June French Arrivals

CHATEAU LES BERTRANDS

I 'discovered' this estate back in 2000 at a Bordeaux satellite trade show in France. Bertrands wines are always dark, lush and quite delightful examples. The Chateau's regularity of quality over the years is really quite exceptional.

2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC - 85% sauvignon blanc, 15% muscadelle. Super attractive with nice weight.
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "TRADITION" - Those of you who enjoyed the 2000 and 2002 will find a lot to like here in this lusty claret, composed of 70% merlot and 30% Cab. Franc. Very deep, with cassis and other dark fruits.
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" - Those of you who enjoyed the 2001 will find much more to like here in this hedonistic example, composed of 60% merlot and 35% Cab. Sauv., 5% Cab. Franc. Very deep, with cassis and other dark fruits on a frame of velvety tannins, with delicate and judicious oak. One of the best QPR wines I've seen in ages!
2003 BLAYE ROUGE "NECTAR DES BERTRANDS" - Sorry, SOLD OUT. There will be 2004 down the road...

CH. MERCIER
- Philippe Chéty of Mercier is the originator of the minimally interventionist "culture raisonée" philosophy. The wines are regulars in the various Winner's Circles.

2003 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE "PRESTIGE" - Those who loved the 2001 will be delighted to discover the 2003, also a Gold medal winner at the Paris Concours Général.
2003 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE "CLOS DU PIAT" - Those who fondly remember the 2000 will be delighted with this fine claret.

VIGNOBLES JEAN PETIT
-These two fine libournais wines make their return to Seattle with the triumphant 2003s.
2003 COTES DE CASTILLON CH. LA BRANDE - Juicy, dusty, superb 'baby' St-Emilion.
2003 SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU CH. MANGOT - Gold medal winner at the 2005 CVI Competition. That's the "Concours des Vignerons Independants", wines produced under the "Vigneron Independant" label.. Looking for a superb SEGC at a great price? look no further.

CH. FERRAN
- A new estate and a new category for Millesime - Pessac Leognan. Ferran is not to be confused with the more widely available Ferrande. These are extremely limited, special wines that I am proud to bring in for you!
2004 PESSAC LEOGNAN BLANC
2003 PESSAC LEOGNAN ROUGE - Sorry, sold out! I will try and get more of this delightful Graves.

CH. LYNCH MOUSSAS
What's this? A Cru Classé? OK it's only a fifth growth but Lynch Moussas was a real overachiever in 2003, getting a ***** Decanter award along with Cos and Latour - with special mention for value, unlike those two. Parker has traditionally hated this wine as the style is rather more English than what he typically likes but he grudgingly gave 88 to the 2003.
2003 PAUILLAC 5IEME CRU CLASSE




TBC