R S J

R e s t a u r a n t

 

 

THE RSJ WINE LIST - 2009

Constantly changing, but always from a small band of producers that represent particularly good value.  Currently we are showing Vincent  Ogereau’s delicious dry Rosé de Loire, also delightful white and pink  sparklers, the Crémant de Loire, made by the ‘Traditionelle’ method from Régis Neau at Domaine de Nerleux.  The house red and white are once again from Saumur: a full and fruity white and a soft and fragrant red from our old friend Dominique Tessier at the Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers

 

The vineyards of the Loire Valley, which stretch from the Massif Central to the Atlantic Ocean, offer a wonderful diversity of wines.  Zinging dry whites; luscious sweet wines; memorable rosés; light quaffing reds; deep coloured and robust reds that age magnificently and fine sparkling wines.  They also offer remarkable value for money.

 

 

 

HOUSE SELECTION

LOIRE WHITE

LOIRE RED

LOIRE SWEET WINES

OTHER REGIONS

NEW WORLD

HALF BOTTLES

 

GRAPE VARIETIES

RECENT VINTAGES

 

 

  

 

HOUSE SELECTION & RECOMMENDATIONS 

 

Constantly changing, but always from a small band of producers that represent particularly good value.  Currently we are showing Vincent  Ogereau’s delicious dry Rosé de Loire, also delightful white and pink  sparklers, the Crémant de Loire, made by the ‘Traditionelle’ method from Régis Neau at Domaine de Nerleux.  The house red and white are once again from Saumur: a full and fruity white, again from Regis, and a soft and fragrant red from our old friend Dominique Tessier at the Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers

 

3

2007  Saumur Blanc  Domaine de Nerleux  Regis Neau

16.50

87

2006  Saumur Rouge  Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers  Dominique Tessier

16.50

80

2007  Rosé de Loire   Domaine Ogereau  Vincent  Ogereau

16.95

190

Crémant de Loire Brut   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

21.95

195

Crémant de Loire Rosé   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

21.95

 

Below is a list, updated at least twice a month, of reasonably priced wines that are excellent quality wines and that showed well at recent tastings. Check out the notes in the main list.

5

2007  Sauvignon  Domaine de Bablut   Christophe Daviau

18.95

 

16

2007  Anjou Blanc Château de la Roulerie  P Germain

21.95

 

34

2007  Vouvray Sec  Domaine Champalou

22.95

 

36

2007  Chinon Blanc  Baudry Duyour

22.50

 

47

2007  Touraine Sauvignon   Francois Roussely

18.50

 

57

2007  Menetou Salon ‘Clos de la Cure’  Domaine Roger Champault

24.95

 

74

2006  Vine de Pays des Coteaux Charitois ‘Les  Pénitents  Alphonse Mellot

25.95

 

89

2007  Anjou Rouge  Chateau de la Roulerie   Philippe Germain

19.95

 

107

2007  Saumur Champigny  Domaine de Nerleux   Regis Neau

18.95

 

120

2007  Chinon Domaine de la Perrier   Baudry Dutour

19.95

 

133

2006  Chinon V V   Phillipe Alliet

29.95

 

153

2007  St Nicolas de Bourgueil  Les Rouilleres   Frederic Mabileau

19.75

 

167

2007  Bourgueil  Racines   Frederic Mabileau

22.95

 

 

Top=

 LOIRE WHITE 

 

ANJOU - SAUMUR DRY WHITE

 

3

2007  Saumur Blanc   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

Delightfully floral, pure nose, lovely fruit and long fresh finish.

16.50

1

2008  Saumur Blanc   Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers   D. Tessier

Nice weight, ripe balanced finish with lovely freshness.

16.75

2

2007  Anjou Blanc   Domaine Ogereau  Vincent Ogereau

Rich, zingy fruit - clean & pure - Absolutely delightful. Fastidious vigneron

16.95

5

2007  Sauvignon   Domaine de Bablut   Christophe Daviau

Classic sauvignon with elegance, richness and zing. Organic production

18.95

6

2006  Anjou Blanc   Cuvée Prestige   Domaine Ogereau

Hand-picked, ‘Vendange Tardive’ powerful, rich yet dry, honey & apricots.

22.95

7

2007  La Roche aux Moines    Claude Papin

Lovely steely minerality with a hint of honey and floral finish

27.95

8

2006  Anjou Blanc   Le haut de la Garde   Claude Papin
Dry, honeyed Chenin Blanc with good concentration and balance

19.95

9

2004  Saumur Blanc  Domaine du Collier  Antoine Foucault
Son of the famous Foucoult family, now making his own stunning dry white in Breze

39.50

10

1999  Savennières   Clos de Coulaine   Claude Papin

Developing a delightful balance of richness and complex minerality

35.95

11

2007  Saumur Blanc   Fredric Mabaleau

Ripe peaches and passion fruit, with nice minerailty abd freshness.

29.95

12

2006  Savennières   Clos de Coulaine   Claude Papin

Delightful, full, dry white, with bags of ripe honeyed fruit.  Rich and complex.

22.95

13

2007  Saumur Blanc   ‘L’ Insolite   Thiery Germain

Barrel fermented late picked full ripe and exotic. with lovely fresh acidity

25.75

14

2006  Saumur Blanc   Château de Villeneuve   J.P. Chevalier

The early drinking Cuvée beautifully balanced, ripe and fruity - superb

19.50

15

2004  Anjou Blanc ‘Les Terasses’ Château de la Roulerie
Hand picked, vinified in 400 litre barrels, rich, ripe, exotic and long

27.95

16

2007  Anjou Blanc Château de la Roulerie  P Germain
Property recently acquired by Phillippe. Stunning concentration and freshness

21.95

17

2004  Anjou Blanc Les Rogeries   D Richon
Barrel fermented, ripe honeyed with lovely minerality - delicious

25.95

21

2006  Savennieres   Clos du Grand Beaupreau  Claude Papin
Relatively new vineyard site, now producing fabulous complex dry white

27.95

18

2005  Savennieres   Clos du Grand Beaupreau  Vincent Ogereau

Lovely honeyed minerality, ripe fruit and stunning length..

27.95

45

2004  Saumur Blanc  Charpentrie  Antoine Foucault

Old vines, low yields, new barrels, honey, peach and toasted hazelnuts - wondeful.

39.95

19

1999  Saumur Blanc  Les Cormiers   J.P. Chevallier
Barrel fermented wonderful purity and concentration – superb vintage., a steal

35.95

20

2004  Anjou Blanc Domaine des Rochelles  J Y Lebreton
Barrel fermented with richness, fresh finish and lovely complexity

25.95

 

FIEFS VENDÉENS

 

22

2004  Fiefs Vendéens  ‘Les Clous  Domaine St Nicolas  Thierry Michon

50% Chenin 50% Chardonnay. Bio dynamic cultivation – fruity and full.

25.95

 

MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE

 

After many years of tasting Muscadet with little or no enthusiasm, we finally met Pierre Luneau and his charming wife, Monique.  The entire production at Domaine de la Grange is sur lie (kept on the lees until bottling to give flavour and freshness) and made in the cleanest and best organised cellars anywhere in France.  The harvest from each vineyard is vinified and matured separately, with complete respect for the character of each parcel.

 

 

23

2003  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie  Semper Excelsior  Luneau
Wonderful concentration and expression of this particular terroir of Muscadet

27.95

24

2007  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie   Domaine Pierre de la Grange

Classic Muscadet with good fruit and pure zesty finish.

16.95

25

2007  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie   Le Clos des Allees
Old vines and 20% maceration pelliculaire (skin contact) gives extra depth.

17.95

26

1996  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie   Le 'L' d'or de Luneau

Pierre’s prestige Cuvée and the one he reserves for ageing, giving a fuller style.

24.95

27

1995  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie   Le 'L' d'or de Luneau

Vintages like ’95, ’93, and ’90 mean that top producers like Pierre can really show the potential for Muscadet.

25.95

28

1990  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie   Le 'L' d'or de Luneau

Soft mellow fruit yeasty with hint of almonds, nice structure.

29.95

29

2003  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie  Le 'L' d'or de Luneau

21.50

30

1993  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie   Le 'L' d'or de Luneau
Wonderful balance of racey Muscadet with lovely ripe fullness.

25.95

42

2006  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur lie  Gheiss   Guy Bossard
One f the pioneers of Biodynamics, very much elegance and ‘terroir

25.95

 

TOURAINE – DRY WHITE

 

32

2005  Touraine-Azay le Rideau   Pascal Pibaleau
Little seen appellation - not unlike Vouvray - this is one of the best, bags of fruit.

22.50

33

2008  Vouvray Sec   La Dilettante   Pierre Breton

Slow vinfication in barrel, lovely mineral character, ripe, fresh and beautifully balanced.

25.95

34

2007  Vouvray Sec  Domaine Champalou

A wonderful vintage for the best growers a hugely successful one, drinking superbly.

22.95

35

2008  Touraine Sauvignon  Clos Roche Blanche   C.Roussel & D.Barrouillet

Ripe exotic sauvignon from very low yields – lovely balance and length.

24.95

36

2007  Chinon Blanc – Baudry Dutour

Known best for their reds, this white Chinon has bags of fruit and charm

22.50

38

2005  Montlouis  ‘Le Volagre   Stephane Cossais
Wonderful purity – almost Burgundian in flavour, balance and weight

35.95

59

2007  Montlouis  Cuvee Remus   Jacky Blot
Old vines, low yields - hand harvested, dry but with lovely concentration

32.50

44

2006  Montlouis  Clos de Chenes   Franz Saumon
Organic production from old vines, unfiltered and no sulphur - honeyed but dry

35.95

46

2005  Vouvray  Clos du Portail   Domaine Champalou

Small parcel of vines, vinified in new oak. Soft ripe honeyed concentration

27.95

47

2008  Touraine Sauvignon   Vincent Roussely  [temporarily out of stock]

Classic ripe sauvignon. Another impressive young producer in eastern Touraine.

18.50

83

2002  Vouvray Sec Domaine Champalou

Lovely elegant vintage showing how fine Vouvray and classic Chenin should be..

39.95

67

1995  Vouvray Sec   ‘Le Marigny   Bernard Fouguet
Classic Vouvray – off dry but good balance and elegance

49.95

91

2001  Vouvray Sec  Domaine Champalou
Classic Chenin character, hint of warm straw and lemons - delicious

39.95

 

COTEAUX DU LOIR   DOMAINE DE BELLIVIERE   ERIC NICOLAS

 

10 hectares made up of 50 different parcels of vines, very small yields, hand harvested.  Chenin for white and Pineau D’Aunis for the reds.  Stunning quality from a very committed biodynamic vigneron.

 

37

2002  Jasnieres  “Les Rosiers

32.95

31

2000  Coteaux du Loir  (rouge) V.V. Hommage à Louis Derré 

29.95

 

VOUVRAY SEC - SOCIÉTÉ HUET

 

Three of the best vineyards in Vouvray: Le Mont, Clos du Bourg & Le Haut Lieu, bio-dynamically cultivated plus meticulous wine making equals some of the best Chenin Blancs produced in the world.

 

49

2004  Vouvray  Le Haut Lieu

29.95

39

1990  Vouvray   Le Haut Lieu

85.00

41

2002  Vouvray  Sec  Le Haut Lieu

39.95

51

1983  Vouvray  Le Haut Lieu

75.00

48

1973  Vouvray  Clos du Bourg

79.50

54

1995  Vouvray  Le Haut Lieu

42.50

40

1992  Vouvray  Le Haut Lieu

37.95

 

VOUVRAY MONTLOUIS DEMI-SEC

 

43

2004  Vouvray demi sec   Cuvée des Fondraux  Didier Champalou

Absolute delight at the moment, perfection with rich creamy sauces-rich and ripe.

22.50

76

2002 Vouvray demi-sec   Le Mont  Huet

32.95

75

1985  Mountlouis Moelleux   Domaine des Liards-Berger
More demi-sec than sweet - stunning

69.50

52

1994  Vouvray demi-sec Clos du Bourg  Huet

27.95

53

1983  Vouvray demi-sec    Clos du Bourg   Huet

65.00

55

1971  Vouvray demi-sec  Le Haut Lieu   Huet

79.50

58

1952  Vouvray demi-sec  Le Mont  Huet

105.00

50

1959  Vouvray demi-sec  Le Haut Lieu   Huet

125.00

73

1955  Vouvray demi-sec   Le Mont  Huet

97.50

 

LOIRE ROSÉ

 

80

2007  Rosé de Loire   Domaine Ogereau  V Ogereau

Fresh attractive quaffing rosé from a serious wine maker.

16.95

82

2005  Sancerre Rosé  Cotat
A Rosé to be enjoyed with food – elegance and complexity

29.50

 

NIVERNAIS - Wines from the upper reaches of the Loire

 

56

2004  Sancerre  Les Culs de Beaujeu   Francois Cotat
Organic, no filtering or fining, some times with a trace of residual sugar - atypical

35.95

57

2007  Menetou Salon ‘Clos de la Cure’ Domaine Roger Champault

Tiny quantities available, round full and floral

24.95

60

2007  Quincy  Domaine des Ballandors  Chantal Wilk and Jean Tatin

Dwarfed by its neighbour: Sancerre, Quincy makes similar wines from the same Sauvignon grape. Zesty-fresh gooseberry & nettles, delicious.

24.50

61

2004  Sancerre  Les Monts Damnes   Francois Cotat
Fermented and aged in barrels, from the famous steep slopes – very traditional

35.95

62

2007  Sancerre  ‘Les PierrisDomaine Roger Champault
ncreasingly organic, attractive, fine and fragrant, nice weight. Delicious.

25.95

63

2007  Pouilly Fume  Domaine Alexander Bain
Organic production without sulphur, nice minerality – classic Pouilly.

29.95

64

1996  Sancerre  La Grande Cote   Francois Cotat

70 year old vines, bio dynamic cultivation and barrel ageing - wonderful.

57.95

66

2004  Sancerre   Pouilly Fume  Buisson   Renard Didier Dageneau
Undoubtedly the No 1 Pouilly producer. Finesse and power

45.95

68

2007  Menetou Salon  Clos des Blanchais    Domaine Henri Pelle

Wonderful purity, elegance and richness – benchmark Sauvignon

29.95

69

2007  Pouilly Fumé   Domaine Henri Bourgeris

Classic Pouilly, nice blackcurrant leaf nose, elegant, rich well balanced.

29,50

70

2007  Sancerre ‘Le M.D.’   Domaine Henri Bourgeois
Ripe concentrated, harvested from the Mont Damnes slopes.

32.50

71

2005  Sancerre  Akemenine  Domaine Sebastien Riffault

Wonderfully ripe fruity complex Sauvignon with character – organic.

39.50

72

2006  Pouilly Fume   Les Demoiselles  Domaine Henri Bourgeois

85% stainless steel, 15% in oak from the Troncais. Aged on fine lees.

37.95

74

2006  Vin de Pays des Coteaux Charitois ‘Les Penitents’  Alphonse Mellot
Usually known for his Sancerre but this Chardonnay is stunning

25.95

79

2006  Sancerre Les Angelots   Pascal and Nicolas Reverdy
Old vines, low yields – Sauvignon with character, finesse and concentration 

35.95

 

 

NIVERNAIS RED

 

77

2007  Sancerre Rouge  Les Pierris  Roger Champault

Attractive, lively Pinot Noir fruit with good concentration.

27.50

78

2006  Sancerre Rouge  Cote de Champtin   Roger Champault

50 year old vines giving very low yields, oak-aged - long lingering finish.

32.50

84

2006  Vin de Pays des Coteaux Charitois Pinot Noir  Alphonse Mellot

His red Sancerres are fantastic, new location, cheaper but really lovely

29.95

86

2007  Sancerre Rouge  ‘Terre de Maimbray   Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy

 

32.95

Top=

 LOIRE RED 

 

ANJOU/SAUMUR RED

 

87

2006  Saumur Rouge   Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers   D.Tessier

Lovely mouthwatering ripe fruit. Good weight with fresh finish.

16.50

92

2007  Saumur Rouge   Chateau Fouquet   Domaine Filliatreau
Super organic red – ripe and rounded with zesty red berry fruit

21.95

88

2007  Anjou Rouge   Domaine Ogereau   Vincent Ogereau

Delicious ripe fruit- easy drinking. Classic Cabernet Franc.

17.95

89

2007  Anjou  Château de la Roulerie  Philippe Germain
Philippe’s rich ripe Anjou has elegance and backbone

19.95

90

2007 Anjou Gamay  Chateau Pierre Bise  Claude Papin
No lightweight Gamay this, traditional vinification , concentration and structure

19.75

95

2007  Anjou Villages ‘Croix de Mission’  J.Y. Lebreton
More classically Anjou, lovely elegance

22.95

96

2006  Anjou-Villages  Clos de Coulaine   Claude Papin

Another huge weighty red from Claude. Hints of leather and spice

18.95

97

2005  Anjou Rouge  Les Gelinettes  M,Angeli
Bio-dynamic production – use of pesticides violently opposed. Big powerful red

35.95

98

2006  Anjou Villages  Brissac  Domaine des Rochelles  J.Y.Lebreton
Vibrant red fruits, nose lovely balanced refined finish

21.95

99

2005  Anjou Villages  Brissac V.V. Domaine Richou
Showing very well currently. Elegant 2002, fine and complex

22.95

100

2006  Anjou-Villages  sur Spilite    Claude Papin

Bottled as ever with Claude, by soil type – lovely soft elegance and weight.

19.50

102

2005  Anjou Villages  Cote de la Houssaye  Domaine Ogereau

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, very low yields aged in oak. Ripe and soft.

29.75

104

2006  Anjou Villages  Domaines Ogereau
Long and powerful, black fruits, spicy and animal

19.95

103

2004 Saumur Champigny   Clos Rougeard   Foucault

Wonderful structure, red and black fruits with a hint of tobacco.

32.95

105

2002 Saumur Champigny   Marginale Thierry Germain
Elegant and finely balanced, old vines and oak add complexity

35.95

106

2007  Saumur Champigny   Domaine des Roches Neuves   T. Germain

Lots of ripe fruit and concentration from 25 year old vines. Fabulous vintage

19.50

101

1996  Saumur Champigny  Domaine des Roches Neuves   T. Germain
Soft ripe and full Champigny with character and complexity

29.50

107

2007  Saumur Champigny   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

Wonderful quaffing Champigny by the ever consistent Régis.

18.95

109

2006  Saumur Champigny   Les Châtains   Régis Neau

Old vines, extra concentration, though Régis’ wines are always attractive.

22.95

111

2006  Saumur Champigny   Château de Villeneuve   J.P. Chevalier

Without doubt one of the leading growers. Big, ripe, full and soft - lovely.

21.50

112

2005 Saumur Champigny   Château du Hureau   P Vatau
The lightest of his 3 Cuvees, bags of vibrant fruit and lovely structure

25.95

114

2006 Saumur Champigny  V.V.  Domaine Filliatreau

Low yielding 80 – 100 year old vines, deep cassis fruit and fine tannin

29.95

115

2004  Saumur Champigny  ‘Le Bourg’   Foucault Freres
New oak, one hectare of old vines – black fruit and soft tannic structure

45.00

113

2005 Saumur Champigny   Le Grand Clos  J.P. Chevalier
Immense weight and concentration. Huge dark berry fruit, lovely balance

29.95

110

1996  Saumur Champigny  Le Grand Clos  J.P Chevalier
Aged 2 years in oak – lovely finesse and complexity

39.95

116

1995  Saumur Champigny  Le Grand Clos   J.P Chevalier
Two of the best vintages of the 90’s. Drinking superbly

39.95

117

2003  Saumur Champigny   Le Grand Clos    Chateau de Villeneuve

Bags of ripe fruit with hints of  violets & tobacco

39.95

118

1996  Saumur Champigny   Clos des Chatains   Regis Neau
Hints of spice and leather, lovely elegant fruit – long and complex

35.95

126

2004 Saumur Champigny   Les Poyeux   Foucault
Very low yield, elegant structure with huge potential

32.50

 

CHINON

 

120

2007  Chinon   Domaines de la Perriere   Baudry Dutour
Nose of cherry, raspberry and redcurrant - soft and fruity

19.95

121

2005  Chinon   Domaine Alain Lorieux

‘Travail raisonnee’ in the vineyards. Violets, wild strawberries, smoky fruit

21.95

122

2007  Chinon Beaumont   Pierre Breton
6 Hectares of old vines on clay –limestone soil. Attractively fruity

25.95

127

2002  Chinon V.V.   Domaine de la Perrière  Baudry/Dutour
Lovely elegance and weight, violets and red fruit, long lingering finish

25.95

128

1996  Chinon V.V.   Domaine de la Perrière   J.& C. Baudry

Elegant weight and soft tannins. Maturing gently. Classic vintage.

35.95

129

2002  Chinon   Diablesse’ Château de Coulaine

Bigger darker and slightly more tannins 50% new vat. Organic production.

35.95

130

2004  Chinon   Coteau de Noire  Philippe Alliet

Low yields and ageing in new oak gives this excellent wine impressive concentration and complexity.

27.95

131

2003  Chinon   Coteau de Noire  Philippe Alliet
South facing slope, excellent terroir, oak aged, ripe, fruity and complex

35.95

133

2006  Chinon V.V.   Philippe Alliet

Unquestionably the regions no.1 producer. Lovely cherry cabernet, long & lingering. More typical and to Phillipe’ s liking.

29.95

135

2005  Chinon   Cotrau de Noire   Philippe Alliet
Stunning weight, concentration and ripe fruit, oaky finish

35.95

136

2005  Chinon V.V.   Philippe Alliet
Low yield, wonderful ripe fruit, purity and balance

29.95

137

2002  Chinon Coteau de Noire   Philippe Alliet
Clay and limestone give structure and potetial to age. Aged in new oak, elegant vintage, dark berry fruit

49.50

138

2000  Chinon V.V.   Philippe Alliet
50 year old vines - lovely concentration, now fully mature

39.95

 

SAINT NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL

 

153

2007  St. Nicolas de Bourgueil  Les Rouilliere   Frédéric Mabileau

Son of Jean Paul - now making very much his own style of wine, somewhat softer and rounder than his Dad’s, but with much the same elegance.

19.75

157

2006  St. Nicolas de Bourgueil  L’Expression  Joel Taluau
Young Vines, drinking well with lively red juicy fruit, gentle tannins

19.95

158

2007  St. Nicolas de Bourgueil  Les Coutures  Frederic Mabileau
40 year old vines, left in oak for 9 months giving ripe fruit balanced with soft tannins

27.95

 

BOURGUEIL

 

165

2006  Bourgueil   Les Galichets   Domained de la Chevalerie  Caslot
Deliciously vibrant black cherry fruit with old vines complexity

22.95

167

2007  Bourgueil   Racines   Frédéric Mabileau
Made in barrel, no filtration, hints of blackberry and oak, soft tannins

22.95

171

2006  Bourgueil   Cuvee V.V.  Lame Delisle Boucard

Ripe leafy blackcurrant nose with easy tannic finish

24.50

172

2005  Bourgueil   Cuvee V.V.  Lame Delisle Boucard

Lovely balanced, ripe vintage - old vines add to the structured complexity

25.95

173

2005  Bourgueil   Le Grand Clos   Yannick Amirault

Yannick’s style lies somewhere between the traditional Lame Delisle and the dynamic Pierre Breton.

27.95

175

2004  Bourgeuil  ‘Les Vingt Lieux Dits’ Pierre Gautier
Organic, no fining or filtration, chunky liquorice and blackcurrant nose

21.50

177

2003  Bourgueil   Cuvee V.V.  Lame Delisle Boucard

Rich gamey nose - full and ripe, long well balanced finish

25.95

178

2003  Bourgueil  La Petite Cave Yannick Amirault
On limestone soil – vin de garde but 2003 ripeness means it’s drinking very well now

29.95

179

2006  Bourgueil  Le Haut de la Butte  Jacky Blot
Some in foudres, some newish barrique, stunning concentration

29.95

180

2002  Bourgueil   Cuvee Pretsige.  Lame Delisle Boucard

Nice elegance, red fruits and violets, soft tannins

27.95

181

1996  Bourgueil   Cuvee Prestige.  Lame Delisle Boucard

Classic vintage showing well – leather, spicey and black fruits

32.95

 

EASTERN TOURAINE

 

182

2005  Touraine Pinot Noir  Clos du Tue-Boeuf   Puzelat
The ‘Pope of unsulphured wine’ – whacky but wonderfully fruity and complex

19.95

183

 

1999  Touraine Rouge  Cuvee Privilege  Domaine Sauvete
Lovely concentration and complexity – low yields, lovely.

27.95

184

 

2001  Touraine Rouge  L’Alliance des Generations – Jean-Francois Mérieau
Blend of Cabernet and Cot, vines 40-50 years old, 12 months in oak.

25.95

185

2007  Touraine Gamay   Jean Francois  Mérieau

Gamy with real weight and zest – wonderful, drink all year round.

18.95

186

2007  Touraine Gamay   Vigne FrançaisesMarionnet

Pre–phylloxera, ungrafted vines, rich full bodied, perfumed fruit

23.95

187

2007  Touraine KO  ‘IN COT WE TRUST’  Puzelot
Otherwise known as Malbec – lovely juicy fruit – long liquorice finish

19.95

189

2002  Touraine Cabernet  Les Grands Champs  Jean-Francois Mérieau
Young dynamic vigneron making superbly concentrated and organic wines.

21.95

193

2007  Touraine Gamay  Domaine de la Charnoise   Marionnet

Serve chilled. Vibrant red cherry and blueberry fruit – great summer red

18.95

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 LOIRE VALLEY - SWEET WINE 

 

Outside of Sauternes the Loire Valley is the greatest world producer of non-fortified sweet wine.  The style is somewhat different to most other sweet wines.  Due to the Chenin Blanc grape's high acidity, Layons and Vouvrays, when late picked for botrytis, have a wonderful balance of fresh, clean fruity sweetness and acidity.  Never cloying, these wines can live for many years - 100 years plus in great vintages.  These wines are best drunk with fruit desserts or on their own at the end of a meal or, like the French, as a special aperitif.  They are especially good with blue cheeses and foie gras.

 

THE LAYON, AUBANCE AND COTEAUX de SAUMUR

 

These are several of the main areas for the sweet whites in Anjou.  Both the Layon and Aubance are ambling, somnolent tributaries of the Loire.  When conditions are right they provide the autumnal morning mists that helps botrytis to develop.

 

 

301

2007  Coteaux du Layon   Domaine Ogereau

19.95

302

1989 Coteaux de Saumur   Domaine du Val Brun   E Charruau (50cl)

45.00

303

2005  Coteaux du Layon   Les Soucheries   Claude Papin (50cl)

29.95

304

2005  Coteaux du Layon   Beaulieu   Les Rouannières   Claude Papin  (50cl)

29.95

305

2004  Coteaux de L’Aubance  Domaine de Rochelles  JY Lebreton

21.95

306

1990  Coteaux de L’Aubance  Les Trois  Desmoiselles  D. Richou

45.00

307

2003  Coteaux de L’Aubance   Ambre de Rochelles  JY Lebreton

35.95

308

2003  Coteaux de L’Aubance   Cuvee Unique Domaine de  Bablut  C Daviau

27.50

309

2006  Coteaux du Layon  Chaume   Claude Papin

29.95

310

1997  Coteaux du Layon   Maria Juby   Patrick Baudouin  (50cl)

39.95

311

1990  Roche aux Moines Moelleux Cuvee Chevalier Buhard  Soulez (75 cl)

45.00

312

1999  Coteaux du Layon  Grains Nobles  Patrica Baudouin  (50cl)

39.95

314

1999  Coteaux du Layon   Chaume   Pithon  (50cl)

35.95

315

2007  Coteaux du Layon   Cuvée Prestige   Vincent Ogereau (50cl)

22.95

316

2002  Coteaux du Layon   Clos des Bonnes Blanches   Vincent Ogereau  (50cl)

39.50

317

1997  Coteaux de L’Aubance   Clos des Huttieres   Domaine de Montgilet  (50cl)

35.95

319

1994  Coteaux du Layon   Maria Juby   Baudouin  (50cl)

39.95

325

1992  Coteaux du Layon   St Lambert  Cuvée Prestige   Vincent Ogereau

35.95

 

BONNEZEAUX & QUARTS DE CHAUME AND CHAUME

 

These are the two crus of the Coteaux du Layon and the top growers here produce the best wines of the Layon.  Quarts de Chaume has just 30 hectares of vines divided between no more than 10 growers. Bonnezeaux is larger with 80 hectares and the quality is more variable.

 

 

327

1989  Coteaux du Layon Chaume  Cuvee Corentine Jaudeau (75cl)

49.95

331

1997  Quarts de Chaume   Domaine de la Poterie   Mordaq (50cl)

35.95

332

2003  Quarts de Chaume   Claude Papin  (50cl)

39.95

333

1978  Quarts de Chaume  Château de Belle Rive   Labance (75cl)

80.00

334

1976  Quarts de Chaume  Château de Belle Rive   J. Lalanne (75cl)

90.00

337

1985  Bonnezeaux   Château de Fesles   Boivin (75cl)

95.00

338

2005  Coteaux du Layon Chaume   Château de la Roulerie  (50cl)

39.95

339

1995  Coteaux du Layon   Chaume   Claude Papin  (50cl)

47.95

340

1996  Quarts de Chaume   Chateau Pierre Bise (50cl)

45.00

341

1997  Quarts de Chaume   Chateau Pierre Bise (50cl)

39.95

 

VOUVRAY MOELLEUX

 

The appellation lies immediately to the east of Tours, on the north bank of the Loire.  In favourable years the grapes are affected by botrytis.  Vouvray Moelleux tends to be a little more austere than those from Anjou but has similarly magnificent ageing potential.

 

343

2003  Vouvray Moelleux   Cuvée Moelleuse  Catherine & Didier Champalou

29.95

349

1989 Vouvray Moelleux   Cuvée CC  Champalou

79.50

344

1989  Vouvray Moelleux   Le Marigny   Domaine des Aubuisieres   Fouquet

85.00

345

1990  Vouvray Moelleux   Le Marigny   Domaine des Aubuisieres   Fouquet

70.00

346

1990 Vouvray Moelleux    Cuvée Alexandre   Fourquet

70.00

347

1989  Vouvray Moelleux   ‘Grand Année   Bernard Fourquet.

79.00

350

1996  Vouvray Moelleux   1er Trie Clos du Bourg Huet

49.50

351

1990  Vouvray Moelleux   1er Trie Clos du Bourg

87.50

352

1989  Vouvray Moelleux   Le Mont 1er Trie

89.95

354

1971  Vouvray Moelleux   Clos du Bourg

95.00

353

1959  Vouvray Moelleux   Le Haut Lieu

150.00

 

LOIRE VALLEY SPARKLING: METHODE TRADITIONELLE

 

190

Crémant de Loire Brut   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

We think Régis’ slightly dry lemony Crémant is superb. A delicious aperitif.

21.95

191

Vouvray Brut Methode Traditionelle  Domaine Champalou

Classic Vouvray character in sparkling form – delicious.

22.95

194

NV Vouvray Pétillant Brut   Société Huet          MAGNUMS ONLY:

Classic sparkling Vouvray in a large (150cl) bottle.  Creamy, rich with balancing acidity.

65.00

195

Crémant de Loire Rosé   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

Delightfully elegant, fragrant, fruity sparkler from Saumur

21.95

196

N.V. Montlouis Pétillant Naturel Non Dose ‘Triple Zero’  Jacky Blot
No chapitilisation or any added sugar at any stage – perfectly natural sparkling wine

29.95

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 OTHER REGIONS 

 

CHAMPAGNE

 

200

NV Chanpagne  J.P. Robert Reserve Brut
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – lovely yeasty nose and fine fruity palate

32.95

199

Gallimand Brut Rosé N.V,
100% Pinot Noir – full, elegantly perfumed Rosé – with gently fizz

32.95

201

Taittinger Brut Reserve

Very traditional Champagne - oak aged, rich & full.

42.95

202

1995  Gratiot-Delugny Vintage   Blanc de Blancs

100% Chardonnay - fine, elegant with hints of oak, good structure with tannic undertones. Continues to improve.

52.95

 

OTHER FRENCH REDS 

 

218

2007  Fleurie   Le Printemps   Yvon Metras
The return of our favourite Fleurie producer. Low yields, hand picked, organic, wonderfully fruity and structured.

29.95

219

2006   Moulin a Vent   Yvon Metras
Elegant and expressive with bags of potential

27.50

220

2006  Morgon  “Cote du Py  Jean Feillard

Simply one of the best cru beaujolais we’ve tasted

27.95

 

 

BORDEAUX RED WINE

 

221

2007  Château Peyredoulle  Premières Côtes de Blaye

made from predominately Merlot, this is a lovely ripe well balanced claret.

19.95

222

2006  Château Maine Gazin  Premières Cores de Blaye  Bernard & Thierry Germain
95% Merlot 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Long maceration 14-18 months in new oak lovely jammy depth.

25.95

223

2003  Château Beausejour Clos L’Eglise  Montagne St. Emillion
85% Merlot 15% Cabernet Franc, lovely blackberry fruit with hints of banana and vanilla.

29.95

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 NEW WORLD SELECTION  

 

NEW ZEALAND

 

Recently established vineyard at Ram Paddock near Amberley, North Canterbury.

 

234

2006  Waipara West Sauvignon

19.75

235

2005  Waipara West Riesling

21.95

236

2001  Waipara West Ram Paddock Red

Pure, clean fruit and delicate finesse. Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

25.95

 

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 THE HALF BOTTLE LIST    

 

Half bottles are a difficult area for restaurants, many suppliers do not have them and when they do, they will not always be the same vintage as the full bottles offered.  As we import direct from growers in the Loire Valley, we can and do ask them to specially bottle some for us.  This has met with the odd refusal and sometimes the premium charged for half bottles can be exorbitant, but we persevere because our customers like them especially at lunch times. 

 

DRY WHITE LOIRE

 

1A

2007  Saumur Blanc   Domaine des Nerleux

9.50

2A

2005  Quincy   Domaine des Ballandors

14.95

3A

2007  Sancerre   Domaine du Colombier   Champault

14.95

4A

2007  Pouilly Fumé   Domaine des Berthiers  Jean-Claude Dageneau

14.95

6A

2006  Muscadet sur Lie   Domaine Pierre de la Grange   P. Luneau

9.25

8A

2003  Anjou Blanc sec  Château de la Rouleie

12.50

 

RED LOIRE

 

10A

2006  Anjou Rouge   Domaine Ogereau  Vincent Ogereau

9.95

11A

2007  Chinon   Domaine de Perrière    C Baudry

10.95

12A

2006  Anjou Village   V Ogereau

12.50

15A

2007  Bourgueil Peu Mulean   Domaine de la Chevalerie

12.95

16A

2005  Chinon   Domaine Alain Lorieux   Pascal and Alain Lorieux

12.95

17A

2007  Saumur Champigny   Domaine de Nerleux   Régis Neau

12.95

18A

2007  St Nicolas de Bourgueil  Les Rouillères

12.95

20A

2005  Saumur Champigny  Les Chatains  Regis Neau

14.95

21A

2006  Saumur Champigny  Les Chatains  Regis Neau

13.95

22A

2006  Saumur Champigny V.V.  Domaine Filliatreau

14.95

25A

2002  Bourgueil Cuvee Prestige  Lame Delisle Boucard

15.95

24A

2003  Bourgueil Cuvee Prestige  Lame Delisle Boucard

16.50

23A

2005  Bourgueil Cuvee Prestige  Lame Delisle Boucard

15.95

 

LOIRE DEMI SEC

 

39A

1988  Coteaux de L’Aubance   Trie de Vendanges  Domaine Richou

27.95

 

LOIRE SWEET

 

42A

2005  Bonnezeaux  Château de Fesles  Bernard Germain

25.95

 

HALF BOTTLES FROM OTHER REGIONS

 

 

CHAMPAGNE

 

51A

Bernard Robert NV. Brut
Delightful Champagne – useful in halves!

16.95

52A

Philipponat NV Royale Reserve Brut

21.50

 

Last updated 22-06 07-

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