July arrivals - FRANCE

It wasn't pretty, but I was able to book passage for 2 more containers worth of French wines, which will arrive in Seattle mid-Julyish. Better late than never!

LOIRE:

CAVE DE SAUMUR
2006 Saumur Blanc Sec "Reserve des Vignerons" - this is the last batch of the 2006 which is a rather lovely and classic example.
2007 Cabernet de Saumur Rosé "Reserve des Vignerons" - "Cabernet" rosés are the dryest examples in Anjou- the Cabernet is of course the Franc.
2006 Saumur Rouge "Reserve des Vignerons" - Even coming after the opulent 2005, the 2006 is no disappointment, good color and plenty of fruit.

CLOS CHATEAU GAILLARD - Biodynamic "demeter" since 1992 - way before it was 'cool'.
N/V Touraine Sparkling white "Charlette Voyant" - Chenin and Chardonnay create a superb sparkler at this price range.
N/V Touraine Gamay - in litre bottles, this 'multivintage' cuvee is meant to be a nonpretentious biodynamic foodstuff at your table with friends.
2006 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc - I had more positive response on this wine, it really redefined what Touraine Sauvignon could mean for a lot of people.
2007 Touraine-Mesland Blanc - a unique blend of 70% Chenin and 30% Chardonnay
2007 Touraine-Mesland Rosé - 100% gamay and oh, so juicy!
2006 Touraine Mesland Rouge - Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Malbec combine to offer excellent fruit, structure and value.

CLOS SAINT FIACRE
2006 Orléans-Cléry Rouge (90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon *** Coup de Coeur Guide Hachette. This is serious wine-geek wine.

LANGUEDOC

VIGNERONS DE CASCASTEL
-Here is a great source for excellent Corbieres at prices that remain ridiculously low.
2007 Corbières Blanc "Jean de Cascastel" - 85% Macabeu 15% Grenache Blanc
2007 Corbières Rosé "Jean de Cascastel" - 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
2005 Corbières Rouge "Jean de Cascastel" - 45% Grenache, 45% Carignan, 10% Syrah

DOMAINE DE LA REYNARDIERE - I dealt with these guys back in the 90s and this just proves that in some cases, the 'old' ways are indeed best - or at least the best deal! I tasted these wines at Vinisud with one of Seattle's major buyers and we had to do a double take when Monsieur Megé told us the prices...
2007 VDP Coteaux de Murviel Rosé Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, this is possibly the best rosé I have EVER seen at this price.
2006 VDP Coteaux de Murviel Rouge
TBC - 65% Merlot, 35% Carignan - delightfully uncomplicated easy drinker.

RHONE

DOMAINE RIGOT - returned from a long absence, Rigot's CDP-esque CDRs really deliver the goods.
2007 VDP Principauté d'Orange Rouge - Everybody's favorite Cotes du Rhone alike is available both in 750ml and 5L BIBs!
2006 Cotes du Rhone Rouge "Jean-Baptiste Rigot" 5L BIB
2005 Cotes du Rhone Rouge "Prestige des Garrigues"
2007 Grenache Grape Juice

DOMAINE MARTIN - multiple gold medals yearly from Eric Martin!
2007 VDP Vaucluse Rouge
2005 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Plan de Dieu
2005 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Cairanne
2006 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Rasteau

DOMAINE LA ROCALIERE Severine Lemoine is a talented young (<30) winemaker who has taken dad's journeyman style to a new level of elegance
2007 Lirac Blanc
2007 Tavel
2005 Lirac Rouge