectator: "Features powerful pear tart and spiced apple flavors, which are joined by notes of dried mango and fig. Hints of shiso leaf and tarragon show on the firm, focused finish. Drink now through 2016. (5/31/13)"
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$22.95
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WA 91–92
France
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South of France
In stock,
9
available
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91-92 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "From Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah planted in a mixture of gneiss, schist, and chalk, and vinified half each in tank and barrel (demi-muids as well as barriques), the 2009 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem - due to have been bottled in May - is scented with rosemary, sage, blackberry, mulberry, which are joined on a rich, expansive palate by marrow-rich meatiness and a striking, saline, iodine-tinged savor that I can only liken to shrimp shell reduction. (It there's a wine for "surf 'n turf," it's this.) The sense of clarity, brightness, and energy here is utterly infectious and the combination of pure dark fruits, invigoratingly pungent smokiness, and saliva-inducing salinity is bound to induce hunger - among other things for the next sip. Look for at least ten or a dozen years of stimulating acquaintance. (Jun 2011)"
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$49.95
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WA 93
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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List $110.00
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93 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$110 list] Bay laurel, sandalwood, and plum preserves in the nose of the 2006 Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape L-Ancely mingle on the palate - in archetypal Mourvedre fashion - with dark chocolate, beef blood, and sea water. These descriptions will not strike anyone who tastes this wine as being exaggerated; rather, the intensity of these flavors put this wine practically beyond imagination! Is this elegant or refined? No. If Mourvedre is inherently animal, this is a real beast. But it displays an elemental power that is irresistible, without becoming overbearing, and phenomenally rich ripeness and plush texture, without its 15.6% alcohol engendering heat or roughness in its throat-coating finish. Certainly it will be worth following for at least 5-7 years, and I would not be surprised to find it holding up well for a decade. (Jun 2009)"
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$13.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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This estate is one of the oldest and best in Cahors and their wines convey a wonderful sense of elegance. The blend is 80% Malbec (known locally as Cot), the traditional grape of the region, blended with 20% Merlot which gives finesse and bouquet. Yields average 40-45 hl/ha (about 2.5 - tons/acre.) Astonishing elegance, red fruit with spicy overtones. A well-constructed wine. Clos La Coutale can be drunk young thanks to its good fruit, but has great aging potential, between 10-20 years. This wine accompanies duck, red meat and tasty cheeses perfectly.
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$8.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
2
available
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An assemblage of local grapes from the Gascony region (Chardonnay, Colombard, Manseng, Mauzac, Sauvignon Blanc, and Ugni Blanc) gives this wine clean flavors and a fresh finish. Serve with wide variet of seafood or shellfish, or as an aperitif.
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$7.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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A blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc. Fruity and refreshing. Colombard brings exotic fruit and citrus fruit aromas, while the Ugni Blanc offers nice roundless and balance. Pair with seafood or shellfish.
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$31.95
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WS 92
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Finely balanced flavors of dark fruit and roasted meat are supported by plenty of fresh acidity. Orange peel notes mark this midpalate, leading to a luscious finish of mint and dark chocolate. Complex, with plenty of creamy touches. Drink now through 2022. 270 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault blend. This rosé shows aromas of great finesse, with prevailing notes of citrus fruits (pink grapefuit, lemon peel) layered with dry apricot, and a touch of butter. The palate is broad and complex, with flavors of spices. Its minerality brings natural freshness, without aggressive acidity. Pair with: mixed salads, shellfish, rock fish, Provençal cuisine, exotic food, cooked pork meats, white meat. This wine has ageing potential of up to 20 years. As it ages, it asserts its character and finesse in another range of aromas and flavors: honey, beeswax, dry fruits, cinnamon. With age, it pairs well with: tajine, veal sweetbread, salad with truffles, cooked eggs with truffles.
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$12.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
7
available
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Marcillac is an AOC in South West France between Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. The main variety here is Mansois, with the remainder being made up mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. In this region, Mansois produces a lighter wine with good color, hints of raspberry fruit, and a pronounced aroma of ground spice and red pepper. The 2009 vintage from Costes Rouges was selected to be featured by the Hachette Guide 2010, an indication of its quality.
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$19.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "Kaya Blanc is no 'international style' wine, but is Catalan through-and-through, composed of 60% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Blanc and 20% Carignan Blanc. The vines are densely planted (5,000 per hectare) forcing the roots to delve deeply into the granitic-clay of the north-facing, terraced vineyard near Tautavel. The exposition is important, as it spares the vines from the punishing southerly sun and preserves the freshness of the fruit. All work in the vines is done by hand. Harvest is made manually, too, with grapes being collected carefully in small boxes to be brought from the vineyard. Very light pneumatic pressing is followed by fermentation and then aging on the fine lees in third-year barrels with bâtonnages. Kaya is full-bodied, with flavors and aromas that hint at quince, spiced pear and minerals, with a creamy texture. An excellent partner with shellfish and simply roasted chicken."
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$7.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Made from 80% old vine Colombard (native to the region), plus Gros Manseng and Ugni Blanc grapes. It shows notes of melon, clean, pure flavors of citus fruit, an engaging herbaceous note, and a pleasingly dry finish. It is an ideal summer quaffer!
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$11.95
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WA 89
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Guilhem Durant's 2009 Syrah Vieilles Vignes Les Genets is sweetly-fruited with cherry and cassis; pungently tinged with resinous herbs, black pepper, and smoked meat; underlain by peat and stone; plush and polished in texture; and finishes with an exuberance and abundance of fresh fruit unexpected in a wine of its vintage, making it as usual an outstanding value, and likely to remain so for at least the next 2-3 years. (Jun 2011)"
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$18.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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This cuvée is subtitled 'Empreinte du Temps,' which could be translated 'fingerprint of time.' It is made from a small parcel of gnarled, low-yielding 130-year-old Carignan vines growing in gravelly, pebbly clay. Not only is the vine age remarkable, but so is its grape composition: Carignan is not unusual in the Roussillon, but wines that are 100% this variety are. Organic/biodynamic.
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$49.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
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Producer notes: "Blend of Grenache Gris and Carignane Blanc. Deep in the south of France, amongst the Cathar ruins, cliff drawings, and dragon lairs, lay our vineyards. Their steep eighty year old vines are nestled on black schist soils and hunker low to the ground. Battered by wind and ghosts, they are survivors, like the secretive inhabitants who came before them. This wine is a homage to the Résistance heroine with a wooden leg, code-named Cuthbert. We hope you enjoy its rich, sumptuous aromas of fleurs blanches and liquorice."
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$9.95
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RR 89
WS 87
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Rhone Report: "Bottled under screw cap and very fresh and juicy, the 2009 Château Font-Mars Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul-de-Pinet, 100% Picpoul, sports a light, golden hue to go with edgy, crisp aromas of dried pineapple, subtle honeycomb, flowers, and some green herbs. Medium to light bodied on the palate, with a smooth, focused texture, and lip smacking acidity on the finish, this excellent white will be a perfect apéritif or starter to a meal. (Mar 2011)"
87 points Wine Spectator: "A zesty white, with mineral, green apple and peach flavors that are supported by fresh acidity. The crisp finish offers some creamy notes. Drink now. (11/15/10)"
Producer notes: "Grape variety: Piquepoul. Terroir: Clayey and chalky. Pale gold, crystal clear, light green reflection. Aromas of white peach, ananas and white roses. On the palate, lively, exotic fruits. Best served as an aperitif or with seafood."
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