World-Classics Reds Collection French Italian Spanish California Wines
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For wine lovers, just words like “Châteauneuf-du-Pape” and “Bordeaux” are magical. Famed for their complexity and finesse, these are the reds with that ‘wow factor,’ guaranteed to impress your dinner guests.
Bordeaux, red Burgundy, Chianti Riserva and more…
Enjoy six of the world’s greatest styles — there’s never been a better time to try them. From France’s 2009 vintage (glorious in Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône) to excellent Chianti 2007, quality is sky-high.
Remarkable flavor and value — JUST $17.50 a bottle
Drinking deliciously now, these world-class reds will take any special meal to the next level. They’re all worthy of a little cellar time, too. See the ‘Case Contents’ tab above for full details on each celebrated wine. Limited cases available.
Hautes Terres Rouge Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 France Rhone Red Blend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the southern Rhône’s “intellectual and hedonistic” red (and Robert Parker’s favorite wine). From a vintage Parker rates “excellent,” this is a great example of the style from star winemaker Thierry Walet.
Thanks Thierry’s network of contacts here, he always gets his ‘pick of the bunch’ – and in the “excellent” 2009, he was picking from a pool of perfectly ripe fruit (from some of his favorite premium vineyards in the region). The result: a richly blended, supreme quality wine of terrific value.
Deliciously complex, with ripe raspberry notes on the nose. Subtle flavors of herb, warm spice and black pepper with juicy red fruit. Decant an hour before serving to allow the flavors to further develop. Enjoy over the next decade with your richest beef stews and mature cheeses.
Le Grand Chai Medoc 2009 France Bordeaux Red Blend
On the banks of the Dordogne (in the heart of Bordeaux) lies Le Chai au Quai. It was here that Tony Laithwaite first fell in love with wine, washing bottles as a student in 1965. Recently restored by Tony and his team, this historic 19th-century cellar is now a workshop for talented young winemakers to craft tiny-production specials like this sumptuous, Cabernet-rich Médoc from Bordeaux’s magnificent 2009 vintage.
Released to great acclaim, it wowed Experts’ Choice Judge (and International Wine Challenge Chairman) Charles Metcalfe with its “ripe, soft, sweet fruit.” Master of Wine and leading Bordeaux authority Jancis Robinson had this to say:
“Firm, dense and correct with quite a deep blackish ruby. Very firm and true. No hurry to drink… Real zest and density. Very good value.”
Rate this glory vintage Bordeaux for yourself and with today’s $51 savings, pay just $15.67 a bottle.
Like all the wines made at Le Chai, there are limited quantities of this rich, age-worthy gem. Don’t delay — order your share now
Duca di Cardino Chianti Riserva 2007 Italy Tuscany Sangiovese
The Barbanera family have been making superlative wines, working in some of Tuscany’s best-regarded sites, since the 1930s. This gorgeous Chianti Riserva draws on some serious pedigree and winemaking experience.
Marco Barbanera’s 2007 is fit for a “duke,” and the powers-that-be in Italy have confirmed it: “Riserva” on the label means top-quality in the glass.
Thirty years ago, Chianti’s wines were synonymous with the wicker jugs of red in every Italian restaurant. Not anymore, and certainly not in 2007 — a vintage Wine Spectator gives an “excellent” 94 points for its “aromatic and fresh” characters “with good fruit and tannin backbone.” Also included here: ripe dark cherry, classic chocolate, hints of licorice and mocha. So delicious, and made for hearty and traditional Italian classics like lasagne or pasta with a spicy arrabbiata sauce
Ramsden Estate Napa Valley Merlot 2010 California Merlot
Napa may rank right up there with Bordeaux when it comes to the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s also a top spot for Bordeaux’s other great red grape, Merlot. Made with handpicked fruit from Napa’s premium Oak Knoll and Rutherford districts, this delicious example is brought to you by a team of acclaimed California experts. Viticulturist Kyle Stroud worked his magic in the vineyard and star winemaker Alison Crowe (formerly of Chalone and Bonny Doon) took over in the cellar.
Enjoy this very well-crafted result — aged in fine French and U.S. barrels for a just-right balance of spice and warm oak flavor, it’s brimming with complex plum, blueberry and black currant, edged with vanilla and clove. Soft tannins make it a delightful match for rich roast meats, from pork to chicken. Vegetarian? Try it with mushroom risotto.
A Dupuis Merrandier Bourgogne 2009 France Burgundy Pinot Noir
For Pinot fans, Burgundy is the magic word: the grape’s spiritual home, famed for its silky, vibrant, fragrant wines. This special cuvée is from the Dupuis family (experts since 1850) and the glorious 2009 vintage:
“Up there with 2005 and 1999 as the very best of the last 25 years.” (Clive Coates, Master of Wine, leading Burgundy critic)
‘Le Merrandier’ is the person who selects the oak for wine barrels. At top-flight coopers like Dargaud & Jaeglé (André Dupuis’ favorite), it’s a very important job indeed.
Aromas and flavors of ripe forest fruit and spiced cherry. Smooth texture from 10 months in fine quality oak. Raise a glass to Le Merrandier and enjoy with boeuf Bourguignon (a classic match).
Great vintage Burgundy at a great price — place your holiday order NOW
Pagos de Tahola Reserva Rioja 2005 Spain La Rioja Tempranillo
Rich, velvety, vanilla-oaky Rioja is Spain’s greatest red. No debate. And when you see Reserva on the label, you’re in for a treat. It means the wine has been aged for at least three years in barrel and bottle. This top example has one year in oak and has had another five years to mellow in bottle.
Ruth Chavarri makes stunning Rioja from vineyards first planted by her great-grandfather in 1872. For her 2005 Reserva (officially rated ‘excellent’ by Rioja authorities), she used fruit from prized 60-year-old vines and chose French and U.S. oak. Expect layers of ripe berry, licorice and vanilla.
Go for the traditional Spanish experience: decant an hour to open the toasted vanilla and strawberry flavors. Then, serve with roasted suckling pig or tapas of Jamón de Serrano and Manchego (a local cheese).
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