Paul Avril
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos des Papes
Paul Avril and his son Vincent run this firm, producing a very fine Southern Rhône blend. Their vineyards are not all adjacent to one another, something the team uses to its advantage to get maximum value from each site. Clos des Papes practices biodynamic farming and seeks low yields; the resulting wines are endowed with a long lifespan.
1990, 750 ml
1995, 750 ml
1998, 750 ml
2000, 750 ml
2001, 750 ml
2005, 750 ml
2008, 750 ml
Chateau Rayas
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Reserve
Château Rayas is the antithesis of modern-day winemaking. This tiny estate of 10 hectares uses no stainless steel fermenters, no temperature controls, no new oak, and no consulting oenologists. The wines of Château Rayas speak of their terroir like no other in the region. The incredibly dry and nutrient-poor soils produce Grenache of unmatched finesse and sheer elegance.
Blanc Reserve 1995, 750ml
Château de Fonsalette Reserve 1995, 750ml
Château de Fonsalette Reserve 1996, 750ml
Pignan Réservé 1990, 750ml
Pignan Réservé 1998, 750ml
Chateau de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Hommage à Jacques Perrin
Château de Beaucastel is regarded by many as a top estate in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation; it traces its roots deep into the history of the Southern Rhône. Within the entire region, Beaucastel is one of only three estates that plant all thirteen of the red varieties allowed in the AOC. Whereas most wineries rely heavily on Grenache, Beaucastel uses a high proportion of Mourvèdre in the final blend. The Hommage à Jacques Perrin is a benchmark wine made in vintages with superior growing conditions. A true collector wine.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Château de Beaucastel is regarded by many as a top estate in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation; it traces its roots deep into the history of the Southern Rhône. Within the entire region, Beaucastel is one of only three estates that plant all thirteen of the red varieties allowed in the AOC. Whereas most wineries rely heavily on Grenache, Beaucastel uses a high proportion of Mourvèdre in the final blend.
Domaine de Beaurenard
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée Boisrenard
Domaine de Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been a family-run estate for seven generations. The average age of the vines of this small estate (less than 80 acres) pushes 45 years old. The grapes, dominated by Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, are grown on hillside vineyards with southern exposure in clay- and chalk-rich soils. The wines of the estate have not gone unnoticed, garnering more than 300 medals over the years.
"A candidate for wine of the vintage is the 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Boisrenard. Subtle aromas of vanillin intermixed with blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, and espresso characteristics explode from the glass." (Robert Parker 2/03)
"There have been a number of spectacular vintages of Domaine de Beaurenard's luxury cuvée, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Boisrenard, but the 2001 may be the finest they have ever produced. The explosive bouquet is followed by an expansive, full-bodied, powerful wine with great purity, tremendous multilayered flavor intensity, and beautifully integrated wood, acidity, and tannin." (Robert Parker, 2/04)
Cuvée Boisrenard 1990, 750ml
Cuvée Boisrenard 2001, 750ml
*ask your wine consultant about pricing
Domaine Pierre Usseglio
Châteauneuf-du-Papee, Cuvée de Mon Aïeul
Mon Aïuel is made from old-vine, low-yielding Grenache (and some other bits!) from the top-quality producer Pierre Usseglio. With a little air, these are fabulous, old-style Châteauneufs that just ooze class and quality. Mon Aïeul sees no new wood at all—very much in the Rayas style. As is the case with all these wines, quantities are always limited.
”1998: Creme de cassis intermixed with minerals and blueberries are reminiscent of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from the likes of Bryant Family Vineyard. Awesomely concentrated, extraordinarily pure, with moderately high tannin, fabulous length, and a youthful personality, it is undoubtedly the greatest wine Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio have ever produced.” (Robert Parker, 12/01)
”One of the vintage’s most profound wines, the 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul has a dense purple color as well as a glorious nose of blackberries, licorice, smoke, and some roasted meats and dried herbs. Amazingly opulent, even voluptuous, with extraordinary purity, a huge tactile impression on the palate, but not heavy by any means, this is a stunning Châteauneuf-du-Pape from ancient vines.” (Robert Parker, 2/06)
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 1998, 750ml
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 1999, 750ml
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2000, 750ml
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2001, 750ml
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2003, 750ml
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2005, 750ml
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2006, 750ml