by MichaelRedhill » Sat May 02, 2009 5:52 am
Hello all,
Well, our time in France is winding down (snf snf!) but I've managed to put together a pretty nice cellar to import to Canada, including some lovely wine from the region we're in (Languedoc) including Gauby, Mas Gassac, Mas Champart, Le Grange des Peres, Chateau de la Negly, Canet-Valette and many more. (If any of you are at all interested in a two-year run down of my favourite wines from the region, I'm ready to write such a post!)
I've also made a couple trips out to Bordeaux, where I've been trying to find wines in my price-range that will be happy to sit in a dark, cool place in Toronto for a few years. Winners in this group include Chateau Pressac, Chateau Destieux, Clos de la Sarpe, and Grandes Murailles. I've got some Burgundies, but not a lot, and unfortunately, my Rhone experiences were limited and I never once tried a Cote Rotie, which makes me sad. But at least I know my Condreius now! As for the Loire, it's another planet, although thanks to your advice, we had a brilliant 2007 Foreau Clos Naudin at Guy Savoy. But the rest of the region is a blank. Next time.
SO: it's 2008 primeur season down here, and one thing I've been doing lately is investigating the values that second wines and troisiemes crus afford. I've managed to lay down a little of the Pavillon Rouge 2005 and the Alter Ego 2005, but these 2005s are already getting expensive. However, the 2008 vintage looks very promising, and those primeurs are both available for about 25 euros a bottle right now. I have a friend down here who's willing to cellar my bottles (and I trust him!) so I'm already thinking a case of each is in the offing -- they won't be delivered until 2011, tho! I also like the price for the Chateau Tertre 2008 and the Reserve de Leoville-Barton (although the first wine of Leoville-Barton is also affordable). I'm eyeing the Petit Mouton de Rothchild as well. Do they make it every year??
So, gang, here's my question: as I fade off into the French sunset and brace myself for Canadian winters, which primeurs do you think I should be seeking out while I can? I'm not limited to Bordeaux, of course, and if anyone has a brilliant Cote Rotie suggestion for me, I'd love to have that little blot on my record erased. My budget per bottle is under 40 euros. Unless there's something absolutely unmissable that won't be had for love or money when it's actually out on the market.
I also want to add my gratitude for all the expert advice you folks have given me. I may still be a cellar rat, but now I'm a rat with a better nose and palate. Between you and CellarTracker, I've graduated from novice to amateur, and you have my profound thanks.