Millesime Vins Fins

Vincent Girault

2011-05-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Vincent Girault is a true pioneer of biodynamic viticulture, practicing this system long before it was either fashionable or really practical. In 1992, well before the new global warming paradigm that we are familiar with today, just having a decent vintage was anything but sure. MILLESIME is proud to represent Vincent's wines some of the most delightful (and affordable) biodynamic examples available!

Here is a translation from Vincent's website, where he explains his history and philosophy:

THE WINE PYRAMID
To me, wine is a pyramid. it comprises four sides: the terroir (soil and sub-soil), the climate, the varietals and the agriculture; the vigneron is the grand architect of this wine pyramid. In truth, the four sides are not equal and the terroir remains the most important in its relation to the planted varietal. No great wine without great terroir. No good wine without a good agriculture.

A VIGNERON FAMILY
My family has been in the vines and the wine business since 1854. More than 150 years between the vines, the négoce, brokerage, cooperage: the family genes are impregnated with tastes and flavors, but also gestures and the feeling of the harvest … In 1971 my parents stopped their négoce of Loire wines to devote themselves entirely to their original 10 ha domaine, the Clos de la Briderie, clay-limestone terroir.

Personally, with the help of my parents, I got involved in 1978 by buying the original 14 ha of the Chateau Gaillard property. I was 18 years old and I started out by removing all of the vines that were too mixed in terms of varietals, non-aligned, and those that had suffered enough from the three dormant years that preceded my taking over the domaine. The 8 hectares of old gamay that remained produced Touraine-Mesland rouge that won a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris.

CHATEAU GAILLARD
I finished my oenological and viticultural studies before returning to live definitively at Chateau Gaillard in 1982. The domaine is situated on Miocene sands, where the gamay excels in red with its peppery and spicy notes, and in rose with its notes of berries and candy. After regrouping the parcels, purchasing additional vineyards, and replanting, the domaine reached its current size of 30 ha in 1991. Many things were also improved in the cellar in terms of equipment over those years.

THE GRAPE, THE TERROIR: THE BASIS OF GOOD WINE
Basically, like good cooking, the wine that pleases us all always comes from good ripe grapes. All basic, nothing but and it's still quite a lot. On this adequacy which is simple but far from being simplistic, I turned first to the specialists of terroirs in France. My method was to plant the cepages of my appellation where they would do best on my terroirs in Mesland. After a study of my terroirs made in 1990, I replanted 17 ha with all of the cepages of my AOC on the best terroirs that I had purchased and assembled from about thirty different owners.

MY CHOICE OF BIODYNAMIC VITICULTURE
It was also at the end of 1990 that I oriented myself toward biodynamic viticulture. Why? I had a "flash" during a visit to Egypt and the comprehension of the lost knowledge from the time of the pharoahs, in addition to the explanations of my late Father-in-law regarding the rhythms of the animal and vegetable worlds, and finally meeting one of the first biodynamists in France, Mr. François Bouchet. It has been twenty years since I began to practice this powerful agriculture, based on the understanding of nature, and it is for me very satisfying. Many consumers also have been happy to purchase our biodynamic wines and to discover their flavors, their digestible quality, and the "food-pleasure force" that they provide.

In 1994 my parents converted the 10 ha of the Clos de la Briderie to biodynamism and I work the property since 2000 when my parents took their well-earned retirement. I propose these wines to my private customers, the local restaurateurs, and also to foreign importers who also sell to nice restaurants.

MY NEW DOMAINES
In 2007, I bought the Cailloux vineyard in Onzain, situated on a flinty terroir and I have begun the work of restructuring and replanting, going from 14 to 20 ha. This property is in biodynamic conversion since the spring of 2008.

Then in 2008, a chance discovery, I crossed the Loire went down the river and found 4 ha in AOC Montlouis, reputed Chenin blanc terroir. in biodynamic conversion since the spring of 2008.

Here Vincent describes biodynamism at length:

BIODYNAMIC GROWING IS ABOVE ALL PROTECTING THE SOIL

Balance has to be assured while creating harmonious conditions between the earth, the plant and the environment. For the past dozen years, the number of domaines that are converting to biodynamic practice are in constant growth.

A FAD? A PASSING FANCY? NO, A REAL AWAKENING FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THEIR EARTH

Conventional agriculture, marked by its course toward so-called profitability and the constant requirement of ever-increasing productivity, has proven to be a huge consumer of substances that are dangerous for plants and animals. The use of chemical herbicides, insecticides, acaricides, systemic poisons (penetrating into the circulatory system of the plant) completely destroys the balance of the soil and the environment. By killing the insects, one also wipes out their natural predators. With herbicides, the soil dies and compacts, the roots thus stay close the the surface leaving the plant among other things more sensitive to the climate and isolating it from the terroir. Synthetic chemical fertilizers contribute to the salinity of the soil, sterilizing it and inducing vigor and a level of production that is contrary to quality. In addition, these substances pollute the water tables...
Biodynamic winegrowers have made this choice because they have understood that the use of all of these products ends up wrecking the balance of their vineyards' ecosystems and harming the fertility of their land. These "peasants" who were the first to refuse to mistreat their land are no longer seen as extraterrestrials. Soon, they will cease to be seen as marginal, for the results are there to see.

BIODYNAMISM, A CULTURE THAT GOES BEYOND

Among "organic" practices, biodynamism is unique in its consideration of astral influences and the rhythm of nature, and by the use of homeopathic-type vegetal preparations whose purpose is to restore balance and to revitalize the vegetation rather than to treating it when it gets sick.

Proposed in 1924 in response to the worries of farmers who already saw the dangers to their land, biodynamism is a growing method that goes far beyond simply excluding the use of synthetic chemical products.
The principles were defined in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner. They can be resumed in the following three points:

- Valorization of the soil and the plant in its natural environment with preparations derived from animal, vegetable and mineral matter;

- The application of these preparations at precise moments during the yearly cycle: this is the "dynamic" part. It recognizes that the earth, in its largest sense (bedrock, workable soil and aerial environment), is an entire organism. Nature thus behaves like a doctor who chooses, to treat its patients, specific treatments which unleash the life forces;

- The working of the soil by plowing.

These steps support:
- the improvement of the quality of the soil by the presence of a large variety of bacteria;
- better rooting for the plant, with longer and denser roots;
- better development of the leaves and the flowers providing the necessary energy for a harmonious fruiting.

BIODYNAMISM IN VITICULTURE

The wine domaine, as with any agricultural domaine is considered to be a living organism. The cultivated soil is not simply a support for the vine but also a living space, it is a source of energy for the plant like the aerial environment.
Thus the vine - the organism in the middle - creates and nourishes its terroir in the inhabited, living milieu that surrounds the roots. The exchanges between the the biology of the soil, the root system and the leaf system permit the expression of the terroir in the grapes, where the terroir's flavors are sublimated.

The viticultural practice needs to be very elaborate to compensate for the inherent risk of this monoculture.

BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS
They come from transformed animal, vegetable and mineral matter.
- Dung compost supports and reinforces the process of decomposition of the earth. It contains all of the elements that help the formation of the clay-humic complex. A large number and variety of bacteria are found in it.
- Preparation 500, horn dung (cow dung packed in a cow horn and buried over a winter) acts on the plant. It reinforces the subterranean life. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous experiments: the roots are longer, denser, and more spread out.
- Preparation 501, horn silica (ground quartz crystals mixed with rain water and packed in a cow horn, buried in spring and dug up in the fall) helps the development of the leaves, the balance of the flowers and the necessary energy for a good and full fruiting.

These 3 must be 'dynamized' (a process where the preparation is spun in water first in one direction, then the other - creating 'chaos' in the mixture) before application.

Other preparations, made of yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian have all undergone transformations - fermentations in the presence of animal organs for some - increasing their powers and transforming them into humus with specific qualities.

These preparations are indispensable, they help the penetration of the composts and orient the fermentations for the balance and harmony of the soil and the plant.

TERRESTRIAL AND LUNAR RHYTHMS

Solar rhythms, day and night or the seasons as well as lunar rhythms are familiar to us. For 10 years, the experiments conducted by Maria Thun have enabled us to see cosmic influences on the growth of plants. These seem connected to the positions of the moon, the sun, and the planets in relation to the constellations.

A calendar, tied to these observations was created. The effectiveness of labors and treatments of the vine can be maximized by the choice of the dates of intervention. It should be said that for thousands of years, every good farmer has paid attention to to the solar and lunar rhythms!

Here at MILLESIME we currently have these wines from Vincent in stock:

2010 Touraine Sauvignon blanc

2009 Touraine-Mesland Blanc

2009 Touraine-Mesland rouge

NV Crémant de Loire "Clémence Guéry"

New Arrivals - France

2011-01-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

Available now!

CLOS CHATEAU GAILLARD
Vincent Girault was a biodynamic pioneer, certified in 1992 - long before it was fashionable (or viable) Global warming has been a boon to this region and the bar of quality keeps getting higher. Some of you may remember the Sparkling Touraine "Charlette Voyante". Vincent has made the commendable decision to discontinue the Charlette, and instead focus on making much less of a much better Cremant de Loire. This Cremant is the equal in quality and complexity to many champagnes that cost 2x+

The domaine has more certifications than you can shake a stick at: AB, Demeter, Biodyvin, USDA NOP ... Has to be some kind of record for that kind of thing.

2010 Sauvignon Blanc (available this time only at PCC, next time I'll try to get enough for everybody. Rather than competing with the likes of Oisly, Vincent's new lower-production sauv blanc competes with not only Reuilly and Quincy, but also Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
2009 Touraine-Mesland Blanc (Chenin/Chard) (available at Wine World)
2009 Touraine-Mesland Rouge (Cab Franc, Cot, Gamay) available at PCC
NV Cremant de Loire "Clémence Guéry" (Chenin/Chard)

CHATEAU MERCIER

The Chetys have owned this property for 13 generations. They consistently produce superb "bargain Bordeaux" in the Cotes de Bourg.

2008 Cotes de Bourg Rouge

45% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec

DOMAINE DU PRINCE

Solid source of rich, complex Costieres de Nimes.

2009 Costieres de Nimes Blanc Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne

2007 Costieres de Nimes Rouge

DOMAINE MARTIN
Superb go-to source for top quality old school Rhones at giveaway prices!
2010 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge
2009 Cotes du Rhone Rouge
2008 Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu Rouge

TBC

Wines with Turkey and Ham

2010-11-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I did an experimental tasting with Bruce Kinsey at QFC Factoria. Bruce was looking for 'something new' in the way of wines for Thanksgiving. Bruce had the brilliant idea of running over to the deli and getting a piece of turkey and a piece of ham, so that we could get scientific instead of speculative. Everybody knows the classic matches, gewurztraminer or riesling for the whites, Beaujolais or Pinot for reds. I freely admit that there were some real surprises - some wines I was sure were going to be great were just OK and others came out of left field as amazing matches. Interestingly, there were even a couple of wines that performed well with both meats - no small feat!

These were the winners:

BEST OVERALL
The overall winner was also the least expensive wine - the Domaine du Prince Costieres de Nimes Blanc. It was a great match with both meats, really doing well with both.

BEST WITH TURKEY
Another great match with the Turkey was the Domaine des Forges Anjou Blanc. A fairly atypical Anjou (weightier than most and with a light touch of botrytis) It was a seamless match that surprised us both. The Cote Roannaise (gamay) from Lapandery was also a good match with the turkey.

BEST WITH HAM
This was another big surprise - the Lapandery was not a great match with ham so we didn't expect much from the Coteaux du Giennois Rouge from Domaine Poupat as it is also a medium-bodied, fairly acidic red. This wine, 60% gamay and 40% pinot noir was revelatory - it blew away all of the other wines as a match for the ham, and was good with the Turkey too.

These wines are all available at QFC Factoria if you are in that neighborhood, otherwise call your habitual retailer to special order.

LARGE FORMAT COTES DU RHONE

2010-10-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Now this something you don't often see...

I presold these to a large and influential retailer who canceled their entire order because a fair percentage were leaking and/or had damaged capsules. The economy went south right around that time so I was left holding a fair number of these rarities.

from an earlier post:

"I was sceptical about this domaine. I do a lot of Rhones and I asked myself, "do I really need another expensive Cotes du Rhone?" That they had no Village wines was also not exactly a point in their favor (they now have one Village wine - a Plan de Dieu). After tasting the 2004 CDR "Prestige des Garrigues" (a coup de coeur in Hachette), I realized that it made more sense to view this wine as a cheap (and GOOD) Chateauneuf rather than an expensive CDR. Seriously, you could really embarass some people by bringing a Prestige des Garrigues to a brown bag Chateauneuf tasting."

The domaine is located halfway between Chateauneuf and Gigondas on what must be some of the best non-village land available, 2km to the north of Courthezon and 2km to the east of Beaucastel.

OK, what would does one have to pay for large formats of this excellent CDP-alike? Much less than you think, I'm pretty sure. These have all been tasted numerous times and will not disappoint or fail to impress. If you have holiday parties coming up, or are looking for a unique gift, here you go.

available:

1999 Prestige des Garrigues 1.5L
1999 Prestige des Garrigues 3L
2000 Prestige des Garrigues 3L
2001 Prestige des Garrigues 5L

Sweet Loires

2010-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

With the Alcoholidays upon us, it's time to revisit the amazing late harvest chenins available at Millesime:

DOMAINE LES GRANDES VIGNES
2003 Coteaux du Layon SGN 500 ml - Amazing 'entry-level SGN' - a great way to see what the fuss is about at a bargain price.
2002 Bonnezeaux SGN 500 ml - Very serious complexity, still very very young and showing plenty of 'baby fat'.

DOMAINE DES FORGES
2005 Coteaux du Layon "Les Onnis" - the 'Poor Man's Quart de Chaume', from a parcel adjacent to QdC. This particular wine is the peer of many QdC.

2005 Quarts de Chaume - A quarter of the production of this vineyard was always given as tribute to the Lord of the land in pre-Revolutionary times. Not hard to see why, the wine is absolutely packed with goodies, and a 750ml bottle costs much less than an inferior 375 of Huet...

2001 Coteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin SGN 500ml - The best of the best. 5hl/ha yields. The finish is about 5 minutes - insane!

I've never been able to understand how one can say that they are into wine, and yet have no experience of these sublime nectars. The "Grand Bob" himself either doesn't know what they are or doesn't care - hard to say which is worse. Chenin is similar to riesling in that wines made from it can range from bone dry to toothachingly sweet, always with a level of acid that ensures both pleasure in drinking at all stages of development and great longevity in the cellar - it is no exaggeration to claim that these 5 wines will outlive us all.

These two estates are masters of the dry (sec), late-harvest (moelleux), and super late harvest TBA style (liquoreux) styles, which may or may not be botrytised. These 5 wines are all in the liquoreux style and exhibit a plethora of heady aromas and flavors of candied fruits, honey, nougat and an incredible richness. The high acidity of the wines invites another taste, never fatiguing the palate.

Fans of botrytis, or "pourriture noble" need look no further than the 3 SGNs that I have available for your delectation. There are precious few grape varieties that are improved by botrytis, and chenin is clearly right there with riesling in producing absolutely stunning and ethereal wines. The good news is that a great "grains nobles" from the Loire is much, much less expensive than comparable German riesling Trockenbeerenauslesen, or one of the classified Sauternes. Another point in the Loire's favor, at least to my taste is that like the German TBA and unlike Sauternes, the wines show little if any wood.

Alicante wines are coming to PCC

2010-09-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is a delightful range of affordable wines from Alicante, situated between Valencia and Cartagena on the Mediterrannean coast of Spain. They will be available at your local PCC store by the end of September.

Loire Tasting

2010-09-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Loire tasting yesterday was well-attended, not as much as last year's. I had 31 'unique visits'. Lots of enthusiasts but few buyers. A huge percentage of attendees were from Portland and it seems to me this event would be a lot more successful were it to be held in Portland instead of Seattle.

Loire Valley Wine Tasting is just days away!

2010-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday 9/13 is the Loire Valley Wine Bureau tasting at the Palace Ballroom in Seattle. If you are looking for the most decadent sweet Chenins, look no further than my table! Coteaux du Layon, Layon Chaume, Layon St-Aubin, Quarts de Chaume, Bonnezeaux... Whether you are a connoisseur or an amateur, an incredible experience is assured.

NEW ARRIVALS - FRANCE

2010-07-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

New and exciting wines From AOC Costières de Nîmes are on their way to Millésime. Of the many cooperatives in the region, The Cave de Générac produces outstanding quality for the money, and I've been proud to represent them since 2003. The prices have gone up somewhat over the years but these wines are still cheap for what they are - very solid Southern Rhone style wines. They are scheduled to arrive in Seattle the first week of August, 2010. Bargains that they are, these will go fast so please feel free to reserve some today!

DOMAINE DU PRINCE

2008 Costières de Nîmes Blanc
A blend of Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it has nice floral notes with some beeswax, rich with good acidity. Awesome shellfish wine.

2009 Costières de Nîmes Rosé
A blend of 75% syrah and 25% grenache. Fairly deep color for this somewhat muscular rosé, bone dry with gobs of fruit.

2006 Costières de Nîmes Rouge
A blend of 75% syrah and 25% grenache. Inky purple color, dense dark fruits with chocolatey notes. Very smooth tannins.

September Arrivals

2009-08-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but we finally have some new wines coming in From France. Some old favorites as always, and a number of new and exciting wines never before seen on our shores. The can should be delivered to our warehouse sometime in the 1st week of September. Recession busting at its finest.

LOIRE

CAVE DE SAUMUR

The Cave de Saumur is reknowned for quality, regularity, and value. The latest vintages are some of the best that we've brought in. 2008 is a quasi-perfect vintage in all colors. I prefer it to 2005 because I think the ripeness is in better balance with the rest of the wine's attributes. One of the best white Saumurs I've seen at a small fraction of the high-end's price. 2007 produced juicy well-colored reds with friendly tannins for immediate to mid-term enjoyment.

2008 SAUMUR BLANC "RESERVE DES VIGNERONS"
Ripe, juicy, melony, citrusy flowery goodness!

2007 SAUMUR ROUGE "RESERVE DES VIGNERONS"
Deeply purple, with gobs of dark fruit. Excellent acid and warm, friendly tannins.

2007 SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "LES POYEUX"
Deeply purple, layers of dark fruits and dusty spices. A very consistent performer over the years.

DOMAINE DE LA ROCHETTE

François Leclair has proven to be an excellent source for a wide range of wines from TOURAINE that are exceptional bargains. Quality is always good, but in vintages like 2008 it approaches superb for a risible price.

2008 TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Very pale, nice aromatic intensity, good weight and plenty of zip.
2008 TOURAINE PINEAU D'AUNIS
Gorgeous, electric gris color. Explosive nose, perfect texture. Exuberant, yet very sophisticated rosé. Que demande le peuple?
2008 TOURAINE PINOT NOIR
Surprisingly deep color. Excellent fruity, spicy and earthy nose. Firm friendly tannins with good zip.
2007 TOURAINE PRESTIGE DU VIGNERON" (Cabernet Franc/Côt)
Very deep opaque purple, with a medley of red and dark fruits with spice.

DOMAINE SEBASTIEN RIFFAULT

Something about me wants to hate these wines, and I would if they weren't so completely seductive. I was for some reason naturally hostile and skeptical to the concept of strictly non-interventionist 'natural winemaking' where the wine is literally allowed to make it itself. I was basically dared to taste them by a colleague in France and found my prejudices and preconceptions swept away by the extremely seductive character of these wines, which overwhelms even their strangeness. You won't need to leave your points of reference at the door, they'll be rendered meaningless all by themselves. To me these wines are revelatory. The wines all contain some solids. Don't be afraid of them, they are just part of the deal.

2007 SANCERRE BLANC "AKMENINE"
The name means "Made of Stones" in Lithuanian. 6-9 months in very old (10+) Burgundy barrels. Very bright yellow color. Bonbon anglais, nutty, lightly oxidized. Voluminous, sumptuous and exotic. Incredible length.

2007 SANCERRE BLANC "AUKSINIS"
The name means 'Golden', and that's a fair assessment of the color. 18 months in very old casks. Oxidized, candied nose. Mature, candied fruits. See above x 1.5

2007 SANCERRE BLANC "SKEVELDRA"
The name means "Fragment", and refers to the flinty soils that produce the fruit. About a year in old casks. Bright yellow with a vivid orange-ish edge. Quasi Sherry-like nose. Flavors are quite complex and pretty bizarre but most importantly absolutely and irresistibly delicious. The wine gives so much pleasure that you don't want to swallow it, you just want it to live in your mouth! One usually has to pay a lot more than this for that attribute...

2007 SANCERRE ROUGE "RAUDONAS"
The name means "Red". 18 months in old casks. Deep bricky color. Very ripe, candied, stewed fruit. Tiny prickles, bracing acids. Good volume, if bizarre.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

LES COTEAUX DU RIEUTORT

A fairly recent cooperative, founded in 1996. 1250ha of vines are worked by 250 vignerons, providing a rich and varied palette of material going into the wines. From textbook VDPs to Millésime's first Saint-Chinian wine, I am very pleased to have discovered this source.

2008 VDP D'OC "LES GRANJOTS" VIOGNIER
Pale color, this is a really attactive, textbook stainless steel Viognier. Rich and intense with plenty of interest.

2008 VDP D'OC "LES GRANJOTS" GRENACHE ROSE
Delicate salmony color. Explosive fruit, bone dry.

2007 SAINT-CHINIAN ROUGE "LES SCHISTES"
Syrah, Grenache, Carignan. Carbonic for the Syrah. Deep and brilliant, this wine is explosive, intense, lush, silky and way underpriced. Best QPR red out of literally hundreds I tasted in France several months ago.

CHATEAU PLANERES

2007 COTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC "PRESTIGE"
Tourbat/Rolle/Grenache Blanc. Tourbat is also known as 'Roussillon Malvasia' and was once widely planted in the area. Nowadays it is very very rare. It is a very noble, but late maturing and low-yielding varietal. Gilles Jaubert is a big believer in this grape, which he reintroduced at the the domaine in 1980. A revelation in 'southern whites'

2007 COTES DU ROUSSILLON ROSE "PRESTIGE"
Syrah/Cinsault/Grenache. Dark, meaty, 'structured' rosé that stands up to most foods.

2006 COTES DU ROUSSILLON ROUGE "CHANTAIL" 1L
Syrah/Grenache/Carignan. The Syrah and Carignan are vinified by carbonic maceration. Dark, soft, and juicy but with a decent tannic backbone. It is a great BBQ and paella red.

2006 COTES DU ROUSSILLON ROUGE "PRESTIGE"
Syrah/Mourvedre/Grenache. Deep and brilliant garnet with brambly, plummy and chocolatey fruit. Superb QPR.

2006 COTES DU ROUSSILLON LES ASPRES ROUGE "LA COUME D'ARS"
50% 100 year old Carignan, 30% 45 yo Grenache & Syrah. - This single-vineyard wine is earthy, juicy, big and powerful with attractive dark fruit background and firm tannins. Way undervalued, brownbag this to your next tasting group and blow some minds.

Back from FENAVIN

2009-05-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Made it back from FENAVIN - the traveling was gruesome, but the show was great. I found lots of really great wines - more than I can possibly take, which is a good problem to have. As expected, plenty of really great deals. A pleasant surprise was the restraint of many of the wines, I was subjected to very few of the brutally furry examples that are alas all-too-common these days in France (but I'm sure they were there). The show was just about the perfect size, you really didn't need to plan a route through the pavillions, everything was close enough not to sweat it, unlike at the big international 'monster shows' the scale, at 'only' 1000 exhibitors is rather more human than 2500 like at Vinexpo or Vinitaly, or (gasp) 3200 at Prowein. Lots of really excellent, well-balanced wines, even from some of the more 'desirable' DOs like Ribera del Duero, Toro, Priorat...

Everything was represented, from the most garish sickness imaginable: This picture doesn't really do the 'sickness' justice. Avril Lavigne on the video screens is a hint, but there were also painted bimbo 'hostesses' - all in an effort to flog 'wines' in tallboy aluminum cans.

Other booths were much classier, appointed in 'rich Corinthian leather' : In comparison to the disco cans, very classy and understated.

Here is the self-service tasting area, upstairs in the largest hall: yes, it really is as far as the eye can see! The only drawback was that if you didn't go first thing in the morning it started to get pretty warm up there, which didn't exactly help a lot of the reds to show their best. 'Room temperature' is indeed a relative term.

Wretched excess: Thousands and thousands of glasses were soiled daily.

And finally, there were facilities for those who had a bit too much: It looked like they had enough gear in there to handle all but the most serious of cases. Made it convenient to get back to the show after coming to!

FENAVIN

2009-04-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

FENAVIN stands for FEria NAcional del VINo which is the largest trade show in Spain - over 1000 exhibitors from all over the country will be showing their wines. I've always been a big believer in Spanish wines and I think they are probably best values in the business, Euro for Euro. This is an exciting event for me because it is the first time that I will be exposed to so many different Spanish wines - I should be plowing through 100+ per day in my quest to find new and exciting wines to bring in. It will be interesting to discover producers who are making authentic wines of character, hopefully I won't have to suffer through too many examples of the overblown and overdone ones that are sadly very fashionable these days...

TBC

"Corkscrewed" book signing

2009-02-23T21:05:00.001-08:00

Tuesday the 17th of February there was a book signing/tasting at the Local Vine in Belltown with Robert Camuto, author of "Corkscrewed". We had a couple of suppliers featured in the book, which I would recommend to winos everywhere even if none of 'my' suppliers were in it. Turnout was strong and I'm happy to say that the wines were very well received. Most of these wines are still in stock if anyone is interested:

2006 Côtes du Roussillon Rouge "Tradition", Ch. Mossé
2005 Côtes du Roussillon Rouge "Temporis", Ch. Mossé
2004 Côte-Rôtie, J-M Stephan
2004 Côte-Rôtie "Vielles Vignes en Côteaux", J-M Stephan

Languedoc/Loire

2009-02-23T21:04:00.001-08:00

I spent a couple of weeks in France recently, where I attended a number of Trade Shows as well as some grueling tastings set up by the CIVL (Conseil Interprofessionel des Vins du Languedoc). The first week was spent in and around Montpellier and I tasted 120-150 wines per day from AOCs from all over the region: Corbières, Saint-Chinian, Côteaux du Languedoc Grès de Montpellier, Pezenas, Béziers, Picpoul. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was a 'costly' education in terms of wear and tear on my body - just be happy that there are people who can do this for you! Sadly, a common thread was the familiar over-extracted, overblown, overwooded, ferociously tannic wines that are still considered fashionable in some circles. Here is a tasting table (one of 15) to give you an idea of the scope of some of these tastings:

It got to the point where in order to spare myself the abuse, I would quickly scan the pricelists to tell by the price which "Q-vay" I was going to skip - when there was a doubt, I would ask to taste only the 'non-boisé' wines. They were always much cheaper and almost always way more enjoyable.

After that week it was a pleasure to head up to Angers for the Salon des Vins de Loire, easily one of my favorite shows to attend. As a group, Loire wines are eminently more 'civilized' as was the mostly self-directed pace of tasting. Were there some highlights from the first week Absolutely yes, but the sheer number of brutally tannic overblown wines that one had to fight through to discover them was most daunting.

October Arrivals - FRANCE / GERMANY

2008-10-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

More goodies are arriving from France, as always it is a very exciting group. There is also a new and exciting German estate!

DOMAINE DES GRAVES D'ARDONNEAU
I am always happy to get wines this good back in stock. Looking for "2005 Bordeaux"? We've got a "sleeper of the vintage" right here, ridiculously priced in your favor. You need "name" Châteaux to beat this, of course you will pay double or more for those.

2006 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC "PRESTIGE"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" MAGNUMS

DOMAINE MATIGNON
Fans of this Domaine will be happy to get their mitts on these wines - those out of the loop will find themselves easily convinced. In addition to an award-winning Anjou rouge and possibly the best Coteaux du Layon for the money, we are pleased to introduce Matignon's superb Saumur Brut for those of you interested in a superb, esoteric sparkler of Chenin and Chardonnay.

2006 ANJOU ROUGE
2007 COTEAUX DU LAYON
NV SAUMUR BRUT

DOMAINE LA ROULETIERE
Superb and complex example of dry Vouvray at a laughable price.

2005 VOUVRAY SEC

DOMAINE DES FORGES
More excellent Anjou Blanc, and a couple of firsts - An award-winning Anjou Rouge and a SUBLIME Coteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin SGN, that is CRAZY good. Don't waste it on dessert - drink it all by itself.

2006 ANJOU BLANC
2007 ANJOU ROUGE
2001 COTEAUX DU LAYON SAINT-AUBIN "SGN" 500ML

CHRISTOPHE COURTINAT
I was not indifferent to the sample of white from Mr. Courtinat; in fact the bottle practically drank itself. An intriguing blend of chardonnay and the obscure, local varietal tressallier which gives extra minerality and zip. All wine, no wood.

2006 SAINT-POURCAIN BLANC

DOMAINE POUPAT
Coteaux du Giennois is an obscure AOC in the 'deep south' of the centre Loire region. An intriguing blend of 3/4 gamay and 1/4 pinot noir with major minerality and serious geek factor. I live to import wines like this - some of you will like it - a lot.

2006 COTEAUX DU GIENNOIS ROUGE "LE TROCADERO"

DOMAINE LAPANDERY
A wonderful assortment of wines young and old from Francisque Lapandéry. The antitdote to the syrupy overblown creature wines of today. 12% alcohol, exquisite balance. See our earlier post for more ample information.

2005 COTE ROANNAISE "LA ROUSELLIERE"
2006 VDP D'URFE ROUGE "PINOT NOIR"

MAGNUMS:
2005 COTE ROANNAISE "LA ROUSELLIERE"
2003 COTE ROANNAISE "LA ROUSELLIERE"
2000 COTE ROANNAISE "LA ROUSELLIERE"
1999 COTE ROANNAISE "LA ROUSELLIERE"
1997 COTE ROANNAISE "LA ROUSELLIERE"

DOMAINE VIRELY-ROUGEOT

The last of the 2005s from this superb domaine. Prices are up a touch from the previous absurd levels, but still represent Excellent value.

2005 BOURGOGNE ROUGE
2005 POMMARD 1ER CRU "CLOS DES ARVELETS"
2005 POMMARD 1ER CRU "LES CHANLINS

DOMAINE ERELL NINOT

Erell Ninot is one of the many 20-something French winemakers who are blowing minds worldwide. A name to watch until the prices catch up.

2005 MERCUREY ROUGE "VV"
2005 MERCUREY ROUGE 1ER CRU "LES CRETS"

OTTO GOERGEN
Here is something new for Millesime - German wine. I was real hesitant about doing anything with German wine, but Weingut Görgen was too good to pass up. Again here is a case of a 20-something winemaker, Matthias Görgen who thanks to global warming has been making superb wines in the heretofore unsung Mittelmosel. The prices are ridiculous on this group of Rieslings - enjoy!

2007 BEILSTEINER SCHLOSSBERG RIESLING HOCHGEWAECHS QUALITAETSWEIN TROCKEN
2007 BEILSTEINER SILBERBERG RIESLING SPAETLESE FEINHERB
2007 BRIEDERNER RUEBERBERGER DOMHERRENBERG RIESLING SPAETLESE
2007 BRIEDERNER RUEBERBERGER DOMHERRENBERG RIESLING AUSLESE
2006 BRIEDERNER RUEBERBERGER DOMHERRENBERG RIESLING AUSLESE "LANGKAPSEL" 500ML

Domaine RIGOT

2008-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was sceptical about this domaine. I do a lot of Rhones and I asked myself, "do I really need another expensive Cotes du Rhone?" That they had no Village wines was also not exactly a point in their favor (they now have one Village wine - a Plan de Dieu). After tasting the 2004 CDR "Prestige des Garrigues" (a coup de coeur in Hachette), I realized that it made more sense to view this wine as a cheap (and GOOD) Chateauneuf rather than an expensive CDR. Seriously, you could really embarass some people by bringing a Prestige des Garrigues to a brown bag Chateauneuf tasting

The domaine is located halfway between Chateauneuf and Gigondas on what must be some of the best non-village land available. An excellent VDP rouge is produced, a veritable Cotes du Rhone-alike that is way better than its humble price would suggest - we have it available in 750ml bottles and 5 litre BIBs.

Speaking of BIBs, we have also Rigot's midrange CDR, the cuvee Jean-Baptiste in 5L BIB. Millesime was and is a real pioneer in Seattle in offering quality BIBs from France and Spain, and Rigot's are easily the best available in this market. Whenever I pour a glass for someone at a tasting, the response is generally "wow" followed by "I can't believe it's a box."

While these wines are great, the one truly of note is the flagship of the domaine, the Prestige des Garrigues. 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it resembles a CDP in more ways than just the blend. The superb 2005 is available in 750ml bottles, and we have a few older vintages available in large formats - I'm not just talking about mags here, but also jeroboams and even imperiales!

July arrivals - FRANCE

2008-06-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

It wasn't pretty, but I was able to book passage for 2 more containers worth of French wines, which will arrive in Seattle mid-Julyish. Better late than never!

LOIRE:

CAVE DE SAUMUR
2006 Saumur Blanc Sec "Reserve des Vignerons" - this is the last batch of the 2006 which is a rather lovely and classic example.
2007 Cabernet de Saumur Rosé "Reserve des Vignerons" - "Cabernet" rosés are the dryest examples in Anjou- the Cabernet is of course the Franc.
2006 Saumur Rouge "Reserve des Vignerons" - Even coming after the opulent 2005, the 2006 is no disappointment, good color and plenty of fruit.

CLOS CHATEAU GAILLARD - Biodynamic "demeter" since 1992 - way before it was 'cool'.
N/V Touraine Sparkling white "Charlette Voyant" - Chenin and Chardonnay create a superb sparkler at this price range.
N/V Touraine Gamay - in litre bottles, this 'multivintage' cuvee is meant to be a nonpretentious biodynamic foodstuff at your table with friends.
2006 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc - I had more positive response on this wine, it really redefined what Touraine Sauvignon could mean for a lot of people.
2007 Touraine-Mesland Blanc - a unique blend of 70% Chenin and 30% Chardonnay
2007 Touraine-Mesland Rosé - 100% gamay and oh, so juicy!
2006 Touraine Mesland Rouge - Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Malbec combine to offer excellent fruit, structure and value.

CLOS SAINT FIACRE
2006 Orléans-Cléry Rouge (90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon *** Coup de Coeur Guide Hachette. This is serious wine-geek wine.

LANGUEDOC

VIGNERONS DE CASCASTEL
-Here is a great source for excellent Corbieres at prices that remain ridiculously low.
2007 Corbières Blanc "Jean de Cascastel" - 85% Macabeu 15% Grenache Blanc
2007 Corbières Rosé "Jean de Cascastel" - 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
2005 Corbières Rouge "Jean de Cascastel" - 45% Grenache, 45% Carignan, 10% Syrah

DOMAINE DE LA REYNARDIERE - I dealt with these guys back in the 90s and this just proves that in some cases, the 'old' ways are indeed best - or at least the best deal! I tasted these wines at Vinisud with one of Seattle's major buyers and we had to do a double take when Monsieur Megé told us the prices...
2007 VDP Coteaux de Murviel Rosé Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, this is possibly the best rosé I have EVER seen at this price.
2006 VDP Coteaux de Murviel Rouge
TBC - 65% Merlot, 35% Carignan - delightfully uncomplicated easy drinker.

RHONE

DOMAINE RIGOT - returned from a long absence, Rigot's CDP-esque CDRs really deliver the goods.
2007 VDP Principauté d'Orange Rouge - Everybody's favorite Cotes du Rhone alike is available both in 750ml and 5L BIBs!
2006 Cotes du Rhone Rouge "Jean-Baptiste Rigot" 5L BIB
2005 Cotes du Rhone Rouge "Prestige des Garrigues"
2007 Grenache Grape Juice

DOMAINE MARTIN - multiple gold medals yearly from Eric Martin!
2007 VDP Vaucluse Rouge
2005 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Plan de Dieu
2005 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Cairanne
2006 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Rasteau

DOMAINE LA ROCALIERE Severine Lemoine is a talented young (<30) winemaker who has taken dad's journeyman style to a new level of elegance
2007 Lirac Blanc
2007 Tavel
2005 Lirac Rouge

NEW Arrivals - "June"

2008-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

I put quotes around "June" because we are once again victims to the labor union commies in France. Longshoremen in all French ports have been on strike since late April. This container is being forced to leave from a non-French port, and the closest available port while containers pile up even in Antwerp is Rotterdam. Vessels from R'dam only go as far as Oakland on the west coast, and this container could very well spend a couple of weeks there, waiting for its transport to be "arranged." While workers in America can only dream of the cradle to grave benefits and union power enjoyed by their French counterparts, we will have to content ourselves with supplying another group of superb French wines for the thirsty masses!

ETIENNE BOILEAU
I met Etienne Boileau in February and we tasted a number of incredible wines. Here is what's coming:
2007 Chablis
2006 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
2006 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
2006 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu
2006 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros

CLAUDE NOUVEAU
2005 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge
Santenay Rouge "Les Charmes Dessus"
Santenay Rouge 1er Cru "Grand Clos Rousseau"

CH. PEYBONHOMME DES TOURS
2005 Premières Côtes de Blaye Rouge "Classique" ECOCERT

CH. LE GROLET
2005 Côtes de Bourg "Classique" Biodynamic "Demeter"

CLOS DADY
For the same price as negoce swill, the Tour delivers! The Dady is really the real deal.
2006 Sauternes, Ch. La Tour des Remparts 375ml
2006 Sauternes, Clos Dady 375ml

DOMAINE DE MENARD
Bold, intense Gascon white has it all going on - at 11.5% alcohol!
2007 VDP Gascogne Blanc Colombard/Sauvignon Blanc

CH. LES BERTRANDS
2005 Premières Côtes de Blaye Rouge "Tradition"
2005 Premières Côtes de Blaye Rouge "Prestige"

DOMAINE DE MONTINE
2007 Coteaux du Tricastin Blanc "Gourmandise"
2007 Coteaux du Tricastin Rose "Gourmandise"
2006 Coteaux du Tricastin Rouge "Gourmandise"
2006 Coteaux du Tricastin Rouge "Séduction"

DOMAINE LA FOURMENTE
2007 CDRV Visan Blanc
2006 CDRV Visan Rouge "Grand Gibard"
Essence Lavandin 50ml

COSTIERES ET SOLEIL
2007 Costières de Nîmes Blanc, Domaine du Prince
2006 Costières de Nîmes Rouge, Domaine du Prince

TBC

Paul Lapandéry et Fils

2008-03-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: On a whim I opened a mag of 1980 that was a slight leaker (probably due to a high fill as it was very high in the neck) and it was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. I actually preferred it to the the 1990 that we tried here earlier! Show me any gamay based wine, or even a Burgundy from this admittedly awful vintage that has aged as gracefully, as effortlessly as this and I will eat my hat! WOW!!!

There was a trade tasting here at MILLESIME last Monday and one of the highlights in terms of quality, rarity, eccentricy, etc. were 2 wines from Domaine Paul Lapandéry. My experience with this domaine goes back to the early nineties when I met them at the Salon de l'agriculture de Paris to pick up some homemade saucissons they had under the counter for my boss. I had tasted current vintages in bottle but at the Salon was privileged to taste several vintages from the 70s from magnum and was simply amazed by the exquisite longevity achieved by these medium bodied high toned wines, all with a whopping 12% alcohol!

A lowly AOVDQS then, Paul Lapandéry was the driving force behind AOC status for Côte Roannaise. The wine, known as "La Rousselière" was then a blend of about 90% Gamay and 10% Pinot Noir. His ungrateful neighbors possessed no Pinot vines, let alone venerable ones like Lapandéry, and proceeded to conspire with the INAO to get them to declare the AOC Côte Roannaise to be 100% Gamay. He lobbied also unsuccessfully to have his "La Rousselière" classified as an AOC unto itself like Chateau Grillet, as the situation of the vineyard and the granitic terroir were themselves unique, but to no avail. Lapandéry was forced to either declassify to "Vin de Table" or discontinue the blending, calling the Gamay AOC Côte Roannaise, and the Pinot Noir Vin de Pays d'Urfé... When Paul died soon after, his son Francisque took over the domaine and in spite of his education at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune, has chosen to use the same ancestral methods, with superb results in the bottle. The geographic situation of the vineyard protects it naturally from fogs and all manner of extreme weather. Rot and mildew are therefore unknown and no treatments are necessary. Everything has to be done entirely by hand due to the vineyard's steepness (72 degrees in places) as well as the fact the the family uses the spaces between the vines for all manner of food crops for their consumption! As an additional particularity, the wines have always been destemmed. The wines are vinified in concrete and aged in venerable old barrels for 12-18 months and they really, truly and uncannily improve in bottle.

The happy ending to this sad tale is that the truth of the matter is that the ancient granite Gamay was always the secret to the character and longevity of this wine and not the Pinot Noir anyway! Don't get me wrong, the monocépage Pinot Noir is really a superb and complete example, at a price that really is a joke give the state of the $. The 2005 Gamay displays the same 'kirschy' fruit and finesse as the wines from the 70s! 'Purists' or nostalgists such as myself were delighted to see the continuity of the 2005 and the 1990 from magnum that we tasted on Monday. More than simply 'alive' after 18 years, the 1990 was easily the most interesting wine of the tasting... In a world of rotofermented flash-cooked brutally tannic "creature wines", these 12% alcohol examples of exquisite finesse and effortless longevity are indeed an antidote. While supplies last, we have the following wines available:

750ML:
2005 Côte Roannaise "La Rousselière"
2005 VDP d'Urfé Pinot Noir

MAGNUM:
2005 Côte Roannaise "La Rousselière"
1998 Côte Roannaise "La Rousselière"
1996 Côte Roannaise AOVDQS "La Rousselière"
1990 Côte Roannaise AOVDQS "La Rousselière"
1980 Côte Roannaise AOVDQS "La Rousselière"

Vinisud

2008-02-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Vinisud was awesome this year - tons of spectacular wineries all looking for distribution and a real look at the class system: Here is Chapoutier's 'booth':

more flash:

and the here's sonebody's bright (and expensive) idea for marketing to the anglo-saxons:
Just thinking of the paycheck somebody received for this effort is beyond galling. Somebody should remind these fools that the only chance they have is to create something authentic, not a contrived travesty such as this. the good news is that just past this atrocity to the left was the group "Vins Femmes Rhône" where wines of a very different sort were offered to the world's buyers.

The good news really is that beyond all the glitz, there are lots of producers making authentic, superb wines and MILLESIME has ordered a number of them - coming soon!

Overblown, overdone!

2008-02-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a week and a half in France, spent bludgeoning my palate so that you hopefully won't have to. No, my teeth don't usually look like that! Somebody needs to do a study on this, but I think excessive consumption of over-extracted, excessively tannic wines is probably not that great for the health - really 'too much of a good thing'. When you are tasting 100s of these things every day, there are some strange side effects that are worth noting. The first few do a good job of stripping the protective mucus from the tissues, the subsequent dozens are absorbed all the more. The cocktail of chemical compounds plus the OD of tannins leaves one not drunk, but rather "toxed" and it makes it hard to get to sleep.
ICK!

TBC

January Arrivals

2008-01-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Our latest container from France arrived at our warehouse yesterday, and there are all kinds of goodies for amateurs

2008?

2007-12-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

My recent trip to the Salon des Vignerons Independants was an eye-opener in many, many ways. Interesting on one level to experience the social-politico divide in France, but more importantly as a glimpse into who will survive in 2008. It is not news to anyone that the dollar is tanking, with a long way left to fall. Once the 1.50 barrier is crossed, there really is absolutely nothing to stop it before we are at 1.60 or even a number I have heard bandied about: €1=$1.75! When that happens, I predict that there will be a serious readjustment, if not a rude awakening in the market.

It's going to be more than difficult for those name-brand "national importers" to get away with with what they've been getting away with for so many years. What may have been the 'best' in the past is at the very least no longer the best deal. Maybe that's the kind of game you can play with a $1.20 Euro but those days are over. Don't get me wrong, I prefer to have durable relationships with my suppliers, but when they raise the prices excessively, reduce allocations, and produce wines that are inferior and overpriced compared to the new guy down the street who has something to prove - well it's hard to be too sentimental under such conditions. European producers have understood that they need to compete on several levels, not just one, and that they are competing against the whole world now.
The scene is a lot more fluid nowadays and things move a lot faster. It is simply no longer sufficient in the wine business to rest on your laurels, because those laurels are changing hands yearly. Every year or so it seems old and inflexible growers are dying off and being replaced by young people who literally revitalize the domaines - some of France's biggest star vignerons and vigneronnes are only in their 20s. In other cases the kids, uninterested, are happy to sell to outsiders who often bring new ideas and an obsession with quality to bear on production.
TBC

Salon de Paris

2007-12-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

Braved the latest and possibly last public transit strikes to attend the Salon des Vignerons Independants de France (ex Caves Particulieres), a show I'd not attended for some years. Relations were strengthened, and discoveries were made. It was nice being back in France, apres tout. Having 1200 growers from all corners of France under one roof including some of the biggest names is instructive to say the least. You can really get a good idea of vintages (2006s are better than expected) but more importantly a better idea of value when you can compare the pricing on the spot. Attendance on Thursday and Friday was way down from previous years due to the transport strikes so it was easier to keep moving and sample the maximum of wines than it would have been. It was nice to see that there are still plenty of surprises and discoveries to be made out there. The atmosphere is quite different from professionals only trade shows. It's a lot more crowded and especially on the weekends large numbers of 'tasters' get their money's worth. Invitations are sent in huge numbers by the growers to those on their mailing lists but even if you don't have an invitation it's only 6€ to get in and get the glass that enables you to consume vast quantities of Champagnes, still wines, and brandies. One of the days I rode the Metro almost the whole way with a group of 5 Italian guys who all had invitations. I saw them again numerous times inside the fair over the course of the day, and it was pretty obvious what they were there to do. While spit buckets (crachoirs) are provided, they were rarely used. The big plus with a non-professional show though is that you can just thrust your glass forward and point at the bottle and say 'some of that please," and just keep moving if it's a no, without having to give your life story. Just smile and say "Merci" as you leave.

A couple of days I tasted with one of America's leading retailers and we both remarked the persistence of a phenomenon that we call the Qvée which is Cuvée with a thick Jersey accent. In the 90s I worked for a Broker out of France who even then lamented these over-ripe, over-extracted, over-oaked creature wines that many growers insist on making against all reason.
Once I asked him if he wanted samples of some grower's Qvée and his response was as economical as it was unequivocal: "F*ck Qvées - they're bullsh*t." Anyway, my colleague and I had a laugh over the story, and found that those words are every bit as relevant today. What makes French wines so great is the diversity, right? Anyway, these stupid wines - already expensive - are now ridiculously so and cannot out-Australia Australia in any event.

It was very interesting to taste a number of wines that are traded by 'national' importers (I have another name for them but I am trying to be polite). Ample proofs that the wine scene is one that is constantly evolving, and what may have been the best 5-15 years ago isn't necessarily still the best... more on that in a later rant.

Serious teeth staining after a long day (10-7) of Salon-ing! The good news is that it does come off!

Alcoholidays

2007-10-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, the Alcoholidays are upon us! MILLESIME is fully equipped to provide for your sparkling wine needs. Some old favorites vie with new additions for your attention. Even with the dollar in the tank, our philosophy of direct-importation gives us all something to celebrate as MILLESIME will always have a better price than those passing through multiple distribution channels.

CAVAS HILL

This artisanal House in Moja, Penedes produces rich, toasty and elegant Cavas that are incredible values! If they were French they would probably cost double.
N/V Reserva Oro Brut Nature
N/V Brut Rosado
2004 Reserva Artesania Brut de Brut

CLOS CHATEAU GAILLARD (Biodynamic!)
These amazing biodynamic Loire Sparklers simply crush all competitors! Millésime USA Exclusive.
N/V Touraine Effervescent Blanc “Charlette Voyant”
N/V Touraine Effervescent Rosé “Charlette Voyant”

CHAMPAGNE BARON-FUENTE
This small négoce House in the Aisne is a regular in the Winners’ Circles. Ridiculously good values.
N/V Grande Reserve Extra Brut (3g/l dosage)
N/V Grande Reserve Brut 12/375ml
N/V Brut Rosé Dolorès
2000 Vintage Brut “Grand Millesime”

CHAMPAGNE DUMENIL
Duménil is the best value in Montagne de Reims grower champagne that I’ve seen in years. ! Millésime USA Exclusive.
N/V Brut Premier Cru
N/V Brut Rosé
2000 Vintage Brut

SEPTEMBER ARRIVALS -FRANCE

2007-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Another amazing group of wines is arriving at Millesime in September - lots of firsts this time:

CHABLIS
ETIENNE BOILEAU
This is actually a second label of the celebrated "Domaine du Chardonnay". Apparently their 'USA exclusive' importer isn't exactly covering the market as they have a fair bit of wine still to sell in the US.
2005 CHABLIS

DOMAINE PERDRYCOURT

2005 PETIT-CHABLIS
2005 CHABLIS 1ER CRU FOURCHAUME
2004 CHABLIS GRAND CRU LES CLOS

COTE CHALONNAISE
DOMAINE RAGOT
This 8.5ha domaine is run by generations 3 and 4 of Ragots, Jean-Paul and Nicolas. Manual harvesting, selective destemming, and traditional vinifications produce age-worthy wines of great promise.
2005 RULLY ROUGE 1ER CRU "GRAND BERGE" - 40 year old vines, deeply colored, fruity, earthy and ample with very fine tannins.

LOIRE
DOMAINE LA VOLTONNERIE - JACK PINSON

2006 SANCERRE BLANC
2005 SANCERRE ROUGE - MDO Macon

DOMAINE DU BOIS MOZE

2005 ANJOU ROUGE - MDO CVI 2006
2005 ANJOU-VILLAGES "CHAMP NOIR" LDO Angers 2007

AUVERGNE
CHRISTOPHE COURTINAT

2006 SAINT-POURCAIN ROUGE "TRADITION" (GAMAY) - MDO CGA Paris 2007
2005 SAINT-POURCAIN ROUGE "PINOT" (NOIR) - MDO CGA Paris 2007
2005 SAINT-POURCAIN ROUGE "PERELLES" (GAMAY/PINOT) - MDO CGA Paris 2007

SOUTHWEST
CHATEAU BOUISSEL

2005 FRONTON ROUGE "CLASSIC" - MDO CGA Paris 2007

TBC

August Arrivals - FRANCE

2007-06-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

A more southern focus this time from France - including first-ever Burgundies. This group should be in my hands by the second week of August. Millesime's offering of direct import wines from France is truly something unique in the Seattle wine scene. Sure, some other distributors toy with direct imports here and there but they certainly don't stake their commercial existence on them as I continue to do. Maybe they don't have the time for direct imports, maybe there are language and/or knowledge barriers to being able to do the groundwork and pick the best possible wines at the best possible prices. Direct imports are a lot more work, but language and knowledge have not been any barriers thus far for MILLESIME...

COTES DE BEAUNE
DOMAINE CLAUDE NOUVEAU
Claude is the 5th generation to work this land, his Father Charles at 89 still has an active role. Interventions are minimal, the goal is to work as naturally as possible. The domaine is a respectable 13ha in size. Harvesting is entirely manual, and is a "period of conviviality and the maintenance of tradition"
2005 BOURGOGNE HAUTES COTES DE BEAUNE ROUGE - Made in the same way as the finest Burgundy wines, its equilibrium allows it to be at its best after 5 to 10 years. From an old-vine parcel directly behind (and 500m above) the family home.
2005 MARANGES - Deeply colored and more tannic than the HCB, still an underpriced commune.
2005 MARANGES 1ER CRU "FUSSIERE" - MDO CGA Paris 2007. Ample, complex and structured. Licorice, pepper, earth, and fine red fruits.
2005 SANTENAY ROUGE "CHARMES DESSUS" - Particularly well-balanced, intensely perfumed with vivid morello and black cherry fruit.

RHONE SEPTENTRIONALE

JEAN-MICHEL STEPHAN
Jean-Michel is a rising star in Côte Rotie. From small holdings (4.5ha), 10% Côte Brune and 90% Côte Blonde, he produces very classy wines where elegance and finesse predominate.
2004 COTE-ROTIE
2004 COTE-ROTIE "VIEILLES VIGNES EN COTEAUX"
2004 COTE-ROTIE "LES TUPINS"

RHONE MERIDIONALE
DOMAINE RIGOT
I read the Hachette review on the Prestige des Garrigues, and was impressed, but let it go as I felt like I needed another mid-range CDR like a hole in the head. My Comrade Jon tried it in France and said I should really take a look at it. He was right, and we all win! What you need to do is pretend that is not a CDR, but rather a CDP - that's right, a Chateauneuf, because that's what it resembles most. I always wanted a CDR in a BIB, now I have awesome one. The VDP is killer and you will not mind that it doesn't say CDR on the label - I promise!
2006 VIN DE PAYS DE LA PRINCIPAUTE D'ORANGE ROUGE
2006 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE "JEAN-BAPTISTE" 5L BIB
2004 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE "PRESTIGE DES GARRIGUES" - Coup de Coeur *** Hachette 2006.

DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES
Escaravailles has been a big hit for Millesime since the 2001 vintage, and the hits just keep on coming.
2005 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE "ANTIMAGNES"
2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES RASTEAU "LA PONCE"
2005 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CAIRANNE "LA BOUTINE"
2004 RASTEAU VIN DOUX NATUREL ROUGE

DOMAINE DE VILLENEUVE
In spite of what you may hear from some people in town who only bought the wine through the broker Jack Siler years ago, and the lost it when Jack did, I actually come the closest to having 'discovered' Villeneuve. I first learned about Villeneuve in 1992 when I met the owner, Philippe du Roy de Blicquy. The wines were then as know incredible. They had no US importer then, but they have had several over the years, and yes, I am buying it DIRECT. Excellent exposures, soils, old vines, 'biodynamie' and one man's obsession with quality produce these superb wines, which have been made for the last few years by Philippe Cambie.
2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE "VIEILLES VIGNES"
2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE "VIEILLES VIGNES" MAGNUM

ROUSSILLON
CHATEAU MOSSE
Wow, was I excited to land this estate, whose massive reds will make you say "Priorat Shmiorat". The Temporis is as good as any of those silly, overpriced, Parkerized (now Jay Millerized) wines for like 1/4 of the price. You be the judge. Fans of rarely seen Vins Doux Naturels will be excited about the Rivesaltes rouge. The Chateau is located in a picturesque village of 80 inhabitants, nestled in the Aspres area of the Pyrenees, a Templar "Commanderie" in the way-back days.
2004 COTES DE ROUSSILLON ROUGE "TRADITION" - MDO Paris 2006, Coup de Coeur *** Hachette 2007. 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Carignan. Yields 40hl/ha.
2005 COTES DE ROUSSILLON ROUGE "TEMPORIS" - MDO CVI 2007. 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Carignan. Yields are a miserly 28hl/ha.
2003 VIN DE PAYS CARIGNAN "VV" - This was way too cool to pass up, 100+ year old vines, yields of 1-2 bunches per plant - 20hl/ha. Carbonic maceration. You will want to impress your friends with this if you can stand sharing it.
2004 RIVESALTES ROUGE VDN "VIGNES DES CAUSSES" - MDO Paris 2006. 100% Grenache, aged 8 months in barrels exposed to the weather, with a further 'affinage' in bottle. Truly a unique beverage that stands among the great fortified wines of France.

CORSE
DOMAINE COMTE PERALDI
Situated on the hillsides that dominate the Gulf of Ajaccio, the domaine belonged to the Peraldi family from the the 16th century until 1905, when it was abandoned upon the death of Jean Peraldi. The estate was resurrected in 1965 by the Count Louis de Poix, grandson of Jean Peraldi and father of the current owner Count Guy de Poix. Louis' ambition was to give the wines of Ajaccio their own noble titles, and the proof of the success of the project is in the bottle.
2005 AJACCIO BLANC (VERMENTINO)
2005 AJACCIO ROUGE (SCIACCARELLO)

TBC

July arrivals - FRANCE

2007-06-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Eh oui! More amazing and award-winning wines from France are coming to MILLESIME! There will be 2 containers arriving in July.

CONTAINER ONE - ALL IN STOCK!!!

BORDEAUX
DOMAINE LES GRAVES D'ARDONNEAU

Stellar lineup from d'Ardonneau is the most complete and also best quality ever.
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC "PRESTIGE"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" MAGNUM
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "GRAND VIN"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "GRAND VIN" MAGNUM

CHATEAU LES BERTRANDS

Stellar lineup from Bertrands is the most complete and also best quality ever.
2006 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC "TRADITION"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "TRADITION"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "VIEILLES VIGNES"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE"
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "NECTAR"

LOIRE

YVON ET PASCAL TABORDET

2006 SANCERRE BLANC
2006 POUILLY-FUME

DOMAINE DE LA VOLTONNERIE
The domaine was created in 1970 by Jack Pinson, today it is nearly 13ha and produces all three colors of Sancerre. The whites are a bit masculine, but it is red that Jack is known for. The red typically gets at least one gold medal per vintage.
2005 SANCERRE ROUGE - MDO Macon.

DOMAINE VIGNEAU-CHEVREAU

2005 VOUVRAY SEC "CLOS DE ROUGEMONT"
2005 VOUVRAY DEMI-SEC
2005 VOUVRAY MOELLEUX "CH. GAILLARD"
N/V VOUVRAY EXTRA BRUT METHODE TRADITIONELLE

DOMAINE AUX MOINES

2005 SAVENNIERES ROCHE AUX MOINES SEC
2005 SAVENNIERES ROCHE AUX MOINES "NONNES" MOELLEUX

CONTAINER TWO ETA SEATTLE JULY 19

DOMAINE MICHEL DAVID

I'd had my eye on this Muscadet producer for a while, but when I saw the awards for the 2005 Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie "Clos du Ferré" I knew I had to act fast - there was no way a guy like this wasn't going to have lots of importers knocking at his door. David probably has the best Muscadet available in the USA for anything approacing the money, and they are one of only a small handful that produce top-drawer Gros Plant. There are certainly cheaper examples out there, but here you have a chance to have the very best!
2006 GROS PLANT DU PAYS NANTAIS SUR LIE - When I was a student in Paris in the 90s, you'd find NV Gros Plant for only a couple of bucks a bottle, even in the epiceries arabes. That stuff was not for drinking, but worked well for steaming mussels and other "fruits de mer". Gros Plant Sur Lie on the other hand, in the hands of a competent grower can be an extremely unique and compelling wine. Briny, iodiny, it has more than hints of sea and stones and only 11% alcohol! The "Txacoli of France."
2006 MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE "CLOS DU FERRE" - Following its two gold medals in 2006 at the Concours General Agricole de Paris and the Concours des Vignerons Independants de France, a Liger d'Or at the Salon des Vins de Loire in Angers in 2007.
2005 MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE "SELECTION VV" - What can I say about this one, other than it is fuller, richer and extremely fine.

DOMAINE MATIGNON

2005 ANJOU ROUGE - Coup de Coeur Hachette 2007. Perhaps the most underpriced Loire red I've ever seen.
2006 COTEAUX DU LAYON - I pitched this on some people who didn't believe I was quoting a 750ml!

DOMAINE DES GRANDES VIGNES

This estate has been piling up accolades in France for many years when their Bonnezeaux "Malabé" made me stand up and take notice. A full range of superb, award winning wines are produced and available only from Millesime in the USA, and thus priced far below market value.
2005 ANJOU BLANC "VARENNE DE POIRIER" - Millesime's first Anjou blanc is a stunner!
2005 COTEAUX DU LAYON "LE PONT MARTIN" - Liger d'Or in Angers 2007.
2005 ANJOU-VILLAGES "LES COCAINELLES" - Liger d'Or in Angers 2007.

DOMAINE DE LA ROCHETTE

Millésime's first "Touraine" producer, François Leclair produces a full range of colors from his large-ish domaine. Our first batch in May was a big hit. A regular award winner in blanc for many years, a string of excellent vintages has propelled the rouges forward. New this time is the Pineau d'Aunis Rose. All are EXCELLENT values.
2006 TOURAINE BLANC SAUVIGNON
2006 TOURAINE ROSE PINEAU D'AUNIS - only a few cases left!
2005 TOURAINE ROUGE PINOT NOIR - Earthy, "Dressner-esque" stink gives way to defined Pinot character on the palate.
2005 TOURAINE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" COT/CABERNET FRANC - Liger d'Or Angers 2006

DOMAINE BAUDRY-DUTOUR

2006 CHINON ROSE "MARIE-JUSTINE"
2005 CHINON ROUGE "PERRIERE VV"
2005 CHINON ROUGE "COTEAUX DES CHENANCEAUX"

TBC

June arrivals - FRANCE

2007-06-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

ETA SEATTLE JUNE 21

CAVE DE SAUMUR

Lots of killer 2005s coming in from the Cave, one of my original suppliers. The Cabernet rose makes a triumphant return to its fans as well.
2005 SAUMUR BLANC RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - we have already sold hundreds of cases of this SUPERB vintage, which won the Liger d'Or at the Salon des Vins de Loire in 2006, quite a feat considering the quality level of the competing 2005s... In it's price range, it is quasi-perfect: floral, fruity, minerally, rich, long, etc.
2006 CABERNET DE SAUMUR (CAB. FRANC ROSE) - vivid, delightfully fruity rose with just a hint of RS.
2005 SAUMUR ROUGE RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - OK it got 90 in the WS, but there are plenty of other reasons for liking this wine. The color, deep and saturated - the rich, dark, plummy fruit - the elegant texture, explosive concentration, and exemplary finish to name a few of the highlights.
2005 SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "POYEUX" - 90WS "Smart Buy" like the 2003 but way better balance and structure.

DOMAINE MICHEL DAVID

I'd had my eye on this Muscadet producer for a while, but when I saw the awards for the 2005 Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie "Clos du Ferré" I knew I had to act fast - there was no way a guy like this wasn't going to have lots of importers knocking at his door. David probably has the best Muscadet available in the USA for anything approacing the money, and they are one of only a small handful that produce top-drawer Gros Plant. There are certainly cheaper examples out there, but here you have a chance to have the very best!
2005 GROS PLANT DU PAYS NANTAIS SUR LIE - When I was a student in Paris in the 90s, you'd find NV Gros Plant for only a couple of bucks a bottle, even in the epiceries arabes. That stuff was not for drinking, but worked well for steaming mussels and other "fruits de mer". Gros Plant Sur Lie on the other hand, in the hands of a competent grower can be an extremely unique and compelling wine. Briny, iodiny, it has more than hints of sea and stones.
2005 MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE "CLOS DU FERRE" - In 2006, gold medals at the Concours General Agricole de Paris and the Concours des Vignerons Independants de France. In 2007, a Liger d'Or at the Salon des Vins de Loire in Angers. Golds at 3 of the most important and prestigious competitions for this one wine should make everybody pay attention.

CLOS CHATEAU GAILLARD

I've known Vincent Girault since the early 1990s when I lived in France. We did some business when I was at Riservati, but not being in control of purchasing, the relationship was foolishly allowed to wither. We had stayed in contact over the years and I promised Vincent and myself that when the time was right we would do some business together. The 2005 vintage struck me as the rightest possible time to get started - what a line-up! All of the wines are certified biodynamic "DEMETER", which was merely kind of quaint back in the 90s but now is something that a lot of customers are looking for, not just the Birkenstock and granola crowd.
2005 TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC "DEMETER" - If you need a cheaper one there's Oisly but if you want a really fine low-yield biodynamic example, look no further!
2005 TOURAINE-MESLAND BLANC "DEMETER" - Chenin Blanc with about 20% Chardonnay, this wine at **** was the highest-rated of all Loire wines in the Revue du Vin de France's "Numero Special - Foires aux Vins" last November.
2005 TOURAINE-MESLAND ROUGE "DEMETER" - 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Gamay, 30% Côt (Malbec), a unique assemblage found only in Mesland. Plenty of color, gobs of fruit, and surprising structure combine in this nearly ideal summer red.

New Arrivals - May

2007-05-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

This container was finally unloaded May 18th, and I am ECSTATIC about the quality of this group of wines. Millésime has made a name for itself with its stellar selection of Rhones. This latest shipment takes it to a new level with lots of new 'top-drawer' producers, many never before seen on our shores.

COSTIERES ET SOLEIL
One of my original suppliers, the Cave de Generac producers excellent Costieres de Nimes wines that are true bargains. They also produce Seattle's very first French box wine, the Ch. des Alouettes. I've added a couple of Vin de Pays boxes to answer calls for a white and a rose box.
2006 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROSE "DOMAINE DU PRINCE"
2005 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE "DOMAINE DU PRINCE"
2005 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE "ALOUETTES" BIB 3L
2006 VPOC CHARDONNAY "GRAVESSAC" BIB 5L
2006 VPOC SYRAH ROSE "GRAVESSAC" BIB 5L

DOMAINE LA MONTAGNE D'OR
Another USA first for Millesime is also a first of another sort! The very first 'grower' box wine we've ever carried is easily the best box available!
2006 COTES DE VENTOUX ROUGE BIB 5L
2006 COTES DE VENTOUX ROUGE "CUVEE AMARENS"
2004 CDRV SEGURET ROUGE "EXCELLENCE" **CDC HACHETTE 2007

DOMAINE MARTIN
I first learned of this estate in France in the 90s as a go to source for sturdy wines at excellent prices. The younger generation has revamped Domaine Martin, producing award-winning wines of power and elegance - the prices are still excellent, by the way!
2005 VIN DE PAYS DE VAUCLUSE (GRENACHE/MERLOT)
2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROUGE PLAN DE DIEU
2005 COTES DE RHONE VILLAGES ROUGE RASTEAU
2004 COTES DE RHONE VILLAGES ROUGE CAIRANNE

DOMAINE LA FOURMONE
What can I say about La Fourmone? They have been in the top tier of Vacqueyras producers forever.
2004 VACQUEYRAS ROUGE "TRESOR DU POETE" MDO PARIS 2006, CDC HACHETTE 2006, WA87-90
2003 VACQUEYRAS ROUGE "MAITRE DES CHAIS" MDO PARIS 2006
2004 GIGONDAS CUVEE FAUQUET

DOMAINE BENEDETTI

2004 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE "VIEUX CLOS" MDO CVI 2006
2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE MDO CVI 2006
2001 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE MDO CVI 2003
2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE "LARMES PAPALES"
2003 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE "LARMES PAPALES"

DOMAINE MATHIEU

2004 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE "CHATEAUMAR"
2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE "MARQUIS ANSELME" **** DECANTER
2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUGE "VINI DI FELIBRE" *** DECANTER

OLLIER-TAILLEFER (OK, it's not a Rhone but it's pretty close). More exciting wines join the Grande Reserve Rouge this time around.

2006 FAUGERES BLANC "ALLEGRO" (ROLLE, ROUSSANNE)
2006 FAUGERES ROSE "COLLINES"
2005 FAUGERES ROUGE "GRANDE RESERVE"
2004 FAUGERES ROUGE "CASTEL FOSSIBUS"

TBC

Tasting June 4th

2007-05-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Following on the heels of our rather well-attended "Loire" tasting, we will be trying the latest batch of "Rhone" arrivals at MILLESIME, Monday june 4th from 10 to 4. Trade only, free parking. We look forward to your visit!

Coming Soon : APRIL ARRIVALS

2007-03-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

The "Coming Soon" file has gotten so large that I have to post it in several parts. There are wines that are the very definition of world class, with lots of Gold Medals. There are 2 containers on the water now, this one due in Seattle on 20 April. It is what I believe to be one of the very best Loire selections available in the USA - period! Of course there are also exciting wines from Bordeaux and also from the Southwest which is a first. There will be a tasting of these wines for the trade on Monday, April 30 from 10-4. Come and see what I'm so excited about!

LOIRE "TOURAINE"

DOMAINE DE LA ROCHETTE

Millésime's first "Touraine" producer, François Leclair produces a full range of colors from his large-ish domaine. A regular award winner in blanc for many years, a string of excellent vintages has propelled the rouges forward. All are EXCELLENT values.
2005 TOURAINE BLANC SAUVIGNON MDO CVI 2006
2005 TOURAINE ROUGE PINOT NOIR
2005 TOURAINE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" COT/CABERNET FRANC

DOMAINE WILFRID ROUSSE
Rousse brought his passion for wine to Chinion from Paris in 1987. He has conducted a very serious research on his parcels, and the work in the vineyards and in the cellar is adapted to the individual characteristics of the plots. A regular in the winner's circle, we are very pleased to be one of very few US sources for these wines.
2004 CHINON "LES PUYS" MDO PARIS 2006
2004 CHINON "VV"
2005 CHINON "CLOS DE LA ROCHE" LIGER D'OR 2007

LOIRE "ANJOU"

CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE SAUMUR

Connoisseurs concur that 2005 is a superb vintage for white and red in the Loire.
2005 SAUMUR BLANC RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - Superior to the excellent 2002, richer and with excellent acid. Liger d'Or 2006.
2005 SAUMUR ROUGE RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - Deep, saturated plummy fruit the best I've ever seen of this cuvée.
2005 SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "LES POYEUX" - The cheapest champigny available is also a deeply colored, rich example of great Loire Cab. Franc that is eminently satisfying. WS90 "Smart Buy"

DOMAINE DES GRANDES VIGNES

This estate has been piling up accolades in France for many years when their Bonnezeaux "Malabé" made me stand up and take notice. A full range of superb, award winning wines are produced and available only from Millesime in the USA, and thus priced far below market value.
2003 COTEAUX DU LAYON SGN
2005 BONNEZEAUX "LE MALABE"
2002 BONNEZEAUX "NOBLE SELECTION"

DOMAINE DES FORGES

Another Anjou over-achiever specialising in all things "Chaume".
2005 SAVENNIERES ROCHE AUX MOINES
2005 COTEAUX DU LAYON CHAUME
2005 COTEAUX DU LAYON CHAUME "LES ONNIS"
2005 QUARTS DE CHAUME LIGER D'OR 2007

BORDEAUX

DOMAINE DES GRAVES D'ARDONNEAU

This Millésime US exclusive returns with an old favorite as well as some new items. Grande Classe throughout.
2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC "PRESTIGE"
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE"
2000 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "TRADITION" MAGNUM

RHONE NORD

CAVE SAINT DESIRAT
The CSD recently 'absorbed' its competitor, the Cave de Sarras and now accounts for something like 70% of all Saint-Joseph produced. With that much fruit to source, the higher-end cuvees such as the Septentrio have a most impressive regularity of quality, with a very tasty and solid VDP syrah that definitely fills a need.
2005 VIN DE PAYS DE L'ARDECHE SYRAH
2005 VIN DE PAYS DE L'ARDECHE SYRAH BIB 5L
2004 SAINT-JOSEPH ROUGE "SEPTENTRIO" COUP DE COEUR HACHETTE 2007

SUD OUEST

What is Millesime?

2007-01-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Millésime means "vintage" in French. It is a 'Micro-Importer' of European wines, founded by Dylan Beal in 2004. Millésime has a strict policy of NO AGENTS, BROKERS. or other MIDDLEMEN. All wines are purchased directly from the producers, thus offering our customers maximum value even with the very weak dollar - truly the art of the wine business. For WA wholesale or out of state pricing and availability, please inquire.

Millésime has just wrapped up its third year in business as a boutique importer and distributor in Seattle. It specializes in value-based wines with recognition abroad that are new to or not widely available in the USA, and the book now has many more heavy hitters than ever before.

The philosophy is simple: find the very best wines for the money in a given category and to pass along the savings. You will not find mass-distribution items at Millésime, but you will find wines that combine the highest levels of character, authenticity and value. Our policy is one of strict avoidance of brokers, agents, or other middlemen. The reasons for this are too numerous to name here. Ours are the only hands the wines pass through, giving you the best possible value for what is today a very weak dollar. Our policy is one of constant improvement of the offering, by constantly seeking out better deals and better wines. In today's fast-paced wine business, resting on laurels is not an option.

Dylan Beal is a second-generation importer who literally grew up with fine wine. Extensive travel and language skills keep him close to the sources. He lived in France for 5 years in the 90s, where he worked for one of the afore-mentioned brokers. He is thus intimately familiar with both the ‘supply’ and the ‘demand’ sides of the wholesale wine business in the USA, with an extremely rare combination of skills and experience. This means that he is often able to source wines BEFORE they receive the scores that ‘matter'...

The mix is about 60% French and 40% Spanish, with wines that retail in Seattle from $7 to $70 to please all palates and pocketbooks.

SHIPPING WOES

2006-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

It’s official, Seattle is officially the WORST place to ship wine to from Europe in the lower 48! Steamship Line consolidations and other ‘market forces’ have made even Portland better than here. As an example, my last container from France took 3 weeks to get to Portland, then another week to Seattle, then – and this is truly appalling – it took a week to get the can out of NW Container and deliver it to my door! A week, for three lousy miles! While 'they' don't make it easy for me, I continue to make it easy for you, providing unique, authentic and acclaimed wines at unbeatable prices. So in a sense, my suffering becomes your satisfaction when you enjoy a bottle from MILLESIME - it's what all the hair-pulling and frustration are about! Thanks for your support!

ANWILKA

2006-11-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Bruno Prats of Cos d'Estournel and Hubert de Bouard of l'Angélus have entered into a joint venture with Klein Constantia to produce Anwilka, and 2005 is the début. Parker calls it “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa....”

2005 Stellenbosch Cabernet Syrah “Anwilka”

42,000 bottles were produced, of which 12,000 were kept for South Africa. Out of the remaining 30,000 bottles for the ENTIRE WORLD, Millesime has secured a significant portion of this historical wine at one of the better prices around - the wine will arrive around the end of November in time for the Alcoholiday Season - reserve some now!

Full Parker 'tease' posted on the Bulletin Board 03/18/06:

"Funny to me commenting on this wine after tasting 225+ rather astonishing 2005 Bordeaux this week,but this is the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa....a partnership of Bruno Prats,Hubert de Bouard,and the Klein Constantia folks.This debut release, the 2005,a blend of 37% syrah and the balance cabernet sauvignon,is world class stuff....as one might expect from the people behind it....the first release...there are 42,000 bottles from their vineyards in Stellenbosch,and it is priced to sell for about $40-45 in the USA...release is imminent....exceptional wine...."

Domaine du Coulet - Cornas

2006-11-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

Another major 'coup' for MILLESIME is top-drawer Cornas producer, Matthieu Barret of Domaine du Coulet. Last year's 2003 version of Barret's 'entry level' Cornas "Terrases du Serre" made Parker flip: "unquestionably one of the appellation’s “wines of the vintage", 91-94pts.

The "Billes Noires" however is more a La Mouline, a 150 case micro-cuvee that is by definition limited. Yields are 5-8hl/ha, and we thought the 15hl/ha of the Terrasses was impressive! Introduced in the 2004 vintage, "Les Billes Noires", or "Black Marbles" from the Arlettes vineyard is completely destemmed before vinification. Both the Terrasses and the Billes are very impressive, primal, dense and tarry wines that are dripping with terroir. Barret's vineyards are indeed exceptional and have long been coveted by the big names in Cornas. Barret has exploded to the top level of the appellation in just a few years. A certain 'star' broker in New York somehow alienated Monsieur Barret, resulting in Millesime securing a third of the production of Billes Noires, of which I have 180 blles left to sell. There are 180 blles of the "Terrasses" Cuvee as well.

The domaine has always been managed in 'biodynamie' and was recently certified by Ecocert and Biodyvin.

2004 CORNAS "TERRASSES DU SERRE"
2004 CORNAS "BILLES NOIRES"

Holiday Bubbles

2006-10-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

CHAMPAGNE BARON-FUENTE
Millésime is proud to be the US source for Champagne Baron-Fuenté. I spent 3 years in Champagne and have a fair bit of experience with these wines. This small house has everything I was looking for: tiny bead, great intensity, that heavenly creamy texture that comes only from prolonged ageing on the lees, awards across Europe, and very competitive prices!

Baron-Fuente is a small family-run House located in the Aisne making champagnes that stand up to those of the 'fancy' (90+ rated) villages of the Marne with a much better QPR. Gabriel Baron and his wife Dolorès Fuentes founded Champagne Baron-Fuenté in 1967 from one single hectare of vineyards. Today Baron Fuenté produce a wide range of exceptional Champagne from 50 hectares of vineyards (of which the House of Champagne Baron-Fuenté owns half). Located in Charly-sur-Marne, these vineyards are planted on the best sites overlooking the river Marne. A full range of superbly crafted, elegant champagnes is produced that are regulars in the various winners’ circles, from Brussels to Mâcon by way of Paris and the Guide Hachette.

GRANDE RESERVE EXTRA BRUT (3G/L)
MDO Bruxelles, Mâcon 2005

60% Meunier
30% Chardonnay
10% Pinot Noir

Superb creamy champagne with exquisite richness and definition.

CUVEE GALIPETTES BRUT ORGANIC ECOCERT
MDO Mâcon 2006

70% Meunier
25% Chardonnay
5% Pinot Noir

BRUT ROSE "DOLORES"
Gold Medal Effervescents du Monde 2005
Gold Medal Best Rosé London Wine Challenge 2003
Gold Medal Mondial de Bruxelles 2003
Gold Medal Mâcon 2003

40% Meunier
40% Chardonnay
20 % Pinot Noir

This is easily the best rose champagne around for anything near the price.

1999 BRUT "GRAND MILLESIME"
Gold Medal Mâcon 2006

45% Chardonnay
40% Meunier
15% Pinot Noir

Superb Vintage example.

CAVAS HILL
The origins of this winery with the funny English name "Cavas Hill" goes back to the 1660s when a certain Joseph Hill immigrated to the Penedes and began growing vines at the "El Maset" estate. In 1887 his descendents founded a winery bearing the name Hill. In 1918, underground cellars were dug and production of first-rate sparkling wines (cavas) began.

These cavas are "méthode champenoise" and in the case of the Reserva Oro exceeds minimum champagne aging standards by 250%! They are superb examples that easily stand up to French champagnes that are 3x the price. Cheaper cavas are needless to say utterly dwarfed by these wines. Having lived three years in the heart of Champagne (I lived first in Bisseuil then in Epernay, I worked in Aÿ), I mean it when I say that these cavas are superior in quality and complexity to many available French champagnes. Not for mimosas! Enjoying top quality sparkling wines does not need to break the bank.

Reserva Oro Brut Nature:
45% Macabeo
40% Parellada
15% Xarel.lo

Aged a minimum of 30 months on the lees (French champagne has a minimum of 12 months), the bead is tiny, the nose toasty, doughy, floral and mineral. On the palate, a most seductive, creamy richness.

Reserva Artesania Brut de Brut 2003:
45% Macabeo
35% Xarel.lo
20% Parellada

Aged a minimum of 3 years on the lees, the same as for vintage champagnes, but for around 1/4 of the cheapest French vintage. 1g/l dosage. Microscopic bubbles. Toasty doughy nose of 'viennoiserie'. Absolutely stunning richness, class, and value! Amazingly silky, creamy and elegant texture.

Reserva Artesania Brut Rosado:
60% Garnacha
40% Monastrell

Aged 24 months on the lees. Vibrant, lively rosé that is really hard to compete with.

Fall Arrivals

2006-09-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

CHAMPAGNE BARON-FUENTE

Small family-run House located in the Aisne making champagnes that stand up to those of the 'fancy' (90+ rated) villages of the Marne. A full range of superbly crafted, elegant champagnes is produced and we will have a few standouts for the alcoholidays.

GRANDE RESERVE EXTRA BRUT (3G/L)
CUVEE GALIPETTES BRUT ORGANIC ECOCERT
BRUT ROSE "DOLORES"
1999 BRUT "GRAND MILLESIME"

LUC ET FABRICE MARTIN

This pair has fashioned some of the hottest insider wines in the Loire over the last decade, piling up awards at Paris and other top shows. They make very little of each wine and all are very tough to come by, even in France. It’s almost impossible to find older vintages and a number of US importers have tried to gain the rights to this property over the last several years but the winery is not interested in being just another Loire winery in a crowded portfolio. They know what they have and that is at the level of the top names in the region. As an example, past vintages of their SGN are somewhat mythical in Europe.

2005 COTEAUX DU LAYON “VIEILLES VIGNES”
2004 COTEAUX DU LAYON “PRESTIGE” (MDO PARIS)
2002 COTEAUX DU LAYON “SGN” (500ML LYS, TROPHEE OR)

CHATEAU LES QUATRE FILLES

Le Quatre Filles is one of the last unknown decorated vintners in the
Rhone that ‘le Grand Bob’ has yet to discover (thus the outstanding
price/value). This is their 7th straight award winning vintage in
France and I'm quite sure 2005 has produced examples that will
be very highly sought after by collectors around Europe and the
world. I am one of two US sources. All wines are certified organic ECOCERT.

2005 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE (GOLD MEDAL SIGNATURE BIO)
2005 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CAIRANNE ROUGE
2005 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROCHEGUDE ROUGE

DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES

This estate is named for a medieval order of penitent monks known as the scarabs who had their abbey on the property. The current philosophy practiced is much more pleasing to the senses with rich and hedonistic wines that have caught the attention of “le Grand Bob”, as well as an 18/20 in Decanter for the Rasteau “La Ponce”. The consulting oenologist is the celebrated Philippe Cambie and the wines have more than a little ‘chateauneuf’ to them. Yields are miniscule and interventions are minimal. Millesime has the lowest prices in the US for these wines.

2005 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CAIRANNE ROUGE “LE VENTABREN”
2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES RASTEAU ROUGE “LA PONCE” WA87-90
2005 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES RASTEAU ROUGE “HERITAGE 1924”

CHATEAU LA DECELLE

John Beal dealt with this estate back in the 80s and since those days they have been unavailable here. Over the years, I've noticed solid marks from Decanter and lots of medals in France. I figured I'd get the ball rolling with their top cuvee, the Saint Paul. Inky, explosive, and plenty classy. Gold Medal winner at the "Concours des Vignerons Independants" 2006.

2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VALREAS ROUGE “SAINT PAUL”

DOMAINE DU COULET

Another major 'coup' for MILLESIME is top-drawer Cornas producer, Matthieu Barret of Domaine du Coulet. Last year's 2003 version of Barret's entry level Cornas "Terrases du Serre" made Parker flip: "unquestionably one of the appellation’s “wines of the vintage", 91-94pts.
The "Billes Noires" however is more a La Mouline, a 150 case micro-cuvee that is by definition limited. Yields are 5-8hl/ha!!! A certain 'star' broker in New York somehow alienated Monsieur Barret, resulting in Millesime securing a third of the production, of which I have 120 blles left to sell. There are 120 blles of the "Terrasses" Cuvee as well.

2004 CORNAS "TERRASSES DU SERRE"
2004 CORNAS "BILLES NOIRES"

ANWILKA - STELLENBOSCH

MILLESIME's first ever South African wine. 42000 bottles were produced with only 30000 for the market outside of South Africa. Millesime has secured and sold a significant percentage, with 360 blles left for sale. RP posted the following comment on his board on 03/18:
"Funny to me commenting on this wine after tasting 225+ rather astonishing 2005 Bordeaux this week,but this is the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa....a partnership of Bruno Prats,Hubert de Bouard,and the Klein Constantia folks.This debut release, the 2005,a blend of 37% syrah and the balance cabernet sauvignon,is world class stuff....as one might expect from the people behind it....the first release...there are 42,000 bottles from their vineyards in Stellenbosch,and it is priced to sell for about $40-45 in the USA...release is imminent....exceptional wine...."

2005 STELLENBOSCH RED

June French Arrivals

2006-05-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

CHATEAU LES BERTRANDS

I 'discovered' this estate back in 2000 at a Bordeaux satellite trade show in France. Bertrands wines are always dark, lush and quite delightful examples. The Chateau's regularity of quality over the years is really quite exceptional.

2005 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC - 85% sauvignon blanc, 15% muscadelle. Super attractive with nice weight.
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "TRADITION" - Those of you who enjoyed the 2000 and 2002 will find a lot to like here in this lusty claret, composed of 70% merlot and 30% Cab. Franc. Very deep, with cassis and other dark fruits.
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" - Those of you who enjoyed the 2001 will find much more to like here in this hedonistic example, composed of 60% merlot and 35% Cab. Sauv., 5% Cab. Franc. Very deep, with cassis and other dark fruits on a frame of velvety tannins, with delicate and judicious oak. One of the best QPR wines I've seen in ages!
2003 BLAYE ROUGE "NECTAR DES BERTRANDS" - Sorry, SOLD OUT. There will be 2004 down the road...

CH. MERCIER
- Philippe Chéty of Mercier is the originator of the minimally interventionist "culture raisonée" philosophy. The wines are regulars in the various Winner's Circles.

2003 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE "PRESTIGE" - Those who loved the 2001 will be delighted to discover the 2003, also a Gold medal winner at the Paris Concours Général.
2003 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE "CLOS DU PIAT" - Those who fondly remember the 2000 will be delighted with this fine claret.

VIGNOBLES JEAN PETIT
-These two fine libournais wines make their return to Seattle with the triumphant 2003s.
2003 COTES DE CASTILLON CH. LA BRANDE - Juicy, dusty, superb 'baby' St-Emilion.
2003 SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU CH. MANGOT - Gold medal winner at the 2005 CVI Competition. That's the "Concours des Vignerons Independants", wines produced under the "Vigneron Independant" label.. Looking for a superb SEGC at a great price? look no further.

CH. FERRAN
- A new estate and a new category for Millesime - Pessac Leognan. Ferran is not to be confused with the more widely available Ferrande. These are extremely limited, special wines that I am proud to bring in for you!
2004 PESSAC LEOGNAN BLANC
2003 PESSAC LEOGNAN ROUGE - Sorry, sold out! I will try and get more of this delightful Graves.

CH. LYNCH MOUSSAS
What's this? A Cru Classé? OK it's only a fifth growth but Lynch Moussas was a real overachiever in 2003, getting a ***** Decanter award along with Cos and Latour - with special mention for value, unlike those two. Parker has traditionally hated this wine as the style is rather more English than what he typically likes but he grudgingly gave 88 to the 2003.
2003 PAUILLAC 5IEME CRU CLASSE

TBC

May French Arrivals

2006-03-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

New French wines have arrived at Millesime! This is the best group that I've put together thus far, really amazing wines here, including a number of firsts.

DOMAINE TABORDET

After superb 2002s, extraordinarily successful 2003s, we are back to form with the more classic 2004s and now 2005. This team of brothers produces exquisitely racy floral and mineral laden wines. Critically acclaimed in France, where they are bistrot favorites, in Seattle they are priced several trade levels below the competition.

2005 SANCERRE BLANC - Balanced, fruity, floral and mineral effort. This is easily the best Sancerre Blanc available in Seattle for the price.
2004 POUILLY FUME - Weightier than the Sancerre, this qualifies as a 'screaming deal' - a stunning example priced well below market. ** in the 2006 Guide Hachette with the best qp/r in the entire appellation.
2005 SANCERRE ROSE - Love them or hate them, global warming has been good to Sancerre Rose (and also the Red). Delicate, but in no way wimpy, hight-toned fruit with great class.

CAVE DE SAUMUR

Speaking of a return to the classics, the 2004 Saumurs fit the bill. Lots more acidity than 2003, but still plenty juicy, with much better balance.
2004 SAUMUR BLANC RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - More like the 2002, but richer and with excellent acid.
2005 CABERNET DE SAUMUR RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - Delightful rosé of Cabernet Franc, practically unheard of in the USA.
2004 SAUMUR ROUGE RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - This is much more typical than the 2003 which was something of an oddball. Very good color and concentration nevertheless in this medium-bodied example, with nothing like the weediness of past years.
2004 SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "LES POYEUX" - The cheapest champigny available is also a deeply colored, rich example of great Loire Cab. Franc that is eminently satisfying.

VIGNERONS DE LA NOELLE

When I tried these guys' wine I became a believer, and I never thought that I'd say that about Muscadet! Well, I'm still staying away from Gros Plant!

2005 MUSCADET DE SEVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE "L'AUBINIERE" -

DOMAINE AUX MOINES

I became familiar in the 1990s (and fell in love) with this estate during my days working for a broker in France. It answers my desire for higher end Chenin quite nicely.

2004 SAVENNIERES ROCHE AUX MOINES SEC - Crazy complex, citrus, flowers, mineral, super classy.
2002 SAVENNIERES ROCHE AUX MOINES MOELLEUX "CUVEE DES NONNES" - This wine won a ** Coup de Coeur in the 2005 Guide Hachette. This is the late-harvest or 'moelleux' style with residual sugars tempering the raciness of the Chenin. Citrus, white flowers, and a finish a mile long. Shockingly, the domaine still had some left of this. Link to GH review is here: GH pdf

CHATEAU LES BERTRANDS

I 'discovered' this estate back in 2000 at a Bordeaux satellite trade show in France. Bertrands wines are always dark, lush and quite delightful examples. The Chateau's regularity of quality over the years is really quite exceptional.

2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE" - Those of you who enjoyed the 2001 will find much more to like here in this lusty claret, composed of 60% merlot and 35% Cab. Sauv., 5% Cab. Franc. Very deep, with cassis and other dark fruits on a frame of velvety tannins, with delicate and judicious oak. One of the best QPR wines I've seen in ages!

DOMAINE LES GRAVES D'ARDONNEAU
- First time ever imported to the USA! This Blaye estate is regularly on top of the field with two Coup de Coeurs in the 2006 Guide Hachette.

2004 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE BLANC "PRESTIGE"
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "PRESTIGE"
2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "GRAND VIN"

CH. MERCIER
- Philippe Chéty of Mercier is the originator of the minimally interventionist "culture raisonée" philosophy. The wines are regulars in the various Winner's Circles.

2003 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE - Those who missed their chance the last time around on the 2001 will be delighted to discover this fine claret. Gold medal at Bourg, i.e. a tasting of its peers.
2003 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE "PRESTIGE" - Those who loved the 2001 will be delighted to discover the 2003, also a Gold medal winner at the Paris Concours Général.

DOMAINE DU CORNE LOUP
- This gold medal winning estate returns with a lovely Tavel. The domaine’s name derives from the dark days when a villager was designated to signal the arrival of wolves by blowing a horn.

2005 TAVEL – While Tavel is one of France’s great rose wines, it need not be one of the most expensive. Again, this is what happens when you work directly with the producers - a superb 2005 at a 90s price!

DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES
Interest was strong for the BUG wines, before they got the press! MILLESIME has the lowest prices in the country for these incredible wines. Some of the wines (not even the best ones) were reviewed in the 02/06 WA, and the importer named is Martin Scott in NY. The prices quoted are interesting, in the sense that shipping from France to NY costs about half of shipping to Seattle, and Martin Scott certainly isn't paying more for the wine than I do. Basically my prices are a FRACTION of theirs. How? Why? I guess I'd rather make friends than money. Maybe I have some things to learn...

2004 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE "ANTIMAGNES" - The entry level red is 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah. Big, powerful wine for its price range. reviewed by Parker 02/06 (barrel tasted last September)) 85-87
2003 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROUGE RASTEAU "LA PONCE" - **** 18/20 in Decanter, 90WA. The experts agree. The best price in the USA, by a MILE.
2003 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROUGE "SASSIRA" Up to now unreviewed, but watch the price when it does... 85% Syrah, this wine is nothing like any CDRV I've tasted, it's rather more like a good Cote-Rotie.
2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES RASTEAU "HERITAGE 1924" - So named for the vineyard, planted in 1924. Parker refers to the "Ponce" as the "star of the portfolio", but that's only because he hasn't tasted this. When he does, watch out! Dwarfs just about any Chateauneuf, let alone the CDRVs in its price range.
2003 RASTEAU VIN DOUX NATUREL ROUGE - 100% "Very old" grenache. Deeply colored, rich and unctuous concoction of fruits chocolate and spices. Finish several miles long EXTREMELY rare, yet priced the same as the Rasteau Co-op offering in this market. I've actually tasted the entire range of Rasteau VDN at the Cave itself and can tell you that they have never made one to compete with this.

June Spanish Arrivals

2006-03-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

An exciting shipment of Spanish wines arrives at MILLESIME in early
june.

BODEGAS BLEDA
2005 CASTILLO DE JUMILLA MONASTRELL ROSADO - Bandol this! Superb and complex rose for a joke of a price.
2004 CASTILLO DE JUMILLA MONASTRELL This is the best entry level mourvedre wine that I have ever seen. The proof that southern Spain is best suited to this 'difficult' varietal.
2003 DIVUS MONASTRELL - The high end wine from Bleda is I think the finest expression of the mourvedre for the price. I have never had a Bandol that I liked better than this wine.

CAVAS HILL - These cavas can easily stand against many available Champagnes at a fraction of the price. They are toasty, doughy, very rich, and bone-dry!

RESERVA ORO BRUT ROSADO - Selected by the Guia Penin, this is one superb sparkling rosado - 60% grenache 40% mourvedre.
2003 RESERVA ARTESANIA BRUT NATURE - The vintage version offers up even more 'Bolly' style dough with an incredible creamy texture.

NINO JESUS - A US exclusive for Millésime with a real cult following. NJ has some of the oldest grenache vines in Spain, with great natural balance and power! I got in on the ground floor with their second vintage (2001), and those of you who have tasted any of the 2003s know that they were stellar. This time around, we have:

2004 ESTECILLO BLANCO - 100% macabeo. I ordered the 2005, but they shipped 2004 by 'mistake'. I said 'guys, you're going to have to slash the price' - they did and you win. Rich, oily and nutty wine is way more complex than its price.
2004 ESTECILLO ROSADO - 100% garnacha, rich Tavel-weight rose. Same scenario as above on the vintage.
2004 ESTECILLO TINTO JOVEN - A blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Tempranillo. It has major extraction and depth, with stunning length of finish. There are a number of good wines now available from Calatayud (many more than last year when I started with Niño Jesús), but I don't think any of them are up to the level of this Estecillo, which is powerful like the 2003, but much more elegant.
2003 ESTECILLO "LEGADO" VINAS VIEJAS - Pure old-vine grenache from high-altitude vineyards, the finest block of vines in all of Calatayud create this utterly breathtaking wine. Those of you know and love the 2001 will be blown away by the 2003. The last of several shipments of this truly memorable wine.

More Milestones!

2006-01-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

More milestones have been passed by Millesime! 2000 invoices have been written thus far for one, but more importantly, my pending container will be first for me to be paid off BEFORE the wine arrives! This is a double edged sword in that many of the wines are sold out, so lots of you out there won't have a crack at them. On the upside, however, the turnaround time has been drastically reduced - I am already ordering wines for the next French one. Many of those wines are also presold, so there will be a third French container in time for summer, in addition to a Spanish container arriving late Spring. Yes, there will be a number of 2005 rosés as well as more serious wines. I continue my tireless efforts to bring you the best wines for the money in this market. Thanks to your support, Millesime will continue to grow! Thank you all for taking this trip with me.

Two Year Anniversary

2005-12-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

MILLESIME will be officially 2 years old in January of 2006. I'd like to thank everybody who made it possible! I continue to seek out and represent excellent exclusive wines, untouched by multiple middlemen - just me! Thanks to your support and good wishes, I enter my third year in business bigger and better than ever.

To those who for whatever reason haven't yet done business with MILLESIME - I've made it this far for a few important reasons:

The wines are good
The wines are great values
The wines are unique and not national brands!

I fully understand the reluctance to deal with small distributors when so many go under after only a brief time in business. While there may be 30-40 wine distributors in this market (some obviously more viable than others) there are very, very, few who do only imports, let alone all of those direct from the producers. MILLESIME is no flash in the pan, and I thank you for your support.

BUG WINES - presold out!

2005-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

Well almost, there is only one of the 3 still available: the Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel Rouge
For those who missed out on the **** 18/20 2003 RASTEAU "LA PONCE" and the 2003 "SASSIRA" there will be another shipment of these wines sometime in Spring.

New French Container

2005-11-19T18:52:00.000-08:00

New French wines are coming to Millesime! They will be here in time to celebrate our 2 year anniversary, and I'm not afraid to say that there are some real winners here - some of the wines are already presold out! There is something to please most everyone.

DOMAINE TABORDET

After superb 2002s, extraordinarily successful 2003s, we are back to form with the more classic 2004s. This team of brothers produces exquisitely racy floral and mineral laden wines.

2004 SANCERRE BLANC - Balanced, fruity, floral and mineral effort. This is easily the best Sancerre Blanc available in Seattle for the price.
2004 POUILLY FUME - Weightier than the Sancerre, this qualifies as a 'screaming deal' - a stunning example priced well below market. ** in the 2006 Guide Hachette with the best qp/r.
2004 SANCERRE ROUGE - Love them or hate them, global warming has been good to Sancerre Rouge. Delicate, but in no way wimpy, hight-toned fruit with great class.

CAVE DE SAUMUR

Speaking of a return to the classics, the 2004 Saumurs fit the bill. Lots more acidity than 2003, but still plenty juicy.
I have also procured the last 25 cases of 2003 single-vineyard Saumur Champigny - the "Vignolles".

2004 SAUMUR BLANC RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - More like the 2002, but the trend is to riper and richer
2004 SAUMUR ROUGE RESERVE DES VIGNERONS - This is much more typical than the 2003 which was something of an oddball. Very good color and concentration nevertheless in this medium-bodied example.
2003 SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "LES VIGNOLLES" - This wine like the "Poyeux" was reviewed in the WS. The Poyeux got 90, the Vignolles 89, not surprising considering that the Vignolles is more elegant, while remaining plenty rich and juicy. The last of the very desirable 2003 single vineyard Champignys available anywhere.

CHATEAU LES BERTRANDS

I 'discovered' this estate back in 2000 at a Bordeaux satellite trade show in France. Bertrands wines are always dark, lush and quite delightful examples. The Chateau's regularity of quality over the years is really quite exceptional.

2003 PREMIERES COTES DE BLAYE ROUGE "TRADITION" - Those of you who enjoyed the 2000 and 2002 will find a lot to like here in this lusty claret, composed of 70% merlot and 30% Cab. Franc. Very deep, with cassis and other dark fruits.

COSTIERES ET SOLEIL

Millesime was the first to bring quality French 'box wine' to Seattle, and we had good success with the 2002 version of this lusty Nimes red.

2003 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE - 70% syrah, 30% grenache this box has an opaque, inky purple color. Rich and intense with suave tannins, this one to always have on hand in the kitchen, for the cook and the guests!

LA VINSOBRAISE

The Vinsobraise Co-op has really made a turnaround. Known in the past for hard, lean, uninteresting wines even by Vinsobres standards, nowadays they are making wines that are standouts among all CDRVs including the most expensive. Earlier this year we offered their Hachette 'coup de coeur' Cuvée des Terroirs 2003.

2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VINSOBRES ROUGE "MEDAILLE D'OR" - Deep and spicy with very fine tannins and 'gobs' of fruit. This is the kind of bottle that empties fast. The name of the cuvée refers to the medal won at the Concours General de Paris.

CHATEAU LES QUATRE FILLES
Rochegude is the northernmost CDRV, and one of the more obscure. In the days before global warming, it was one of the more difficult Villages in terms of ripeness. This example is exceptional in every way. This wine was first made with the 2003 vintage, an effort that earned **** in the RVF. All of the Quatre Filles wines are certified organic by ECOCERT.

2004 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROCHEGUDE ROUGE - ***(*) in the November 2005 issue of the RVF (RVF PDF), Quatre Filles is leading the way for this Village. Superb color, balance and depth.

DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES
Interest was so strong on a couple of these that they are SOLD OUT. More will be coming in Spring, but there are still some cases of this rarity:

2003 RASTEAU VIN DOUX NATUREL ROUGE - 100% "Very old" grenache. Deeply colored, rich and unctuous concoction of fruits chocolate and spices. Finish several miles long.

DOMAINE LES HAUTES CANCES
- Millesime is very proud to be the sole US importer of this amazing estate, with some of the oldest vines and best exposures in Cairanne. Like Escaravailles, Hautes Cances skipped 2002 and offers us now some exceptional 2003s. All of these wines are certified organic by ECOCERT.

2003 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROUGE - Luscious and stuffed everyday drinker that will leave you and your guests looking for more.
2003 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CAIRANNE ROUGE "TRADITION" - Those who enjoyed the 2001 will be pleased with this effort, which has plenty of class to go with the concentration.
2001 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CAIRANNE ROUGE "COL DU DEBAT" - Those of you familiar withe the 2000 will be seduced by the 2001, which has all of the richness with more balance and complexity. For the last 2 years I've been open, this single vineyard offering has been the very best wine that I carry. While there may be other Cairannes that are as expensive, there are none to my knowledge with this level of class.

Escaravailles

2005-11-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

From the September 2005 issue of Decanter "VALUE RHONE We rate 99 Côtes du Rhône Villages 2003"

Domaine des Escaravailles :
Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau « La Ponce » 2003 : **** – 18/20 Highly Recommended

La Ponce was one of only two 18/20 wines on the list which includes some very heavy hitters. The Escaravailles Cairanne "Ventabren" was also in the **** Highly Recommended category with a score of 16.75/20. The bad news is the Cairanne was sold out, but the good news is that I managed to secure a quantity of the "Ponce" Rasteau! In addition, I picked up a couple of 2003 Domaine rarities that were not reviewed: a Cotes du Rhone Villages called "Sassira" which as you may have guessed is 90% syrah, and the Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel Rouge. Millesime has easily the best prices in the Western World on these amazing Rhônes. The 2001 was superb, as those of you who succumbed to the charms of the "Bug Wine" with that vintage remember. 2002 was skipped by the winery and sold off in bulk, the 2003s bring on the juice. They are luscious, extracted examples, yet retain their impeccable breed. These wines arrive in about a month, reservations are being accepted as supplies surely won't last long.

Baby Jesus Info

2005-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

For those curious to know more about The NINO JESUS Winery, here is a link to a .pdf file that is full of useful information about this amazing MILLESIME discovery!

Estecillo PDF

Baby Jesus for Christmas

2005-11-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Few wines are more appropriate for the impending holidays than “Baby Jesus!” Yes, that includes Thanksgiving! The white is great with turkey and the rosado is one of very few wines that goes well with ham.
S.A.T. Niño Jésus is an agricultural cooperative in the DO Calatayud in the Aragon region. Cherries are their main business, but the stellar wines are gaining notice fast. They have only been ‘estate bottling’ their wines since the 2000 vintage, so we are on the ground floor of a phenomenon here, and apparently I started a trend.

When I started Millesime, there were no Calatayud wines available in Seattle. I contacted the major players in the summer of 2003 (Viñedos de Jalón, San Gregorio) before the big boys did, and for me it was no contest. Jalon was quite good, and San Gregorio's reserva material is really something worth looking at, but for sheer in your face value I had to go with the newcomer, Nino Jesus. I knew that I had really made an amazing discovery here. Anyway, nowadays there are a few Calatayud wineries available in Seattle from other distributors, but only one without a middleman. Taste them together - I have. Nino Jesus is the real thing.

Superlatives are lacking to describe these wines. The white – 100% macabeo, is an oily, nutty, blockbuster. The rosé – 100 garnacha, a vibrant, spicy fruit bomb, with more weight and character than some Tavels. The ‘young red’ – 75% garnacha, 25% tempranillo combines gobs of fruit with oodles of spice. The ‘Legado Old Vines’ – 100% garnacha, is about as much wine as you can pack into a bottle for anything approaching the price. The crianza – 85% garnacha, 15% tempranillo shows off additional complexities!

With the dollar doing well the prices are better than ever, some of the best values I have seen in 15 years in the business.
For the first time ever available, two new wines: a carbonic tempranillo that is a ‘cherry pie in a bottle’, and a grenache syrah blend (Calatayud-du-Rhone if you will). Please call 206.624.1701 to inquire if you are not already a convert.

Rumors, Part Deux

2005-09-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Rumors are pretty amazing. A new one has come 'swirling' my way, that MILLESIME is "out of business." Sorry, naysayers! The only end MILLESIME is approaching is its second year IN Business!

Thanks to everybody who has done their part to support my efforts, and also to those who have attempted to sabotage them. My message to both factions: I wouldn't be here without you!

Saumur (red) is for Summer

2005-05-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Here as promised is today's "Wine Pick of the Week" column on our SAUMUR ROUGE :

"SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/223636_winepick11.html

Wine Pick Of The Week: 2003 Cave de Saumur, Saumur Rouge ($10)

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Saumur rouge may be the perfect summer red. It is rather light in body compared with those brawny, high-alcohol, teeth-staining purple wines that got us through the cold weather. And its straightforward style makes it just right for those seasonal casual meals when we just don't want to do much sniffing and swirling. Still, there's plenty going on to keep our interest beyond the first glass.

In France, the small city of Saumur, in the middle of the Loire Valley's wine country, may be best known as the center for a sparkling-wine industry that rivals that of the Champagne region to the north. This area has uncanny similarities to the Champagne area, including very distinctive, if not unique, soils. In Champagne, it is the chalk soils that make the wines inimitable. Saumur sits on a chalky stone called tuffeau blanc, which was quarried to build those magnificent chateaux along the Loire River. Huge caves were created from the quarrying process, which now serve as caves for aging wines, breeding mushrooms and even as homes. This soil also is perfect for growing the cabernet franc vine, which is the main ingredient in all Saumur rouge.

I was introduced to today's Saumur at a recent Loire Valley trade tasting that featured some astounding wines of all stripes. Still, this little red held its own among all that august company, which I found impressive. It is made by a well-regarded cooperative called Cave de Saumur, just south of the city in the heart of cab-franc country. It displays aromas of mixed ripe red fruit and a hint of minerals and a soft texture from lots of gentle tannins. Go ahead and cool it down. Not so it's icy cold, but just cool enough to refresh. Serve it with the fatty spring-run salmon or grilled chops, sausages and vegetables. To find the wine, call Millesime Fin Vin at 206-624-1701.

-- Richard Kinssies

Richard Kinssies is a freelance wine writer, director of the Seattle Wine School and owner of the Wine Outlet downtown. He can be contacted at 206-652-1311 or richardkinssies@msn.com.

© 1998-2005 Seattle Post-Intelligencer"

Hey, don't forget the 2003 Saumur Blanc is part of our May French lineup, due to arrive in Seattle next week.

French Arrivals in May

2005-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

French wines are arriving in May, and this is the best group that I have so far assembled. From bread-and-butter brands to numerous "coup de coeur" and gold medal winners, these wines will appeal to all. The container is scheduled to arrive in Seattle May 18th. There will be a tasting to the trade on Monday, May 23rd.

VIGNERONS ARDECHOIS - After a very long hiatus, the "Vignerons" are back in Seattle. I've kept it simple: a white and a red.

2003 VIN DE PAYS DES COMTES RHODANIENS CHARDONNAY - The "Vignerons" are the source for the Louis Latour Ardeche Chardonnay and they are indeed a good source. 100% stainless steel - all wine no wood. Very rich and Macon-esque, with plenty of zip.
2001 VIN DE PAYS DES COTEAUX DE L'ARDECHE PINOT NOIR - While their syrah is quite well thought of, and the Merlot and Cab are good sturdy examples, for my money their most interesting red is the Pinot Noir. It is simply the best Pinot Noir at anything approaching its price and will sell fast. The winery made a mistake and shipped 2001 instead of 2003. Their mistake will be your gain as I got them to lower the price.

COSTIERES ET SOLEIL - These wines have acquired quite a local following for their consistent and affordable quality. All colors, and yes more "box wine". If only these wines had "Cotes du Rhone" on the label, I wouldn't be able to keep them in stock. As it is, they are extremely solid wines that are worth much more.

2003 COSTIERES DE NIMES BLANC "PETIT ROMAIN" - Beeswax and white flowers in a cheap white? believe it. Clairette and grenache blanc.
2003 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROSE "PETIT ROMAIN" - Delightful 'fraise de bois' notes in this crisp rosé. 75% grenache 25% syrah
2003 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE "PETIT ROMAIN" - The 2002 was a big seller, and the 2003 is a deeper, fleshier example. 75% syrah 25% grenache
2002 COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE "CH. DES ALOUETTES" - Seattle's first French Box Wine is back. 75% syrah 25% grenache

CAVE DE SAUMUR - One of France's most reputable cooperatives. An excellent introduction to the meaning of Chenin and Cab. Franc from the Loire. Anjou-Saumur is the Loire region giving true expression to these noble varietals. Sauv. Blanc and Gamay are absent in this region, making these monocepage wines great examples of varietal typicity.

2003 SAUMUR BLANC "RESERVE DES VIGNERONS" - The 2003 has more weight and richness than the 2002, with stunning opulent fruit. Still, you won't confuse it with a new world chenin, decent acids make this one more than interesting.
2003 SAUMUR ROUGE "RESERVE DES VIGNERONS" - This wine was an 87 point "Smart Buy" in the WS, as well as a "Pick of the Week" by our local critc Richard Kinssies. Global warming has contributed to the marked increase in the quality of this wine. Red Saumurs used to be extremely vegetal or at least grassy, This 2003 has none of that, just lots of dark plummy and brambly fruit. WS pdf
2003 SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "LES POYEUX" - This wine was a 90 point "Smart Buy" in the WS. One of the cheapest Champignys available, it is also one of the most pleasant to drink. Smoky and powerful with fabulous natural acids. WS pdf

CELLIERS SAINT MARTIN - Some of you may remember the 2001 Roche Noire Corbieres in the quaint six packs. I've got a complete line of Corbieres this time for your delectation. The 2003 reds are mindblowing, there is a most interesting rose, and finally a top cuvee that has won the important prizes.

2003 CORBIERES ROSE "ROCHE GRISE" - Very mineral, medium weight rose, bone dry and plenty rich.
2003 CORBIERES ROUGE "ROCHE NOIRE" - Mostly Grenache with a mourvedre backbone, this is a very serious, large-scale wine for the price.
2003 CORBIERES ROUGE "BIB" - This will be only the second French Bag in Box wine to arrive in Seattle. This is the larger 5 liter size, always good to have on hand.
2001 CORBIERES ROUGE CH. ROQUEFORT ST-MARTIN – This wine may not be cheap, but the pedigree is awesome. Gold medal at the Paris Concours, *** coup de Coeur in the Guide Hachette. 90% mourvedre, 10% grenache, in the manner of a Bandol. Bandol should be as great as this example, which is vinified and aged by cult combo Tardieu Laurent. GH pdf

DOMAINE DU CORNE LOUP – This gold medal winning estate makes its first trip to the USA. The domaine’s name derives from the dark days when a villager was designated to signal the arrival of wolves by blowing a horn.

2004 TAVEL – While Tavel is one of France’s great rose wines, it need not be one of the most expensive. A more classic and balanced example than 2003, excellent weight and acidity.
2003 LIRAC ROUGE – Deeply colored, smoky and plummy fruit, silky texture and superb length of finish.

CAVE “LA VINSOBRAISE” – Strides continue to be made in quality at many of France’s Co-ops. La Vinsobraise combines improved technique with a legendary vintage to extract the maximum from this northern Village.

2003 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VINSOBRES ROUGE “TERROIRS” – This wine received *** Coup de Coeur in the latest Guide Hachette – the only Vinsobres to be so honored. 75/25% Grenache syrah, it is considered a “master stroke” with plenty of “panache”. The price is very gentle. GH pdf

DOMAINE AUX MOINES - I became familiar with this estate during my days working for a broker in France. It answers my desire for a higher end Chenin quite nicely.

2002 SAVENNIERES ROCHE AUX MOINES MOELLEUX "CUVEE DES NONNES" - This wine won a ** Coup de Coeur in the 2005 Guide Hachette. This is the late-harvest or 'moelleux' style with residual sugars tempering the raciness of the Chenin. Citrus, white flowers, and a finish a mile long. GH pdf

CH. MERCIER - Philippe Chéty of Mercier is the originator of the minimally interventionist "culture raisonée" philosophy. The wines are regulars in the various Winner's Circles.

2001 COTES DE BOURG ROUGE "PRESTIGE" CH. MERCIER - Those who missed their chance the last time around will be delighted to discover this fine claret. Gold medal at the Paris Concours Général.

VIGNOBLES JEAN PETIT - I am rounding out my Bordeaux selection with two new AOCs.

2002 COTES DE CASTILLON CH. LA BRANDE - Gold medal winner at the 2005 CNCP Competition. That's the "Cercle Nationale des Caves Particulieres", wines produced under the "Vigneron Independant" label.
2000 SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU CH. MANGOT - Gold medal at the Paris Concours Général. Looking for a superb SEGC at a great price? look no further.

Italian Arrivals

2005-04-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Italian wines are something new for Millesime. Compared to Spain or even France, one has to look a little harder to find the good deals. I've found three wines to get our Italian book started which arrived safely today!

SCOPETANI - This winery is located in the prestigious Rufina district of Chianti, and produces wines with pure sangiovese character.

2003 SANGIOVESE TOSCANA IGT - This wine is more than a match for many available Chiantis at an incredible price.
2003 CHIANTI - This wine is packed with brambly fruit and plenty of terroir. Priced well below market value.

MASSERIA PEPE - This Puglian winery has turned many heads in the press for their modern, densely packed primitivos.

2003 PRIMITIVO DEL TARANTINO "PORTILE" Easily one of the best primitivos available. Super-concentrated and rich, but with exquisite balance and class. Very high-toned fruit and very elegant which is a major rarity from this region of Italy.

April Arrivals from Spain

2005-04-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Incredible values from Spain have arrived! The wines are all showing well and I invite you all to come to Millesime and taste them on Monday, the 25th of April. There are some old favorites but also some new blood too. Here they are:

NINO JESUS - A US exclusive for Millésime with a real cult following. NJ has some of the oldest grenache vines in Spain, with great natural balance and power! I got in on the ground floor with their second vintage (2001) so am able to offer to offer these incredible wines. 2002 was not up to the winery's standards and was sold off in bulk, but those of you who have tasted any of the 2003s know that they are stellar. This time around, we have:

2003 ESTECILLO TINTO JOVEN - A blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Tempranillo. It has major extraction and depth, with stunning length of finish. There are a number of good wines now available from Calatayud (many more than last year when I started with Niño Jesús), but I don't think any of them are up to the level of this Estecillo.
2003 ESTECILLO "LEGADO" VINAS VIEJAS - Pure old-vine grenache from high-altitude vineyards, the finest block of vines in all of Calatayud create this utterly breathtaking wine. Those of you know and love the 2001 will be blown away by the 2003. The first of several shipments of this truly memorable wine.
2000 ESTECILLO CRIANZA - 2000 was the first ever bottled by the winery, and apparently they had some left as they shipped it instead of the 2001 that I had ordered. The oak is swallowed by intense fruit and spice.

NAVARRO LOPEZ - A Millesime discovery from Valdepeñas. Those who remember the excellent 1999 will be pleased to see the wine back in stock with a better vintage.

2000 LAGUNA DE LA NAVA CRIANZA - A radical departure from the 1999, more color, intensity and extraction.

PEREZ CARAMES - Millesime gets in on the Bierzo craze.

2002 CASAR DE VALDAIGA TINTO DE MENCIA - This extremely pretty wine shows off the 'pinot' side of the mencia. Very bright and pure, with a box that has to be seen to be believed.

BODEGAS BLEDA - Millesime is again ahead of the curve with this awesome Jumilla winery.

2003 CASTILLO DE JUMILLA MONASTRELL - This is the best entry level mourvedre wine that I have ever seen. The proof that southern Spain is best suited to this 'difficult' varietal.
2003 MONTESINOS SYRAH - Those who remember the 2002 will be very happy with the 2003 - better color, more depth and richness. Simply the best syrah for the price that I've come across. The French can't do one this good for the price.
2002 DIVUS MONASTRELL - The high end wine from Bleda is I think the finest expression of the mourvedre for the price. I have never had a Bandol that I liked better than this wine.

BODEGA VIRGEN BLANCA - This Co-op produces the best "Merlot" that I have ever seen for the price.

2003 MERLOT "LERIN" - There is no merlot from anywhere that is more for the money! The color is a completely opaque black, and the fruit is utterly decadent.

CAVAS HILL - These cavas can easily stand against many available Champagnes at a fraction of the price. They are toasty, doughy, very rich, and bone-dry!

RESERVA ORO BRUT NATURE - This stands up to champagnes more than twice the cost.
2001 RESERVA ATESANIA BRUT NATURE - The vintage version offers up even more 'Bolly' style dough with an incredible creamy texture.

Importers?

2005-04-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that to be an "importer" means that you IMPORT the wines from out of the country, not as is so often the case that you purchase IMPORTED wines from some agent or broker in America. Perhaps they should call themselves "import distributors" to differenciate themselves from those of us who do it the hard way. I am proud to proclaim that Millesime sells only wines that it purchases directly from the people who make it. Please look at the importer information on the bottle when you shop or dine out, usually grouped with the government warning on the back. On every import bottle that I sell, you will see the name Millesime. This means that I do the work of finding the wines to buy, not some agent. I do the logistical and legal work of getting the wine to Seattle, not some broker. What this means for you is that those agents and brokers don't have their hands in the price of these wines. It will remain that way until I decide to devote my energies to being an agent or broker myself (hey a guy has to make a living)! Come to think of it, it would still be my name on the back of the bottle...

Hautes Cances VV in Pacific

2005-03-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

An article by Paul Gregutt on 'Old-Vine' wines appeared in the March 20 edition of Pacific NW Magazine (click on the title to go to the story). The Hautes Cances "VV" Cairanne was one of five reds selected, and it was the only French one, the only grenache, and not least importantly it was the least expensive. The fact that this wine stood out enough to be included in a group including Australian shiraz and zinfandel is a testament to its quality. Millesime is the sole US importer of the Domaine les Hautes Cances.

Rumors...

2005-03-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Rumors. I appreciate some good gossip as much as the next guy, but they really have a way of getting out of control. Take for example the swirling rumors concerning the circumstances of my departure from Riservati in 2003. I quit Riservati for many reasons, but to keep is simple - it was, and remains a toxic environment. It was not an easy decision, as there were a lot of dependency issues at play. I love my Father, and respect his achievements. Hopefully someday he can learn to respect mine. The money to launch Millesime came from a home equity line of credit, and later an SBA loan that I was able to land after only a few months in business based on a strong business plan and stronger numbers. I scraped by for most of 2003 on unemployment before my first sales in January 2004. Everyone should have books as clean and as transparent as Millesime. That I have survived my first 15 months in business and succeeded in spite of attempts at sabotage that can only be described as, er, sour grapes is due to several factors, the most important of which is that I offer interesting, excellent-quality wines at great prices. I compete with lots of companies, not only Riservati, yet the rumors seem to come from only one source... The facts remain, sour grapes are just that, and Millesime has great wine!