DOMAINE DE MONPERTUIS
2005 VINTAGE
COUNOISE
COTES DU RHONE
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE “CLASSIQUE”
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE “TRADITION”
2005 is acknowledged to be an important
vintage for the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. We offer a series
of red wines from Paul Jeune’s DOMAINE DE MONPERTUIS that
will prove that proposition to not only be correct but perhaps
to be an understatement. Based upon our long history of presenting
the wines of Monpertuis, we are confident that the wines of
this vintage will take their place among the very best of the
wines made at Monpertuis during the past quarter-century. The
two cuvées of Chateauneuf du Pape will be released on
or about September 1. The Cotes du Rhone is now available and
the Vin de Pays du Gard – Cepage Counoise is due to arrive
within several weeks. The latter two wines will provide you
with an inexpensive and compelling view of the quality that
is produced at this traditional domaine where Grenache remains
“king”.
COTES DU RHONE “VIGNOBLE
DE LA RAMIERE” 2005: harvested from vineyards
near Roquemaure, just across the river from Chateauneuf du Pape,
this wine is built on the back of Grenache and carries the subtle
spice and sophisticated structure of this noble grape; highly
aromatic with the bramble of the garrigue, the fruit is sweet
and the tannins are grainy; we think this is a classic expression
of the tenacious and satisfying wines that have made the formidable
reputation of this zone.
VIN DE PAYS DU GARD – CEPAGE COUNOISE “VIGNOBLE
DE LA RAMIERE” 2005: this little gem, crafted
from the often overlooked and frequently overproduced Counoise
variety, is consistently one of the finest values in our portfolio;
it drinks bigger and more importantly than its modest price
and appellation; ripe, plum-like fruit cuddles in the embrace
of soft tannins; this wine makes a strong statement about the
exceptional value that can still be found among the wines of
France even at this moment of a weakened US$.
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE “CUVÉE CLASSIQUE”
2005: a brilliant wine that displays a grace and finesse
that tames its inherent power; heavily reliant on Grenache and
the product of a rigorous selection from a series of small parcels
in the heart of Chateauneuf du Pape, this wine has a glorious
future; Paul Jeune has the confidence, the talent, and the superbly
sited vineyards to permit each vintage to express its character;
the suave and friendly 2004, the powerful but restrained 2003,
and the brawny, earthy 2001 have each given a precise view of
the essential character of their respective vintages; the 2005
reaches a special summit: silky and fine with a stunning elegance
that gives expression to plum-like fruit and spice-driven flavors;
an outstanding effort.
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE “TRADITION” 2005: drawn
exclusively from old vines, most of which are more than 100
years of age; the color is dark, the fruit is dense, the concentration
remarkable; a wine of overarching complexity with nuance and
power and all the presence one expects from the best wines of
this appellation; a masterpiece that merits a place in any serious
collection.
2003 in the Southern Rhone
Of course, all the conversation about the 2003 vintage in France immediately turns to a discussion of the extraordinary heat wave that beset the European continent that summer. Difficult conditions were certainly present but if any viticultural region can handle heat, the southern Rhone is the place. And, we can assure you that the series of wines that we will release in early September from the DOMAINE LA MANARINE and the DOMAINE DE MONPERTUIS are exceptional. Gilles Gasq, the proprietor of Domaine Manarine (and also the assistant to Paul Jeune at the Domaine de Monpertuis) and Paul Jeune of Monpertuis crafted wines of great intensity and surprising balance, both having waited to harvest until some timely rain arrived at the end of August. Those of you who have purchased the Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2003 from Monpertuis and the classic cuvee of 2003 Cotes du Rhone from Manarine have already experienced the positive results created by this talented duo. We are not only confident that you will be pleased with the wines, but we are convinced that this quartet rises to the very highest rung on the ladder of vintages to savor.
COTES DU RHONE "VIGNOBLE DE LA RAMIERE" (DOMAINE DE MONPERTUIS) 2003
Paul Jeune expanded his holdings in the southern Rhone several times over the past years. His acquisition of the "Vignoble de la Ramiere" on the western side of the Rhone across the river from Chateauneuf in the village of Rochegude, has proven to be a very wise investment. This site is the source for the increasingly popular Vin de Pays du Gard that he produces from the Counoise grape and it is also home to a marvelous section planted exclusively to Grenache Noir. This plot of Grenache produces our Cotes du Rhone from the Domaine de Monpertuis which we have been happily feeding to the marketplace since the initial vintage in 1996. We opened many an eye with the strikingly fine 2002 version which, despite the unfortunate conditions of that year, is a beautifully balanced, elegant, expressive wine with substance and breed. The 2003, the subject of this offering, reaches a level to which this appellation rarely rises. Deeply colored, thick on the palate, with a veritable potpourri of spices, flowers, and red fruits in the nose, this wine represents one of the great values in our portfolio. Its exceptional concentration and impeccable balance (despite its 14%+ alcohol) offers rich rewards to those who would imbibe. Many of you have already experienced the delights of the 2003 Counoise; that should be sufficient proof to attract you to the even more impressive and distinguished Cotes du Rhone from this vintage.
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE "CLASSIQUE" (DOMAINE DE MONPERTUIS) 2003
This is truly a classic version of Chateauneuf du Pape. Built on the back of Grenache (75%) with added influence from Mourvedre (15%) and Syrah and Cinsault (10% combined), sourced from vineyards spread throughout the heart of the appellation, Paul Jeune has crafted a masterpiece. Bearing the intense spice of Grenache grown on the silex-inflected soil of Chateauneuf and the rigid backbone of old vines Mourvedre, we have a wine of consummate breed. Despite its large frame and dense fruit, the "Classique" has a finely chiseled physique that finds its ultimate expression in the mineral-driven finish. A distinguished wine that will stand the test of time, you will be surprised by its grace that belies the reputation of this vintage as outsized and freakish. We are particularly proud of this wine because, as the core offering from this important estate, it stands as an example of all that we seek: clear expression of terroir with all elements in balance.
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE "CUVEE TRADITION" (DOMAINE DE MONPERTUIS) 2003
After the extravagant praise heaped upon the "Classique" cuvee, what can one say about the ultimate wine from Monpertuis? The "Cuvee Tradition" is produced only in the finest of vintages from the oldest parcels of the domaine (some exceeding 100 years in age) and is composed almost entirely of Grenache (90%+). Its size and power are impressive but its reserve, its authority, its somber intelligence are what set it apart as a gifted wine. We can say without hesitation that this wine will meet the challenge of any of the more highly publicized top cuvees produced by the most famous of Chateauneuf domaines. Our personal collection of "Tradition" dates back to the 1988 vintage, the first time this cuvee was produced at the estate. The 1988 still bristles with a youthful energy and the '89, 90, '95, '98, '99, and '01 are greater yet. We eagerly anticipate adding the very grand 2003 to our collection. |