By Wineaux DLynn Proctor
Yesterday marked another exciting visit from John Paine, Sales Director of the “Uber-Geek” Rosenthal Wine Merchant. When you hear of Rosenthals’ wines, one automatically thinks top-notch producers, incredibly small production, and some grape varieties that most have not heard of. Famed producers include: Umbrias’ Paolo Bea, Juras’ Jacques Puffeney, Dauvissat, Arnoux, Bitouzet-Prieur, Yves Couilleron, and the one and only Le Pergole Torte from Montevertine.
Our line up was laiden with Premier and Grand Cru Burgs and niche Italians. It is not often that you go straight into a 2004 Remi Rollin Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru that on the nose smelled of Crème brûlée and orange zest. The palate followed with a slightly oxydized charm that only white burg could offer and exploded with honeysuckle, burnt popcorn, toast, and peach. The minerality was as “limestoney” as Charlemagne could offer. The finish seemed eternal, and……it was.
Next was 2006 Robert Arnoux Vosne Romanee 1er les Suchots. Storied Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards lay in this village and are probably the most expensive parcels of real-estate on the planet. This wine offered classic pinot minerality, toffee, dark roast coffee, cola and bing cherries. As the palate lingered, an essence of Hawthorne and fresh currants emerged and wrapped around a note wet stone. Arnoux is truly a great experience.
In Umbria, there is the land of Montefalco which is home Paolo Bea. The family has been in this little hill town since the 1500’s and their wines are as idiosyncratic now as they have ever been. The 2005 Rosso de Veo made from 100% Sagrantino was indescribable. Literally. Blueberries, blackberries, cassis, are mingled with savory herbs and perfect notes of earthiness. Well, a lot of earthiness, it is Italian!
Of all the wines tasted yesterday, these are just a few of my highlights. Again, consistency, quality, and attention to vineyard and winemaking detail are what make this portfolio so incomparable. A lot like Graileys in the same sense. We are attentive to the producers we taste and carry, and we only put the best in front of our clients and the final reward for all is pure magic.
When you see this logo…expect greatness! Ciao for now
