Selected Estates

Burgundy, the Rhone and the Loire.

The Domaines

Connoisseur Estates is delighted to offer the following selection of French Domaine wines all of which are highly recommended by Marc Chapoutier of Cape 20 Domaines.

Domaine des Pasquiers, Côtes du Rhone
This estate was created in 1935 and is now owned by the third generation. Located in the Rhone valley about 40 kms from Avignon, the vineyard covers 100 hectares from the terroir of Plan de Dieu to the town of Sablet on the border of Gigondas.

The Domaine practises eco-friendly viticulture with the use of organic fertilizers. Over the last few years the vineyard has been restructured and today the grape mix comprises: 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, with the balance made up of Cinsault, Carignan and Merlot. The vines average 30 years old, but there are still some 60 year old vines producing stunningly good wines with structure and ageing potential. All the wines produced (predominantly red) are made using a blend of several grape varieties. Unsurprisingly, they are frequent medal winners, such is the quality of Domaine des Pasquiers' wine.

La Bastide Saint Dominique, Chateauneuf du Pape
Developed in 1977 by Gérard and Marie-Claude Bonnet, the Domaine is in the heart of Chateauneuf du Pape with the winery's cellars in an old chapel dating from the 16th Century. The family own over 30 hectares of vineyards in the area mainly planted to Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan and are passionate about producing top quality wine. Their philosophy is that the grapes should reflect the typicity of the terroir with the least interference in the vineyard, low yields and a green harvest practised most years. With traditional vinification methods and modern cellar facilities, the family gain optimum quality from their grapes, which shows through to the wines.

Chateau des Ferrages, Côtes de Provence
From a 40 hectare estate owned by the same family for 3 generations, the present owner, Monsieur José Garcia has been making the wines since 1980. The vineyards lie on clay-limestone soil located in the commune of Pourcieux between Brignoles and Aix-en-Provence. A combination of modern winemaking techniques and traditional ageing produces distinctive wines with lots of personality. These have received numerous medals at tasting competitions and been cited in many guides including the prestigious Guide Hachette.

Domaine Dampt Frères, Chablis
Inspired by their father Bernard, who decided in 1980 to purchase vines in order to guarantee his sons' future, the three brothers Eric, Emmanuel and Hervé acquired winemaking skills and in time pooled their resources. They now operate in 60 acres of vineyards in Chablis and Tonnerre and sell about 500,000 bottles to an ever increasing international customer base.

To achieve a perfect balance, assemblages are made from the various parcels of vines that give the wines their specificity and unique characteristics, a fact that their customers appreciate. Since 2004, they have automated the collection of the grape harvest to continue to improve the quality of their wine.

With a combination of tradition and modernism, Domaine Dampt are meeting their objective in producing good quality wines that reflect their typicity, able to satisfy the taste of both the connoisseur or novice.

Red

Domaine des Pasquiers, Cotes du Rhone 2007
Intense, red fruit aromas, aromatic, fleshy and good body. More density of fruit than we have found in any other generic Cotes du Rhone and very approachable.

Cotes du Rhone Villages, 'Plan de Dieu' 2005/06
Domaine des Pasquiers
Intense red fruit aromas. Full bodied, aromatic and fleshy. Quite delicious! Consistent Gold Medal winner.

Cotes du Rhone Villages, 'Sablet' 2006
Domaine des Pasquiers
Very aromatic nose of red and black fruit and spices. On the palate a mix of black fruit, pepper and liquorice with softly balanced tannins. Winner of numerous Gold and Silver Medals.

Cotes du Rhone Villages, 'Gigondas' 2007
Domaine des Pasquiers
A blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. The wine has a dense colour, spiciness and body. Very aromatic nose with black fruits and spices followed through to the palate. Powerful, well structured and balanced tannins. From old vines, farmed organically with a very low yield. Limited production (max 800 bottles per year!).  VERY limited availability!

Crozes Hermitage, Domaine les Chenets 2006
From a sought-after Domaine, well known for their consistently good quality wines at fair prices. The traditional cuveé comes from vines that are 30-40 years old and the wine is made to extract the maximum fruit. It has a dominant nose of red fruits and blackcurrants with round and soft tannins and a full body. With age, the peppery and leather notes will develop giving the wine even greater complexity.

Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve St Dominique 2006
A very soft yet powerful style typical of Grenache grown in a sunny climate. This wine is accessible young, but also has great aging potential. It will be outstanding with all kinds of grilled or sauced meats. Fantastic price:quality for a wine from this region.

La Bastide Saint Dominique, 'Secrets de Pignan' 2006
Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf du Pape
From 100% Grenache vines planted in 1920, organically grown and with very low yields. This is a very intense ruby colour with a complex nose dominated by blackcurrant, plum, cherry and roasted coffee. On the palate a really full body, but with soft and dense tannins, oodles of red fruit, licorice and a touch of tobacco … with a very long length. Fantastically complex and with the ability to age over 15 years. Limited availability – on allocation.

Coteaux du Tricastin Rouge Gourmandises 2007
Domaine de Montine
From a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, the wine has a very rich, aromatic nose with hints of spices and red fruits, with good structure and balance on the palate and round tannins.

Fleurie, Domaine des Chaffangeons 2007
Ruby red with violet highlights; delicate and velvety, with elegance and floral fruit. On the palate, ripe fruit with hints of cherries and blackcurrants and a round, well balanced finish.

White

Chablis Vieilles Vignes, Domaine E. Dampt 2007
From old vines aged between 50-70 years. Pale gold with fresh mineral nose. Barrel ageing gives the wine body, roundness and good length. The old vines give a wonderful aromatic complexity with a good balance of both citrus and mineral flavours typical of a good Chablis. Gold medal winner Concours des Vins de Chablis Jan 2007.

Saint Véran, Domaine de Vignemont 2007
Soft and floral aromas with lovely freshness; nuances of Acacia and fresh white flowers and an all round softness.

Sancerre Domaine La Gemiere 2006
First impressions of Granny Smiths apples and white flowers, then tertiary aromas of citrus fruits, lemon & grapefruit. On the palate the wine is soft and full with notes of fresh peach. Well balanced Sancerre from a great traditional producer.

Coteaux du Tricastin Blanc Gourmandises 2006/07
Domaine de Montine
Made from a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. The wine has a fresh, open bouquet of summer flowers with good body. Exotic fruits (mango, kiwi) dominate together with citrus flavours and a good mineral touch at the end. A lovely fresh wine.

Coteaux du Tricastin Viognier 2007
Domaine de Montine
100% Viognier. Vinified 30% in new oak barriques, the wine has a enveloping bouquet of apricot, peach and white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh with a round body, good acidity and a flavours of pear, apricot and peach dominating with a hint of almond and some citrus notes also coming through. An absolutely delicious wine, great both as an aperitif or with a variety of dishes.

Rose

Chateau des Ferrages, Cuvée Roumery 07/08 Rosé
A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah from 30 year old vines. Rose petal colour with fresh and fruity aromas of red fruit. On the palate a good balance between freshness, structure, acidity and alcohol with a rich and soft body with red fruit dominating. Best enjoyed chilled with all kinds of food.

Chateau des Ferrages Cuvée Roumery 2008 Rosé
(3 x 150cl per case)

Also available Ex Cellars in mixed pallets (112 cases per pallet) from R Mathelin, Beaujolais, France.