13 Jul June Newsletter

Bordeaux Bespoke

Thanks to those who have already joined our wine club. It’s a great way to enjoy a selection of Bordeaux wines at a reasonable price. Every 3 months we will send a selection of wines for you to explore. Bespoke, meaning tailored, means you are in control of how many wines you receive. Membership brings you many other benefits including discounts, events and special tastings! For more details and to sign-up click here!

DiscoverVin June Newsletter

Thanks for opening our June newsletter. We hope that you will enjoy browsing our news, some recent reviews, upcoming events and this month’s special offer (see below). 

Lots of news this month, including reviews for 4 wines:

• 92 points and Best Import from Huon Hooke in Sydney Morning Herald for Chateau Jolys Jurancon sec 2011 (this producer also won not one, but two regional awards in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2013) $27.75
• 92 points from Gary Walsh in Winefront, for the ready to drink/pour Ch Mouiln Pey-Labrie 2006  $49.50
• Wine of the Month SBS Feast Magazine July 2013, for  Domaine Bellegarde La Pierre Blanche Jurançon sec 2009    $36
• Domaine du Cramplih Vignes Vielles 2009 (below) featuring in June Decanter magazine article on Madiran $38.40

A number of our wines have been selected for serving at the inaugural Sydney French Festival Bleu, Blanc, Rouge. This should be a great event at Circular Quay, celebrating Bastille Day (“Le Fete National”) July 12-14. 80,000 people are expected over the 3 days.

Last week we enjoyed meeting our suppliers at Vinexpo in Bordeaux. We had the chance to enjoy the hospitality at a garden party (above) at Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron in St Julien. A great night with a stunning range of wines.

Organic and biodynamic wines seemed to be on the up and up at Vinexpo. It appears that more and more growers are converting to organic production (possibly the oz industry is lagging behind in this regard).  We’ve recently written a blog on organic v biodynamic wines.

The Wine Enthusiast review of the wines of south-west France “France’s Hidden Treasures” by Roger Voss, a resident of the region, is a short but informative discussion of the varied appellations and grapes of the south-west. We were pleased to see that almost all of our south-west suppliers were mentioned amongst the top producers in each region!

June Decanter magazine published an article on the modern styles of Madiran by south-west France expert Paul Strang and named Domaine du Crampilh Vignes Vielles 2009 as one of 6 “best wines” from the region (see below). Last month, two particularly interesting articles were published about the wines of south-west France.  One in the  Washington Post and the other in the Guardian (UK).

We would also like to remind you of our wine club, Bordeaux Bespoke. Every 3 months we will send a selection of wines for you to explore. Bespoke, meaning tailored, means you are in control of how many you receive. See here for details…

Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events, but in the meantime drink well!

Deal of the month – $10 off Taste of the Tour 6 packs

We sent you an email earlier this month and we still have some packs available at this special price for our newsletter recipients….

Mark the centenary of Le Tour de France in 2013 with this 6 pack of DiscoverVin wines from the Pyrenees and the south-west of France. Six delicious French wines (including the SBS Feast Magazine, July 2013, Wine of the Month!) to enjoy as you watch the scenic wonder of the Tour de France.

New wine featured June Decanter magazine: Domaine du Crampilh Vignes Vieilles Madiran 2009 
The new vintage of this wine from Madiran made from tannat grapes has made an immediate splash with 2 reviews in the oz wine media. This week it was one of 8 wines featured in a review of the Madiran wine region by Decanter magazine. Made from old vines using modern techniques. Rich, clean & balanced – full of character, flavour and authenticity! A classic from south-west France. “Far more drinkable than some macho aussie reds” says Winsor Dobbin! $38.40

Staff favourite:Chateau Haut Peyrous Retour de Polombières Graves Rouge 2008

A ready to drink, organic, quality Bordeaux from a well-known producer for under $40? Yes! From the Darroze family who have modernised this ancient vineyard and introduced modern production. Great primary fruit but gorgeous round soft tannins.  Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and small amount Petit Verdot and Malbec. $38.50

Chateau Jolys Jurancon sec 2011 92 points and “Best Import” Huon Hooke

“The colour is medium to full yellow and the bouquet evokes citrus blossom, honeysuckle and many other appealing fragrances. The palate is delicate, seamless and gently fruity, with a trace of sweetness early, then a clean, dry finish, with balanced acidity. It’s a lovely wine but drink it soon because the synthetic stopper is not designed for cellaring. 13 per cent alcohol. 92/100”  $27.75

Bordeaux Cellar Starter Pack