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THE SOCIETY’SFINE WINE

L I S T

F E B R U A R Y – A P R I L 2 0 11

Special Occasion wines from £10.95 to £750,

for drinking now or keeping and including 12 new mixed cases

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:34

A wine-lover asked to choose between Claret and Burgundy has the samedilemma as an opera-goer forced to vote either for Pavarotti or Domingo. Muchdepends on the occasion, and the adage that Claret is a wine for the intellect,Burgundy one for the senses, reinforces the importance of catering for both. Withthat in mind, consider what’s on offer in this first Fine Wine List of 2011. Underthe Bordeaux spotlight this time is Saint-Julien, a commune with an abundanceof excellent crus classés, eleven of them in total. Two of these are available invertical mixed cases on page 14, one is third-growth Langoa Barton and theother Léoville-Las-Cases, one of the ‘super-seconds’, which stands proud ofother deuxièmes crus in terms of quality, collectibility and market appeal.

Batting for Burgundy are two first-rate domaines where the baton has beenpassed to the next generation. A vertical mix of Meursault En La Barre fromDomaine Jobard, and an unprecedented six-vintage case of Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques from Domaine Mortetcelebrate the old regime while heralding the new (page 10).

However, this List serves more than any previously, as a reminder that there is lifebeyond Gevrey and the Gironde. The Rhône, for a start, and in particular thenorth, where a tour of the communes from trade secret Saint-Joseph to classicHermitage and Côte-Rôtie will please many members engaged by the warmth andspice on offer here. Loyalty for the Languedoc, now routinely part of all ourRhône en-primeur offers, is building steadily too but there is such outstandingquality and value for money here that it made perfect sense to us to round it up(page 7).

For a walk on the wilder side, grape-wise, we invite you to wallow in carignan(page 8), embrace a bit of original zin (page 17) and, while you are about it, get intouch with your primitivo side. There is nothing new about these varieties,though it may seem a bold move to put them in a Fine Wine List. Suffice it to saythat we are convinced, and to doubters we say Ridge Vineyards. If a grape thatstarted life in jug-wine mode can become a collectible classic, it’s clear that theright choreography can transform chorus line to centre stage.

Finally, should any of the above be destined to replenish, for Christmas future, the reserves depleted by Christmas past, it’s worth mentioning that The Society’sMembers’ Reserves facility is newly flexible. Find out more by reading below or visitthewinesociety.com/membersreserves

SENSE & SENSIBILITY

To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 7402222

How to use this List● Wines are listed by theme and then by price

● Drink dates are given as a guide to maturityand ageing potential

● For further information about any of thewines, or Members’ Reserves, pleasecontact Member Services on 01438 741177

● Fine wines too limited in quantity to belisted may be found in the fine wine sectionof The Society’s website atthewinesociety.com/finewine

CONTENTS page

MEMBERS’ FINE WINE FAVOURITES 3

FOCUS ON THE NORTHERN RHONE 4

HEADING FOR THE HILLs 7

CARRY ON CARIGNAN 8

A CHAMPAGNEBROTHERHOOD: WHERE SMALLER IS BETTER 9

HERE COMES THE SON: A NEW GENERATION OFBURGUNDIANS 10

SEDUCTIVE SAINT-JULIEN 13

SMALL WONDERS OF THE FINE WINE WORLD 15

CARDINAL ZIN 17

SOUTH AFRICAN ICONS 18

THAT WAS THE YEARTHAT WAS 19

Two new services for Members’ Reserves Members can now mix their own cases and place them in our temperature-controlled Members’ Reserves cellar. Any 12 bottles can be selected, stored anddrawn out when desired. See our website for more details. Members can alsoremove a few bottles of a full case stored in Reserves. Wines removed in this wayneed to be made up into 12-bottle cases using no more than four different winesfrom the member’s unmixed cases stored in Reserves. A handling charge of £5 per dozen bottles withdrawn applies. Please call Member Services on 01438 740222 to arrange your part-case withdrawal.

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MEMBERS’ FINE WINEFAVOURITES

Our regular offers of Society members’ favourite bottles tend to concentrate on everyday drinking, but there is a distinct pecking orderat the finer end of the range too. Below is a six-bottle selection of the £15-plus wines our members are not just enjoying, butrebuying too. Some of them are wholly predictable: the consistent quality and value offered by Château Le Boscq has made it one ofthe cornerstones of our en-primeur campaigns, while the unique style of Musar echoes perhaps something of the quirkiness of TheSociety itself. Our Exhibition Châteauneuf, particularly rich, spicy and generous in this vintage, has been a great hit. Rioja and Chiantialways do well at this level, but the inclusion of Oregon may surprise those who have not yet sampled Thea’s Pinot Noir fromLemelson, exclusive to The Society, and, quite simply, outstanding. Try them all in the mixed case.

For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 741177 3

FINE WINEFAVOURITESMIXED CASE

ref E-MX1149 at £105

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the above.Members wishing to store it in our Reserve Cellar can do so until 2014.

The Lemelson winery, Oregon

E-SP4941 Marqués de Murrieta Reserva, Rioja, 2004 £16 bottle £192 dozen

A stylish, perfumed Rioja with excellent length from an historic bodega back on form.Decant. Now to 2015. 14%

E-IT12841 Fontodi Chianti Classico, 2007 £16 bottle £192 dozen

Fontodi vineyards have marvellous exposure but at quite high altitude for Chianti,enabling them to keep fruit freshness to balance the rich ripe fruit of a very warm year.Rather in the style of 2000 here which was very good. Now to 2017. 14.5%

E-RH21121 The Society’s Exhibition Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2006 £17.50 bottle £210 dozen

Rich, dark, full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape, balanced, fruity and, after careful ageingin large oak foudres, beautifully rounded too. Now to 2015. 14.5% The 2007 follows.

E-LE441 Chateau Musar, 2003 £18.50 bottle £222 dozen

The 2003 vintage of this eccentric Lebanese wine is full bodied and powerful withchunky, ripe tannins which promise the wine a long life ahead. Now to 2020. 14%

E-US4361 Lemelson Thea’s Selection Pinot Noir, 2007 £20 bottle £240 dozen

Eric Lemelson sources his pinot from the Willamette Valley in Oregon with outstandingsuccess. Thea’s has real finesse, with lovely fruit purity and good palate structure on the palate. Now to 2014. 13.5%

E-CM8361 Château Le Boscq, 2003, Saint-Estèphe £20 bottle £240 dozen

The deep, water-retaining soils of Saint-Estèphe were a boon in the hot 2003 vintage.Opulent, ripe cassis flavours combine here with a touch of spicy oak to make this blendof 60% merlot with 30% cabernet and 10% petit verdot a polished Claret in themodern style. Now to 2018. 13.5%

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FOCUS ON THE NORTHERN RHONE

■ Côte-Rôtie The ‘roasted slope’ of the northern Rhône was first planted by theRomans. Though not large, its geology is quite complex with differentexpositions adding to a complicated picture. There are few estates of anyreal size; instead, smallholders look after their vines and usually sell tonégociants. The number of those bottling their own wine is growing,however, and our selection includes some of the brightest stars. The classiclines of the 2004 vintage are on parade here, with ripe black-fruit flavours,subtle spices and receding tannins packaged with style and finesse.

■ Saint-JosephThe most characteristic landscape of the northern Rhône is the steepescarpment which rises from the valley floor. The valley wall twists andturns and in so doing offers beautifully exposed slopes, sometimes facingsouth or south-east. The rock is mostly of decomposed granite, friable,often sandy and perfect for growing vines. At the northern end, there isCôte-Rôtie and Condrieu and 30 miles or so to the south, Cornas andSaint-Péray. And in between there is Saint-Joseph. The name comes fromone of the best vineyard sites above the town of Tournon. The slopes areas steep and as beautiful as any, yet Saint-Joseph remains a little in theshadow. That is now changing thanks to a band of young and highlymotivated growers led by Jean-Louis Chave, whose family has beenmaking wine here since 1481. The selection on page 5 includes many ofthe top names in Saint-Joseph.

■ Hermitage Hermitage unquestionably produces some of France’s greatest wines. In the 19th century the wines were so highly regarded that they wereoften shipped to Bordeaux where they were blended with some of the top names. Today the little that is made is needed to satisfy hugeworldwide demand.

■ Crozes-HermitageNot so long ago, the land beneath Hermitage was given over to orchards,especially apricots, until it was realised that this stony, well-drainedlandscape was even better suited to growing vines. The area is generallyknown as the ‘Plaine des Chassis’, and the syrah grown here producessweet-tasting, supple wines of great charm and accessibility. All threewines on page 6 come from Les Chassis.

■ CornasThe picturesque village of Cornas lies at the centre of a small but quiteextraordinary vineyard which produces red wines (from 100% syrah) ofgreat character. Working among the vines here is not for the unfit or faint-hearted as the slopes are often very steep and fully south-facing, bakinglyhot when the sun is up. The microclimate here is such that plants likeevergreen oaks, more usually found much further south, can thrive. Thewines too have a decidedly Mediterranean flavour, with black olive andblackcurrant dominating on the palate.


Côte-Rôtie

Château Grillet

AmpuisCondrieu

Vienne

St-Joseph

HermitageTournon

CornasSt-Péray Valence

Crozes-Hermitage

NORTHERN RHÔNE

RH

ÔN

E

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Côte-Rôtie E-RH15451 Côte-Rôtie, Ogier, 2004 £32 bottle £384 dozen

Stéphane Ogier is a young, ambitious and well-travelled wine grower who is makingmodern-style Côte-Rôtie with the accent firmly on elegance and refinement. Enjoyablenow but will develop well. Now to 2016. 13%

E-RH16551 Côte-Rôtie, Champin Seigneur, Domaine Gerin, 2004 £34 bottle £408 dozen

Jean-Michel Gerin is one of the top names in Côte-Rôtie. His father had been mayorhere and had put the estate firmly on the map. Jean-Michel went further and refinedthe wines. There are two secrets to Gerin’s success: first, fabulous vineyard, scatteredacross the appellation, and second, a complete mastery of barrel ageing. This gives thewines a patina which comes through only with bottle age. 2004 is ready now, roundand sweet with a long spice-laden finish. Now to 2014. 13%

E-RH16561 Côte-Rôtie, La Landonne, Domaine Gerin, 2004 £55 bottle £660 dozen

Deeply coloured, slatey syrah from the most famous vineyard in Côte-Rôtie. Decant before serving and try with feathered game. Now to 2016. 13%

Saint-JosephE-RH23531 Saint-Joseph, Domaine Marthouret, 2007 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

Deeply coloured, fragrant syrah from a producer who supplies grapes to Jean-LouisChave. This is a lovely middle-weight elegant red. Now to 2013. 12.5%

E-RH23901 Saint-Joseph, Silice, Domaine Coursodon, 2007 £17 bottle £204 dozen

This is Jérôme Coursodon’s cuvée of younger vines and for more immediate drinking.His 2007 has an abundance of easy charm in a lovely fruity style. Drink a little cool withgrilled steak or a goat’s cheese salad. Now to 2013. 13.5%

E-RH24111 Saint-Joseph Rouge, Nicolas Jaboulet-Perrin Frères, 2007 £17 bottle £204 dozen

Deeply coloured, ripe-tasting syrah to be drunk now with a juicy steak. This wine is a joint venture between Nicolas Jaboulet and the Perrin family of Beaucastel. Now to 2013. 13%

E-RH15151 Saint-Joseph, Offerus, Jean-Louis Chave, 2004 £18 bottle £216 dozen

Jean-Louis Chave was delighted with his 2004s and the return to more classical lines.His Saint-Joseph, made from purchased wine from the south of the region, is deeplycoloured and fruity. Drink this year. 13.5%

E-RH22391 Saint-Joseph, Cuminaille, Gaillard, 2007 £19 bottle £228 dozen

Pierre Gaillard clearly aims to give pleasure. His wines are always deeply sensual andvelvety. His Saint-Joseph from vines close to Côte-Rôtie is no exception. The wines areraised in oak barrels, 40 per cent of which are new. The 2007 is deeply coloured andrich. Now to 2017. 13%

E-RH19821 Saint-Joseph, Gripa, 2006 £22 bottle £264 dozen

Deeply-coloured, thickly-textured syrah made in the modern style with the accent onsweet, ripe fruit. Delicious with a grilled steak. Now to 2014. 13%

SAINT-JOSEPH SELECTION

ref E-MX1151 at £95, a saving of £12.95

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the above Saint-Joseph wines. Memberswishing to store it in our Reserve Cellar are advised not to do so beyond this year.

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:18


Hermitage E-RH14651 Hermitage, Domaine Sorrel, 2004 £35 bottle £420 dozen

Marc Sorrel’s Hermitage needs time. Plenty of sound, ripe fruit here which bodes verywell for an exciting future. 2012 to 2022. 13%

E-RH15511 Hermitage, Monier de Sizeranne, Chapoutier, 2004 £36 bottle £216 per six

2004 was a good vintage here, less powerful than 2003 but fine and long with a gently spicy, fruity flavour. Perfect with roast beef. Now to 2021. 13.5% Six bottles only per member.

E-RH15521 Hermitage, Domaine Colombier, 2004 £39 bottle £468 dozen

This is a Hermitage of great richness and thick blackberry fruit. Well polished with atouch of nobility. 2013 to 2024. 13.5%

Crozes-HermitageE-RH25681 Crozes-Hermitage, La Matinière, Ferraton, 2008 £11.95 bottle £143 dozen

Deeply coloured, dry and fruity syrah from a top property in Crozes. This is the cuvée made from younger vines and without oak for drinking cool and young. Now to 2015. 12.5%

E-RH19761 Crozes-Hermitage, Albéric Bouvet, Domaine Gilles Robin, 2006 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

A modern-style Crozes from Gilles Robin, a talented grower with vines betweenThalabert and Chapoutier’s Meyssoniers. Stylish with plenty of fruit and depth. The useof oak is exemplary. Now to 2017. 13.5%

E-RH19771 Crozes-Hermitage, Cuvée Christophe, Domaine des Remizières, 2006 £19 bottle £228 dozen

Classy, full-flavoured Crozes, made from 85-year-old vines from behind Hermitage andraised 75% in new oak. Now to 2016. 13.5%

CornasE-RH15251 Cornas, Domaine de Rochepertuis, 2004 £19 bottle £228 dozen

Jean Lionnet’s penultimate vintage before retirement is full of dark, brambly fruit.Approachable now but will benefit from keeping a little longer, and until 2015. 13%

E-RH15301 Cornas, Domaine Balthazard, 2004 £22 bottle £264 dozen

Splendid full-flavoured syrah from an up-and-coming grower in Cornas with a well-founded estate and old vines in the right places. Now to 2019. 13%

E-RH18581 Cornas, Les Vieilles Fontaines, Domaine Voge, 2004 £46 bottle £552 dozen

Deeply sensual, ripe Cornas made from 80-year-old syrah vines planted on pure graniteat the southern end of the appellation. Now to 2018. 14%

EXPLORE NORTHERN RHÔNE

ref E-MX1152 at £110, a saving of £19.90

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following red wines. Members wishingto store it in our Reserve Cellar may do so until 2013.

Côte-Rôtie, Ogier, 2004

Saint-Joseph Rouge, Nicolas Jaboulet-Perrin Frères, 2007

Hermitage Rouge, Domaine Sorrel, 2004

Crozes-Hermitage, Albéric Bouvet, Domaine Gilles Robin, 2006

Cornas, Domaine de Rochepertuis, 2004

Crozes-Hermitage, La Matinière, Ferraton, 2008

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:18

HEADING FOR THE HILLS


BEST OF THE LANGUEDOC CASE

ref E-MX1153 at £89 Save £9.90 on List prices

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the above. Members wishing to store it inour Reserves Cellar are advised not to do so for longer than one year.

Minervois

Saint-Chinian Faugères

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

Montpeyroux

Pic Saint-Loup

Montpellier

Corbières

Coteaux de Languedoc

E-FC16711 Pic Saint-Loup, Les Calcaires, Château de Cazeneuve, 2007 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

Lying due north of Montpellier, and appreciably cooler, Pic Saint-Loup was put on the mapby the syrah grape, which dominates this deliciously full-bodied red. Drink this year. 14%.

E-FC16541 Pic Saint-Loup, Le Sang du Calvaire, Château de Cazeneuve, 2004 £26 bottle £312 dozen

This estate’s top wine is released in tiny quantities and made from very ripe mourvèdre.Châteauneuf-like in its intensity and sheer weight. Outstanding. Now to 2015. 14%

Montpeyroux-Coteaux du Languedoc, Domaine Aupilhac, 2007 This small, but choice area, cooled by the breezes sweeping down from the MassifCentral has less rainfall than Pic-Saint Loup and produces long-lived reds of Claret-likereserve. Sylvian Fadat is the top name and on top form in this vintage. This is full-bodied, richly-flavoured and multilayered and best served from a decanter. Now to 2017. 14%. This wine is available only in the Best of The Languedoc case

E-FC19811 Montpeyroux, La Boda, Domaine Aupilhac, 2007 £18.50 bottle £222 dozen

This is the flagship red of this excellent Languedoc estate. Made mostly from mourvèdreand syrah, this is full bodied, spicy and richly flavoured. Now to 2015. 13.5%

E-FC19801 Faugères, Château de la Liquière, Nos Racines, 2007 £11.95 bottle

The longer-established appellation of Faugères owes its senior status to altitude and thedistinctive schistous soils that underpin the vines. At its heart is this historic property,which puts the best of its wonderful old carignan vines into this full rich, complex red.All that is missing is a rib of beef. Now to 2014. 14%. Low stock, six bottles only per member.

E-FC11731 Faugères, Les Bastides, Domaine Alquier, 2003 £16 bottle £192 dozen

One of the leading lights of a commune defined by minerality and elegance, Jean-Michel Alquier selects his best cuvees for this syrah-dominated red, which is raisedin wood for more than a year. This is deep, almost black, with enormous reserves ofpower and great finesse, rather like northern Rhône in style. Now to 2016. 14%

The best of the Languedoc Bacchus amat colles is what every buddingvine grower must have said on waking upeach morning. So when the Romans beganto plant vines in Languedoc, they ignoredthe plain and headed instead north to thehills and to the southern fringe of theMassif Central. Today this mountain rangeencompasses a large area of fabulouslyexposed slopes to include such names asMinervois and Montpeyroux. At one timethese wines were considered to be amongthe best in the Empire. Today, less well-known they may be, but they constitute averitable treasury of good-value, artisanwines. For ease of navigation, the wines arelisted in map order, from north to south.

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CARRY ON CARIGNAN

The rise and rise of a Mediterranean originalThe climate of the South of France is such that more or less any grape variety can grow successfully there. The revolution startedwhen new vin de pays legislation was introduced allowing growers to plant pretty much anything they wished. Up until then theworkhorse grape had been the carignan which suddenly, and not surprisingly, fell out of fashion. Luckily, not all the vines wereremoved and now it is rightly back in vogue. Moreover, growers have begun to realise that carignan, a quintessentially Mediterraneangrape, thrives in the heat and drought and ripens without yielding astronomic levels of alcohol.

Here are some good examples of carignan led by trail blazer Sylvain Fadat’s Domaine Aupilhac.


Vin de Pays du Mont Baudile, Carignan, Domaine Aupilhac, 2003 The carignan grape is perfectly suited to the dramatic climate of the Languedoc and, ingood hands, such as here where yields are kept low, can produce outstanding results. Bestdecanted. Now to 2012. 13.5% This wine is available only in the Carignan Case below.

E-FC17511 Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Les Calcinaires, Domaine Gauby, 2007 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

A superb example of Gérard Gauby’s craft, this combines exuberant fruitiness with greatdepth of flavour. Now to 2014. 13%

E-FC18071 Côtes de Provence, Carignan, Domaine Richeaume, 2007 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

Very ripe full-flavoured red from old vines grown beneath the Montagne de Sainte-Victoire itself. Sylvain Hoesch did his training at Ridge in California and he uses barrelsof American oak to soften the textures of the carignan. Best decanted beforehand. Now to 2014. 13.5%

Domaine de la Garance, Les Armières, 2004 Made from very low-yielding carignan planted on volcanic soil to the north of Pézenas,this is the antidote to so-called ‘technology’, a wine made with minimal intervention.Decant before serving. Drink this year and next. 14% This wine is available only in the Carignan Case below.

E-FC18301 Le Carignan, Domaine Aupilhac, Vin de Pays du Mont Baudile, 2007 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

The wine to show that old vines of this quintessential Languedoc grape variety plantedin the right spot are capable of producing wines of real consequence. Sylvain Fadat ofMontpeyroux is a master of the carignan grape and his 2007 is quite outstanding.Deeply coloured, spicy and long. Best served from a decanter. Now to 2015. 13.5%

E-FC15601 Roc d’Anglade, Vin de Pays du Gard, 2006 £22 bottle £264 dozen

Rémy Pédréno, friend and disciple of Gérard Gauby, shares the same biodynamicfarming methods. He is able to pick earlier and avoid the early September rains that arecommon around Nîmes. Carignan dominates the blend, which for all, that tastes like aCôte-Rôtie. Rémy reckons the 2006 is his best vintage to date. Now to 2020. 13%

THE CARIGNAN CASE

ref E-MX1154 at £79Save £10.30 on List prices

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each ofthe above wines. Members wishing to store it inour Reserve Cellar are advised not to do sobeyond next year.

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:18

E-CH2111 Champagne Laherte Frères, Brut Tradition, Non-vintage £25 bottle £125 Aurélien Laherte works with his parents on a small and widely scattered vineyard just 6 for 5 price

outside Epernay in the pretty village of Chavot. Pinot meunier provides the base andexplains this cuvée’s delicious open fruitiness and joie de vivre. 12%

E-CH2141 NEW Champagne Laherte Frères, Blanc de Blancs Nature, Non-vintage £28 bottle £140 A Champagne for the table, 100% chardonnay, fermented at first in 228-litre barrels 6 for 5 price

with 40% of aged reserve wine and disgorged without the addition of any sugar. This is bone dry, complex with lots of minerality and great finesse. Best with fish,especially anything smoked. 12%

E-CH2151 NEW Champagne Laherte Frères, Les Clos, Extra Brut, Non-vintage £45 bottle £225 The Laherte family’s widely scattered vineyard just outside Epernay includes a slope 6 for 5 price

where all seven Champagne grape varieties are planted. Oak barrels are used during the first fermentation and the result is a wine with plenty of personality and complexity.12.5%

A CHAMPAGNE BROTHERHOOD:WHERE SMALLER IS BETTER

Laherte FrèresA little-known fact is that while much of Champagne is marketed by a few very large Houses, most of the 34,000 hectares ofvineyards owned by several thousand smallholders. Even today, most of these growers merely cultivate, then deliver their crop to apress house which turns grapes into juice which is then sold to co-operatives or to the big Houses. But over the last few years, a fewof these smallholders have shown greater ambition and are doing the whole thing themselves. These artisan Champagnes arebeginning to take on the establishment and many are even finding their way on to top restaurant lists. Here we feature the deliciouswines from the Laherte family from the evocative village of Chavot just outside Epernay.


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HERE COMES THE SON: A NEW GENERATION OF BURGUNDIANS

Domaine Jobard The name of Antoine Jobard has been a familiar presence, alongside that of his father, François, on the labels of this fastidious five-hectare domaine in Meursault, which has some of the deepest and coolest cellars in the region. The 2007 vintage brings with it a striking new label, on which Antoine has star – and sole – billing. But nothing has changed here, other than a move to bottle 4–6 months earlier than before, reflecting the increased levels of ripeness brought about by climate change. Jobard wines are stilllegendarily poised, restrained and strictly for the patient. Don’t expect the earth to move when you first open the bottle. It will take agood hour or so for the flavours to evolve, which is why we always recommend decanting them. Our best advice is to sit tight untilthey are absolutely ready. Then, they are capable of rendering Burgundy lovers quite speechless with delight, so we will say no more.

This special-edition mixed case expresses the character of En La Barre, the vineyard closest to the Jobard family home at the northernend of Meursault itself. Technically, this is village wine, neither premier cru nor even one of the unofficial deuxièmes. Nevertheless, it has focus, finesse and breeding that is sometimes lacking in bottles from grander sites. The case explores three different vintages –the fresh, bright 2004, more honeyed 2006 and fine, concentrated 2007. Members wishing to make up the set will find the utterlycaptivating 2005 vintage of this wine on the main List.


DOMAINE JOBARD EN LA BARRE VERTICAL


A six-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following wines. Members wishing to store this case in our Reserves Cellar can do so until 2013.

Meursault En La Barre, Domaine François etAntoine Jobard, 2004Both chardonnay and pinot noir had a tough time of it in the cool, wet summer of ‘04. September saved the day, andpainstaking growers made lovely, classic wines. Clean andcrisp on the nose, with that Jobard restraint, this is just aboutready to broach now, with generous aeration in a decanter.The finish is long and firm. Now to 2015. 13% ref E-BU34331 £30 bottle £360 dozen

Meursault En La Barre, Domaine François etAntoine Jobard, 2006A very much fuller and riper year, which shows itself in the faintly honeyed notes on the palate. The wine is stillevolving, but the finish speaks volumes, with plenty ofaristocratic fruit waiting in the wings. Decant before serving ifyou can’t wait, but waiting will pay dividends. Now to 2013. 13% ref E-BU42291 £33 bottle £396 dozen

Meursault En La Barre, Domaine Antoine Jobard,2007This outstanding vintage marks Antoine’s official debut asleading man, with a new label. He could not have asked for abetter year with which to express the domaine’s style. Classic, harmonious with everything in proportion, this isalready fragrant and concentrated, still young and tight butcompletely focused on the palate. It needs all of the year’swait advised. 2012 to 2016. 13% This wine is available only in the mixed case.

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:18

E-BU40051 Bourgogne Rouge, Cuvée de Noble Souche, £20 bottle £240 dozen

Domaine Denis Mortet, 2006 Deliciously accessible pinot, showing the exuberant fruit of the vintage, from vineyardsin the commune of Daix, north of Dijon. Behind the charm, it’s reassuringly solid on thepalate, with a long, generous finish. Now and next year. 13%

E-BU25811 Marsannay Les Longeroies, Domaine Denis Mortet, 2002 £30 bottle £360 dozen

Nudging the southern suburbs of Dijon, Marsannay is known for racy rosés, and lighter reds. There is nothing lightweight about this one, rich and scented on the nose, with lovely crushed red-fruit flavours overlaying fine tannins. Utterly captivating.Now to 2014. 13%

E-BU40081 Gevrey-Chambertin, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Denis Mortet, 2006 £55 bottle £660 dozen

A blend of fruit from the lieux-dits of En Champs, Déré and Motrot and another hit for Arnaud, this village wine has good, old-vine concentration, plenty of stuffing and a promising finish. It’s still young, so decant at least an hour before serving. Now to 2017. 13%

E-BU3951 Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Aux Beaux-Bruns, £75 bottle

Domaine Denis Mortet, 1993The sort of archive parcel we relish brushing the dust off! From a fine premier crubelow Bonnes-Mares at the northern end of Chambolle, this is fully mature, gracefulpinot noir in fine fettle. Open just before serving to seize the musky, spiced-damson-crumble flavours. Now to 2014. Limited to six bottles only per member.

Domaine MortetArnaud Mortet was just 21 years oldwhen, in January 2006, he lost his fatherDenis, one of Burgundy’s most thoughtfulwinemakers. He stepped into the breachwith courage and dignity, and the 2006vintage is all his own work, though thename of Denis is still on the label. Thebright, sensuous fruit of the upmarketBourgogne Rouge Cuvée de NobleSouche confirms that those winemakinggenes (the name of Rousseau featuresamong the extended family, too) arepresent and correct, while a noticeablylighter hand with extraction and areduction in the use of new oak showArnaud to be his own man. We havedipped into the archives to assemble anunprecedented vertical case of premiercru Lavaux Saint-Jacques from 2001 to2006, paying tribute to Denis andintroducing Arnaud. Also offered here isan example of how this domaine cancoax wonderful concentration from thelighter cru of Marsannay, and, at theother extreme of indulgence, a rare parcelof Chambolle-Musigny from 1993, one ofthe most glittering vintages of Denis’scareer. Looking forward, the 2006Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is, likeArnaud himself, still youthful but alreadyvery promising.


52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:19


Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, Domaine Denis Mortet, 2006Still restrained, this is an exercise in harmony on nose and palate. Only the quietlypersistent tannins advise patience. 2012 to 2021. 13.5% This wine is available only inthe mixed case.

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, Domaine Denis Mortet, 2005We expect great things from the excellent 2005 vintage, and they will surely come witha little more time in bottle. The fruit is already emerging to meet the spicy oak notes onthe nose, and the texture on the palate is promisingly velvety. Now to 2019. 13.5% This wine is available only in the mixed case.

E-BU33551 Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, £60 bottle £720 dozen

Domaine Denis Mortet, 2004It really paid to follow the grower in this nerve-wracking vintage of hailstorms, torrentialrain and unseasonably low temperatures. While it will never achieve the depth andconcentration of, say, the 2005, this has a good dollop of brisk, juicy, black-cherry fruitthat makes for satisfying drinking with a good steak. Decant for an hour or two beforeserving. Now to 2017. 13%

E-BU28211 Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, £85 bottle £1,020 dozen

Domaine Denis Mortet, 20032003 was the year of the great French heatwave, which had growers curtailing summerbreaks in order to start harvesting three weeks earlier than usual. The wines show nosign of heatstroke, rather a gorgeous plumpness which marries well with the trademarkMortet structure. Delicious. Now to 2014. 13.5%

E-BU25831 Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, £90 bottle £1,080 dozen

Domaine Denis Mortet, 2002From the perfect harvest conditions of a dry, warm vintage, this is benchmark Mortet,broad-shouldered and stuffed with completely ripe, healthy fruit, and oozing class.Delicious already and for a while yet. This year to 2018. 13%

E-BU21051 Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques, £70 bottle £840 dozen

Domaine Denis Mortet, 2001What a charmer of a vintage the 2001 has turned out to be, considering that it was atricky year, beset by problems of ripening. As ever, the grower was a key factor. This isan elegant and poised but thoroughly bewitching bottle that will delight fans of fineGevrey. Delicious now and to 2020. 13%

A LAVAUX SAINT-JACQUES VERTICAL This outstanding first growth adjoins the stellar premier-going-on-grand cru Clos-Saint-Jacques, to the west of the village. Domaine Mortet has just over a hectare of the nine available. Assembled here is a run of six vintages. Try them all in the mixed case.

ref E-MX1148at £549

A six-bottle casecontaining onebottle each ofthe winesabove. Memberswishing to storethis case in ourReserves Cellarare advised towithdraw itbefore 2014.

THE LAVAUX SAINT-JACQUES VERTICAL CASE

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E-CM12901 The Society’s Exhibition Saint-Julien, 2006 £18.50 bottle £222 dozen

This is in fact Amiral de Beychevelle, the second wine of the classed growth. It hasdeveloped beautifully in bottle and is very enjoyable now, though there is no hurry. Now to 2014. 13%

E-CM12641 Château Lalande Borie, 2004, Saint-Julien £21 bottle £252 dozen

Stylish, ripe, elegant Claret with the commune’s hallmark cedary bouquet and class.Now to 2014. 13%

E-CM12071 La Réserve de Léoville Barton, 2005, Saint-Julien £22 bottle £264 dozen

The second wine of Anthony Barton’s Léoville reflects the quality of the grand vin in this exceptionally healthy, well-balanced, harmonious vintage. Now to 2017. 13% Low stock.

E-CM12211 Les Fiefs de Lagrange, 2005, Saint-Julien £22.50 bottle £270 dozen

The second wine of classed growth Lagrange. A more accessible wine than the grandvin, fruity yet full of style and charm. Now to 2015. 13%

E-CM12551 Croix de Beaucaillou, 2006, Saint-Julien £29 bottle £348 dozen

With greater selection in the Ducru-Beaucaillou vineyard, its second wine is on a levelwith other classed growth Saint-Juliens such as Talbot and Langoa. From the plateau deBeychevelle next to Gruaud Larose, the 2006 is 50% each cabernet sauvignon andmerlot. Now to 2018. 13%

E-CM11101 Clos du Marquis, 2004, Saint-Julien £33 bottle £396 dozen

Léoville-Las-Cases’s second wine is very high-grade in this vintage, with excellent richfruit on the palate, lots of sweetness and perfume and a long-lasting finish.Outstanding. Now to 2020. 13%

E-CM6681 Château Léoville Barton, 2001, Saint-Julien £52 bottle £624 dozen

Just starting to open up, in common with many left bank 2001s, this has Léoville Barton’sclassical, tight-knit structure and fine fragrance on the palate. Now to 2022. 12.5%

E-CM3471 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, 1996, Saint-Julien £125 bottle £1,500 dozen

One of the great wines of the vintage. Solidly structured but now with beguilingsecondary aromas and flavours and lovely freshness on the palate. Now to 2025. 13%

SEDUCTIVE SAINT-JULIEN

A remarkable line-up of crus classés Despite lacking an 1855-classified first growth, the commune of Saint-Julien in the heart of the northern Médoc boasts a remarkableline-up of crus classés, that between them account for 80% of the vineyards. Standards here are exceptionally high, with severalproperties now returned to their former glory. The wines may not have the power and structure of their grand Pauillac neighbours,nor the refined fragrance of the best of Margaux, yet at their best they are well proportioned – muscular, even – textural, seductivewines capable of long ageing. The second wines are great introductions to the grander names listed below.


SAINT–JULIEN SIX


A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following wines. Members wishing to store this case in our Reserves Cellar may do so until 2014.

The Society's Exhibition Saint-Julien, 2006

Clos du Marquis, 2004

La Réserve de Léoville Barton, 2005

Croix de Beaucaillou, 2006

Les Fiefs de Lagrange, 2005

Château Lalande Borie, 2004

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

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CHATEAU LANGOA BARTONIn a region so steeped in history and in the close links between the British, Irish and French, and in these days of corporate investmentin Bordeaux, the Barton family estates are remarkable for being those held the longest in single family ownership. Current ownerAnthony Barton took over the running of Châteaux Léoville and Langoa Barton in 1983, from his uncle Ronald. His infectious blend ofcharisma and common sense has won him loyal fans over many decades. Anthony’s daughter Lilian employs her inherited charm togreat effect in her increasingly important role as both négociant and owner of two of the great names of the Médoc. Langoa wasclassified third to Léoville’s second growth in 1855 and tends to be the more modestly priced of the two, yet both benefit from thesame love and affection and, in some years, Langoa is easily as good.


E-CM10441 Château Langoa Barton, 2005, Saint-Julien £55 bottle £660 dozen

Big-flavoured Saint-Julien combining the ripe fruit and power of the vintage with finesse and freshness. Excellent potential. Now to 2025. 13%


A classic Saint-Julien from Anthony Barton with ripe fruit and openly enjoyable style and plenty of weight and flavour. Now to 2020. 13%


Extremely fruity, vigorous, cabernet-dominated Claret that has the build to last well and the class to make it worth the wait. Now to 2020. 12.5%


Classic, cedary, elegant Claret from Anthony Barton’s home property. Now to 2020.12.5%


Classically styled, long-living Saint-Julien as befits the most charming property in theMédoc and one that has been longest in one family’s ownership. Now to 2016. 12.5%


This is already lovely to drink with roundness and considerable length of flavour. Will age gracefully too. Now to 2015. 12.5%

THE LANGOA BARTON CASE


A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the above wines.Members wishing to store it in our Reserves Cellar may do so until 2015.

THE CHATEAU LÉOVILLE-LAS-CASES CASE

Closest to Pauillac in both style and location, Léoville-Las-Cases produces one of the most prized wines of the Médoc. Once part of the extensive Léoville estate that was broken up early in the 19th century, it is a large property with the iconic walled clos, with its imposing stone gateway, at its heart. The wines are heavily cabernet dominated and require time in bottle to reveal their true worth, especially in great vintages. All these wines are available as part of the mixed case only.

ref E-MX1157 at £1,400

A six-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following. Members wishing to store it in our Reserves Cellar may do so until 2025.

Château Léoville-Las-Cases, 2000, Saint-Julien A powerful vintage of ripe fruit and solid structure that hasneeded time to develop its early promise. 2012 to 2025. 13%

Château Léoville-Las-Cases, 1996, Saint-Julien One of Bordeaux’s most elegant, long-lived wines in a very fine, classically framed vintage. Just starting to open up. Now to 2025. 12.5%

Château Léoville-Las-Cases, 1990, Saint-Julien One of the best Las Cases vintages ever with great depth,power, fruit, length and Saint-Julien finesse. Now to 2030. 13%

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SMALL WONDERS OF THE FINE WINE WORLD

Fine wines at £20 or less The first crop of 2011 has a distinctlyEuropean flavour, demonstrating the value oflooking under our noses rather than roundingup a couple of sherpas and iron rations toexplore remoter possibilities. Either of thosemight still come in handy in the Dolomites,whence a gewürztraminer from the veryregion which gave the grape its name, or thedramatic peaks of the Beiras, in the graniteheart of Portugal, where an equally fragrantBairrada rewards the adventurous drinker.Back on more level ground, Bordeaux scoreshighly here too, reflecting the quality andvalue to be found outside the Médoc.


RED

E-PW1591 Preto Branco, Bairrada, 2004 (Quinta do Encontro) £11.95 bottle £143 dozen

A touch of the white grape bical in the blend, Côte-Rôtie style, rounds out Bairrada’stypically robust tannins. Decant well in advance to release this wine’s lovely perfume.Now to 2013. 14%

E-PW2511 Pinga do Torto, Douro, 2005 (Quinta de Macedos) £12.50 bottle £150 dozen

Sarah Ahmed (aka The Wine Detective) picked this as one of her 50 Great PortugueseWines, 2010. From old Port vineyards, it has deep, concentrated fruit, lovely texture,and remarkable freshness. Now to 2012. 14.5%

E-CS5031 Château La Dauphine, 2004, Fronsac £12.95 bottle

This shone at a couple of comparative tastings for its perfumed fruit, charm and finesse.La Dauphine, with vines overlooking the Dordogne, is a model Claret, with supple fruitand wonderful polish. Now to 2013. 13% Maximum six bottles only per member.

E-IT13051 Poggio al Tesoro Mediterra, 2007 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

Lovely balance between fragrant fresh, red-berry fruit and generous full-bodied andseductive palate. Made from 40% syrah and 30% each merlot and cabernet sauvignon,grown in the best bit of north Bolgheri close to Sassicaia, this is a great new venture forthe Allegrini family. Now to 2014. 14% Low stock.

E-CB3191 Nectar de Château de La Grave, 2003, Côtes de Bourg £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

The cream of the crop from the delightful Bassereau family at Château de la Grave,made from 90% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon aged 16 months in oak. Rich,ripe and cedary in the hot 2003 vintage. Now to 2013. 13%

E-BJ3311 Moulin-à-Vent, Château des Jacques, La Roche, Louis Jadot, 2005 £19 bottle £228 dozen

An outstanding Beaujolais with the colour and intensity of a Côte-Rôtie. This is multi-dimensional and complex. Now to 2018. 13.5%

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 18/01/2011 13:19


WHITE

E-IT13771 Hofstätter Gewürztraminer, 2009 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

A generously full, aromatic Italian gewürztraminer from vines round Tramin (Termeno in Italian), the village that gave the grape its name. Now to 2013. 14.5%

E-IT13881 Poggio al Tesoro Vermentino Solosole, 2009 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

The 2007 was a Society Wine Champion and a star discovery and the 2009 looksequally good. Full of flavour and character from the Allegrini vineyards at Bolgheri inTuscany. Now to 2012. 13.5% Low stock.

E-AL7541 Riesling, Domaine Dirler-Cade, 2007 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

Southern Alsace is famous for its sandstone soil and its dry climate, which gives thewines weight and character. This small, perfectionist house made a wonderfullyexquisite riesling from five small vineyard plots, all on sandstone. Now to 2014. 13%

E-BW3871 Château Ferran, 2007, Pessac-Léognan £14.50 bottle £174 dozen

Classic barrel-fermented blend from a much-improved property, with the complexlanolin flavours typical of the region’s wines. Drink this year. 13%

E-LO8081 Anjou Blanc, Sec, 2008 (Pithon-Paillé) £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

A maiden vintage from mostly organically grown grapes, rounded out by time in matureoak barrels. Drink this year and next. 13%

E-SA6131 Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, 2007 £16 bottle £192 dozen

Elegant, barrel-fermented and matured semillon from Boekenhoutskloof’s own, matureFranschhoek vineyard, producing a classically styled wine that is beautiful now. 13.5%

E-LO8581 Sancerre, Le Chêne Marchand, 2008 (Thierry Merlin-Cherrier) £16 bottle £192 dozen

The single-vineyard Chêne Marchand lies half way down one of Bué’s south/south-westfacing hillsides. The top wines here are capable of long ageing, as a wonderful verticaltasting in 2004 showed. The 2008 has lovely fresh acidity to accompany the class andweight from the older vines and long lees-ageing. Now to 2016. 12.5%

Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese, 2006 (von Kesselstat)Wonderfully exotic, opulent aroma redolent of peach and apricot; fresh and inviting withcreamy texture and lovely natural sweetness. Auslese quality. Now to 2014. 8%This wine is available only in the mixed case.

SMALL WONDER WHITES


A six-bottle case containing onebottle each of the following six white wines. We do notrecommend storing this case forlonger than one year.

HofstätterGewürztraminer, 2009

BoekenhoutskloofSemillon, 2007

Scharzhofberger RieslingSpätlese, 2006 (vonKesselstatt)

Poggio al TesoroVermentino Solosole, 2009

Sancerre, Le ChêneMarchand, 2008 (ThierryMerlin-Cherrier)

Château Ferran, 2007,Pessac-Léognan

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E-IT13291 Sinfarosa Primitivo, 2009 (Accademia dei Racemi) £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

A cracking Puglian primitivo with wonderful depth of ripe healthy blackberry fruit, theresult of sourcing from the best vineyards. Now to 2013. 15%

E-FC20111 Z de l’Arjolle, 2007 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

The Languedoc’s Domaine de l’Arjolle is the first estate in France to experiment withzinfandel. Should the Midi be growing zin? This says that it should. Big and burly, andvery full bodied. Now to 2014. 14%

E-US4541 Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel, 2007 £22 bottle £264 dozen

Frog’s Leap has been a trailblazer in the trend to more sustainable agriculture inCalifornia, farming all its vineyards organically. This wine has deep, savoury fruit butwith the estate’s typical freshness and elegance. Now to 2012. 13.5%

Joseph Swan Mancini Ranch Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, 2005 This small artisan producer is behind some of California’s most complex zinfandels.Mancini Ranch was planted in the1920s. This is an amazingly pure, scented red which isfine-textured and velvety. Now to 2015. 13% This wine is available only in the mixed case.

E-US4451 Ridge Lytton Springs, 2008 £26 bottle £312 dozen

The new vintage of this single-vineyard California zinfandel is wonderfully expressiveand elegant, backed by a plump, supple palate. 21% petite sirah and 5% carignan addcomplexity and spice. Now to 2019. 14.5%

CARDINAL ZINs

Outstanding zinfandelsfrom Italy, Languedocand California Zinfandel is a particularly challenging grape to grow successfully, requiring great care and attention in the vineyard to ripenuniformly. Whether as primitivo in Italy orzinfandel in California, the grape makes itsmost delicious wines in the dry, richly bramblyand structured style which fans have come toadore. Our selection below includes superbsingle-vineyard examples from RidgeVineyards, Joseph Swan and Frog’s Leap inCalifornia which combine power withcomplexity, alongside a highly successfulSouthern French experiment and a plump,layered primitivo from southern Italy.


THREE CALIFORNIA ZINFANDELS


A six-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following wines. Memberswishing to store it in our Reserve Cellar should do so until next year only.

Ridge Lytton Springs, 2008

Joseph Swan Mancini Ranch Zinfandel, 2005

Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, 2007

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South Africa’s winelands are based on some of theoldest, most complex soils in the world. The vinoushistory of this revitalised ‘new world’ wine countrygoes back more than 350 years. It should come asno surprise then that a handful of wines andproducers have earned iconic status. Kanonkop,Meerlust, and Warwick were recognised longbefore South Africa re-emerged on the fine winescene. Sadie Family Wines and Waterford Estate areamong the new stars of today. Try a bottle of eachin the mixed case.


THE CAPE ICON CASE

M-MX1159 £125

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the wines below. Members wishing to store it in our Reserve Cellar can do so until 2015.

E-SA6241 Waterford Kevin Arnold Shiraz, Nadine, 2007 £17 bottle £204 dozen

A blend of shiraz with 10% mourvèdre. Textural and seductive but without the brawnoften found in Cape reds, this has lovely spice and mocha flavours. Now to 2015.14.5%

E-SA6511 Kanonkop Pinotage, 2008 £18 bottle £216 dozen

South Africa’s most celebrated pinotage. The supple tannins and rich fruit in 2008 makeit drinkable now, but decanting will enhance the flavour and complexity; or cellar to2021. 14%

E-SA6651 Meerlust Estate Rubicon, 2006 £19 bottle £228 dozen

Lovely Rubicon with a solid base of 76% cabernet sauvignon, with less merlot since2001 in favour of more cabernet franc, here 16%. Still young but already approachableif decanted. Now to 2025. 14%

E-SA5691 Columella, 2006 (Sadie Family Wines) £39 bottle £468 dozen

Swartland-grown old-vine syrah with mourvèdre adding brooding complexity andrichness. One of South Africa’s most celebrated wines and a regular five-star rating inthe influential Platter’s Guide. Now to 2020. 14.5%

Kanonkop Paul Sauer, 2006Predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a significant proportion of fragrant andcharming cabernet franc, and 15% merlot which adds roundness. An elegant wine,currently still showing its classy French oak. Awarded five stars in the 2010 John Platter’sGuide. Now to 2020. 13% This wine is available only in the mixed case.

Warwick Estate Trilogy, 2007 Trilogy was first released in 1986. The blend varies each year, generally now with morecabernet franc than previously. The 2007 is 64% cabernet sauvignon, 18% cabernetfranc and 18% merlot, matured in French oak for 24 months, around 60% of whichwas new. Still young and vibrant, with spicy oak. Now to 2017. 14.5% This wine is available only in the mixed case.

SOUTH AFRICANICONS

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THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS …

Anniversary bottles forspecial occasions There is nothing quite like celebrating a birthdayor anniversary with a glass of something from the same vintage. Apart from evoking pleasantmemories, it also opens a lively debate onwhether the wine has aged more or lessgracefully than we have. Neither of the twopossible answers to that question is ideal, ofcourse, but we have done our utmost here tomake sure the wine rises to the occasion!

The Society has enviable archive bottles from a great many vintages, which space prevents usfrom listing in full, so it is always worth contactingus if you are in search of specific years.

Those coming of age this year could not have a better start in a life of wine appreciation than a live demonstration, courtesy of their lovingparents, of course, that the good stuff goes on for quite a long time, so it pays to treat it with respect!


RED

E-CM1451 Château Langoa Barton, 1993, Saint-Julien £30 bottle

Saint-Julien fared better than most communes in this challenging vintage and Langoa was one of its stars. Fully ready. 13% Three bottles only per member.

E-CS41 Domaine De L’Eglise, 1990, Pomerol £45 bottle

A plentiful, fully healthy vintage that was a success throughout Bordeaux. Rich Pomerol, ripe for drinking now. 13% One bottle only per member.

E-LE431 Chateau Musar, 1993 £60 bottle

The 1993 stood out at the members’ tasting in London last November. Full, round and deliciously spicy. Drink this year. 14% Six bottles only per member.

E-CS91 Château Le Gay, 1990, Pomerol £115 bottle

Also à point, this little-seen property benefited from the generosity of the ripe 1990vintage. 13.5% One bottle only per member.

E-BU3921 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses, Domaine Roumier, 1993 £750 bottle

Exquisite wine from a top vineyard, bordering Le Musigny, and an excellent grower. The 1993s have developed slowly and beautifully. Lovely now and to 2020. 13.5%Two bottles only per member.

WHITE

E-LO109001 Montlouis, Moelleux, Les Batisses, Délétang, 1990 £25 bottle

Now fully mature, this dessert-grade chenin from the excellent Batisses vineyard and a five-star vintage shows subtle spice and apricot notes. Try on its own, with pork rillettesor a ripe, soft goat’s cheese such as Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. Now to 2015. 12% Two bottles only per member.

52870 Fine Wines_Feb 2011_20pp 20/01/2011 12:21

SERVICESMembers’ Reserves – the perfect environment for storing wineWines purchased by the case from The Society can be stored in The Society’s duty-paid, temperature-controlled Members’ Reserves cellars. Rental per year or partthereof is currently £7.92 per dozen 75cl-bottles or equivalent, if paid by direct debit(£8.64 per dozen if not), which includes VAT and full insurance at replacementvalue. For more information visit thewinesociety.com/membersreserves

14.5 10.9

14 10.5

13.5 10.1

13 9.75

12 9.0

11 8.25

10 7.5

9 6.75

volume %Units per

standard bottle

KEYSee page144 of the main List for fulldescriptions

White Wines:bone dry, eg. Muscadet

a little fuller than bone dry or with lower acidity

dry but rich or lighter and sweeter

medium dry, usually demi-secs

medium sweet, the driest of the pudding-style

wines

- dessert grade sweetness eg. Sauternes

Alcohol levelsAlcohol percentage by volume is indicated foreach wine or spirit. Occasionally there will beslight variations from the published figure. Alcohol levels are only a guide to a wine’s fullness;other factors such as tannin and extract in redwines also contribute to overall impression ofweight and the note on the wine should makethis clear. Units of alcohol are increasingly printedon wine labels. A UK unit of alcohol is simplymeasured by multiplying alcohol by volume. Thus a standard 13% 75cl bottle of wine willcontain 9.7 units of alcohol.

The UK governmentrecommends thatmen do not regularlyexceed 3-4 units aday, and that womendo not regularlyexceed 2-3 units a day. It alsorecommends thatpregnant women donot drink alcohol.

FREE UK DELIVERYwhen you order any 12 bottles or if your order value is £75 or more

Registered as: The International Exhibition Co-operative Wine Society Limited, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2BT

Website thewinesociety.comEnquiries 01438 741177Orders 01438 740222

The Society’s GuaranteeDrinking wine bought from The Wine Society should be a pleasurable experience. If at any timeyou are dissatisfied, we would like to hear from you. Contact us and we will be pleased to help.

This offer is open until Saturday 30th April, 2011 while stocks last. To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222

facebook.com/TheWineSocietytwitter.com/TheWineSociety societygrapevine.com

Two new services for Members’ Reserves Members can now mix their own cases and place them in our temperature-controlled Members’ Reserves cellar. Any 12 bottles can be selected, storedand drawn out when desired. See our website for more details. Members canalso remove a few bottles of a full case stored in Reserves. Wines removed inthis way need to be made up into 12-bottle cases using no more than fourdifferent wines from the member’s unmixed cases stored in Reserves. A handling charge of £5 per dozen bottles withdrawn applies. Please callMember Services on 01438 740222 to arrange your part-case withdrawal.

Vintage Cellar Plan – the simple and affordable way to create a cellar of fine wineChoose from a range of plans and then let The Society’s buyers do the rest, usingtheir expertise to seek out exceptional parcels of wine for your future enjoyment.thewinesociety.com/vintagecellarplan

Fine Wine Advisers – here to helpPlease contact the Fine Wine Advisers for help with wine selection, food matchingand any other wine-related subject. Visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call01438 741177 to find out more.

The Society’s Fine Wine ListPlease note that many of these wines are available only in limited quantities andwill be sold on a first-come first-served basis. Prices are correct at the time ofpublication, but The Society reserves the right to amend them at any time duringthe life of this List.

For details on ordering from The Society see page 136 of the main List.

Please note: Our Stevenage Showroom doesn’t hold stocks of all the fine wineslisted, so pre-ordering is recommended.

FFEB

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