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Page 1: EFEB14 - Home - The Wine Society · mature vintages from the excellent Alavesa property, Viña Real. The style of Viña Real is especially suited to long ageing: these wines are delicate

thewinesociety.com/finewinesEFEB

14

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Page 2: EFEB14 - Home - The Wine Society · mature vintages from the excellent Alavesa property, Viña Real. The style of Viña Real is especially suited to long ageing: these wines are delicate

2 To order thewinesociety.com/finewines 01438 740222 smartphone app

Our opening page has a new look for a new year, but some things about The Society’s Fine Wine List don’t change. Our resolution for 2014 is to continue to offer our trademark mix of the quintessential and the quixotic. Whatever makes wine fine for you – a name, a price, a noble grape or a sense of adventure, as well as pleasure in the same glass, we trust you will find plenty to enjoy here.

WELCOME TO THE SOCIETY’S FIRST FINE WINE LIST OF 2014

How to use this Listl Wines are listed by theme and then by price

l Drink dates are given as a guide to maturity and ageing potential

l For further information about any of the wines please contact Member Services on 01438 741177

l Fine wines too limited in quantity to be listed may be found in the fine wine section of The Society’s website at thewinesociety.com/finewine

RIOJA: REAL TIME PAGE 3

A last opportunity for lovers of Rioja to marvel at the sheer staying power of three rare and mature vintage bottlings of Viña Real, snapped up last year by your Society from the private cellars of a fine, Spanish restaurant.

BUYER’S CHOICE: PAGE 4 AT HOME WITH PIERRE MANSOUR

With a dream team that ranges from Pol Roger to Ridge, The Society’s buying manager reveals a streak of French classicism that complements his professional stamping-ground of Spain, Australia, New Zealand and California.

MAC FORBES, YARRA VALLEY PAGE 5

A rare opportunity to sample fine, restrained varietals from Mac Forbes, one of the Yarra Valley’s most thoughtful, and thought-provoking winemakers. Here, advises The Society’s Australia buyer Pierre Mansour, is ‘the future of Australian fine wine’.

SMALL WONDERS PAGE 6

As ever, our popular selection of fine bottles at up to £20 includes both surprising classics and classy surprises and two mixed cases for explorers.

RIESLING: THE GASTRONOME’S GRAPE PAGE 8

The noblest and most gastronomic of all white varieties, from Alsace to Australia. Riesling lovers should also turn to the Trimbach feature on page 19 for one of the world’s finest examples of the grape.

ITALY: GRAPE OF THE GODS PAGE 10

A collection of fine Italian reds crafted from sangiovese, the life-blood of Tuscany as well as of Jupiter himself, and a mixed case to wallow in.

BORDEAUX: AT SIXES AND SEVENS PAGE 12

As in 1986 and 1987, 1996 and 1997, what a difference a year makes! Eight properties, eight communes and two very different vintages – cerebral 2006 and seductive 2007 – to compare and contrast, including our own Exhibition bottlings from the Lafite-Rothschild stable.

SOUTH AFRICA ON A PLATTER PAGE 14

There’s no need to take our word for it! A record number of Society-listed wines have made the new edition of the authoritative Platter’s Guide to the wines of South Africa. Find a dozen of them here, including a second five-star success in a row for the Alheits of Cartology fame, a glorious dessert riesling and two sought-after wines from Mullineux, Platter’s Winery of 2014.

SAVENNIERES PAGE 17

Eric Morgat has been growing chenin blanc in Savennières on the north bank of the Loire for nearly 20 years of the 60-odd which have passed since appellation status was first granted. Discover his intriguing dry-rich, distinctly foodie whites over three vintages.

GRAND CRU CHABLIS FROM FEVRE PAGE 18AND BROCARD

The essential nuances of terroir that set apart the grands crus of Chablis, and the imprint of vintage and vigneron inspire this selection. A mixed case offers comparison between three great growths, three contrasting years and two growers, Domaine William Fèvre and Jean-Marc Brocard.

ALSACE: THE 2007 TRIMBACH COLLECTION PAGE 19

A very desirable, limited-edition mixed case overview of the poise and precision (as we said at the time) of the gorgeous 2007 vintage from the masters of Alsace restraint. The case includes Trimbach’s legendary Clos Sainte Hune riesling.

CONTENTS

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3For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or 01438 741177

xRIOJA: REAL TIME

Last year The Wine Society gained access to a remarkable private collection of Rioja from the cellars of a top restaurant in northern Spain, the owner of which had ceased trading. The provenance of these wines is beyond reproach and we tasted through the collection to select only the best. Here we list the last remaining bottles of three mature vintages from the excellent Alavesa property, Viña Real. The style of Viña Real is especially suited to long ageing: these wines are delicate and pure expressions of tempranillo, characterised by fine, crisp acidity, which retains freshness in the wines as they age. This is a last chance to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Pierre Mansour

E-SP8281 Viña Real Gran Reserva, Rioja 1976 £79 bottle

Bright, clear mahogany in colour, this is a finely tuned, leathery Viña Real. It is succulent, evolved and powerful, standing out for its lift and revitalising acidity. 13.5% Limited to three bottles only per member.

Viña Real Reserva, Rioja 1982 The 1982 is highly rated by the CVNE winemaking team; indeed, Jésus Madrazo

(of Contino), whose father made this wine, says this is his favourite after the impressive 1964. Today the 1982 is delicious. Rich, flamboyant and exotic, supported with mouthwateringly fresh acidity and muscular tannins, this is perfect now. 13% Available only in the mixed case E-MX13189.

Viña Real Reserva, Rioja 1981 A delicate, refined Viña Real with a heavenly bouquet, quite Burgundian in many ways.

Smoky and supple with wonderfully absorbed tannins. 13% Available only in the mixed case E-MX13189.

VIÑA REAL RIOJA £335

Drink this year.

A mixed case containing two bottles each of the wines listed above.

Ref E-MX13189

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4 To order thewinesociety.com/finewines 01438 740222 smartphone app

BUYER’S CHOICE

A personal fine wine selection by Pierre Mansour, The Society’s buying manager, and buyer of The Society’s Spanish, North American, Australian and New Zealand wines. We are so lucky today. The choice of fine wine has grown hugely providing us with so much to enjoy from all over the globe. My dream cellar would start with the king of wines, Champagne, and, for me, Pol Roger shows the finesse of this style to perfection. I’ve always been a fan of white Burgundy and the Puligny is everything it should be. It was a bottle of cru classé Bordeaux that first inspired me to follow a path in wine during my university days and Château Batailley 2004 has the charm, balance and appetising quality that reminds me of that fine, classic life-changing claret. Mellow, traditionally-framed Rioja is a joy to drink and La Rioja Alta Ardanza 2004 is simply stunning, as is the elegant and rich Marlborough pinot from Seresin. Winemaking legend, Paul Draper, continues to craft California’s finest wines and his zinfandel from Sonoma’s Geyserville vineyard is boldly satisfying and stylish. Pierre Mansour

E-CH11 Champagne Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV £37.50 bottle £187 6 for 5 price

This is the perfect aperitif Champagne: clean, floral, elegant with a delicious biscuity flavour. Drink this year and next. 12.5%

E-BU49351 Domaine Henri Boillot, Puligny Montrachet Premier Cru Clos de la £59 bottle £708 dozen Mouchère 2010

One of the finest expressions of chardonnay I have come across recently, this is firm, fine, mineral white Burgundy of exceptional density from 70-year-old vines planted on low-vigour rootstocks. Remarkably good. Now to 2018. 13.5%

E-SP7981 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 2004 £19.50 bottle £234 dozen

2004 is an excellent vintage for Rioja and this Ardanza shows just how complete the best are. Both elegant and intense and beautifully integrated, with sweet fruit balancing the fine oaky flavour. Now to 2020. 13.5%

E-NZ6591 Seresin ‘Tatou’ Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 £28 bottle £336 dozen

Seresin is not only at the pinnacle of fine wine production in New Zealand but a model of environmental sustainability too. From the Tatou vineyard through to the cellar and bottling, every stage is managed with considered, minimal intervention, allowing the complex sweet and harmonious pinot fruit full expression. Now to 2018. 14% Low stock.

E-US5401 Ridge Geyserville 2011 £29 bottle £348 dozen

My dream cellar would contain plenty of Ridge: it is by far the most consistent fine wine being crafted in California. With Geyserville, Paul Draper and his team show the pedigree of zinfandel as a single vineyard wine. The 2011 is fleshy and very concentrated. Now to 2023. 14%

E-CM8941 Château Batailley, Pauillac 2004 £29 bottle £348 dozen

2004 clarets have real charm and balance, and make for very appealing current drinking. Batailley is one of the most consistent and good-value cru classés, representing the lovely black-fruit quality and punch so typical of Pauillac. Now to 2020. 13%

PIERRE MANSOUR’S SELECTION £195

Drink now to 2018.

A mixed case containing one bottle each of the following wines:

Champagne Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV Domaine Henri Boillot, Puligny Montrachet Premier Cru Clos de la Mouchère 2010Château Batailley, Pauillac 2004 Serezin ‘Tatou’ Pinot Noir 2010 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 2004Ridge Geyserville 2011

Ref E-MX1438

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5For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or 01438 741177

xMAC FORBES, YARRA VALLEY

If you want to get a feel for the future of Australian fine wine, this is a good place to start. Mac Forbes’ eponymous Yarra Valley wines are some of the most cutting-edge in the new world. He focuses on small vineyard sites of pinot, chardonnay and riesling in some of the best Yarra Valley sub-districts (Woori Yallock and Gruyere). His intelligent winemaking approach means that everything is done by hand, gently and on a very small scale, resulting in an output of just a few hundred cases of each wine. The wines rest their quality on finesse and lightness of touch but yet still retain incredible intensity of flavour. They are very rare and extremely fine.

E-AU15951 Mac Forbes RS 14 Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2012 £20 bottle £240 dozen

Stunningly pure riesling from the Strathbogie Ranges in Victoria made in minute quantities. The balance between sugar and acid is sublime here. Now to 2019. 10.5%

E-AU16421 Mac Forbes RS 37 Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2013 £20 bottle £240 dozen

Mac’s 2013 riesling is off-dry (37 grams of sugar per litre) but beautifully balanced. Wonderfully aromatic and fine, this is gentle, soft and very long. Now to 2018. 12%

E-AU16411 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2009 £21 bottle £252 dozen

This lean and focused chardonnay has wonderful grapefruit aroma with a hint of spice. Dry, textured and complex. Now to 2016. 12%

E-AU16441 Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012 £26 bottle £312 dozen

A top-quality Yarra Valley pinot, this is fine, delicate and gentle with sweet, cherry fruit. Now to 2017. 13%

E-AU16341 Mac Forbes Gruyere Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012 £29 bottle £348 dozen

Only 75 cases are made of this single-vineyard Australian pinot, from the Yarra Valley town of Gruyere. Pale, delicate, cherry-scented and redolent of a Côtes de Beaune. Now to 2017. 12%

E-AU15191 Mac Forbes ‘Hugh’ Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 £32 bottle £384 dozen

Beautifully harmonious cabernet which has the charm and modest body of Bordeaux yet possesses plenty of ripe, berry fruit without being grassy like so many light Australian styles. Now to 2020. 12.5%

E-AU16431 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012 £35 bottle £420 dozen

Woori Yallock is a tiny south-facing vineyard which has produced an amazing pinot in 2012, layered yet elegant with fine, gentle tannins and a very long finish. Now to 2019. 13%

MAC FORBES CASE £159

Drink now to 2017.

A mixed case containing one bottle each of the following wines:

Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012 Mac Forbes Gruyere Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012 Mac Forbes ‘Hugh’ Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Mac Forbes RS 14 Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2012 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2009

Ref E-MX1441

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6 To order thewinesociety.com/finewines 01438 740222 smartphone app

SMALL WONDERS

Sure signs of a Small Wonder on a Society buyer’s radar may include feats of pronunciation (step forward Portugal’s many indigenous vines), obscure corners (of Spain, Italy and, surprisingly, parts of France, as yet still unappreciated) or classic grapes in unexpected surroundings. We also take special pride in unearthing gems in regions the world thinks it knows inside-out. Here be Dragons, Italian in this case, but the presence of a patrician Fleurie, two classic clarets, and one of the finest names in Rioja below make this first selection of 2014 a nicely balanced one. Janet Wynne Evans

REDSE-BJ5651 Fleurie Les Moriers, Domaine Chignard 2011 £12.50 bottle £150 dozen

This Beaujolais estate is now full owners of the celebrated Clos des Moriers. Plush, sensual textures here and lovely clean fruit flavours, cherry and strawberry among others. Now to 2018. 12.5%

E-PW4211 Q de Sant’Ana Pinot Noir 2011 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

A remarkable savoury pinot noir made by Englishman James Frost on his beautiful nine-hectare family estate at Mafra, north east of Lisbon. Drink this year and next. 14%

E-SA8251 Beaumont Shiraz-Mourvèdre Bot River 2009 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen This South African red is deep in colour and velvety rich in texture and aroma, with the

mourvèdre here bringing spicier, smokier, darker flavours. A robust but extremely well balanced wine with very good length. Now to 2016. 14.5%

E-SP7901 La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Reserva, Rioja 2005 £16 bottle £192 dozen

La Rioja Alta has long been flying the flag for traditional, elegant Rioja, long-aged in barrel and made from 95% tempranillo and 5% mazuelo. Medium-bodied, full of flavour, aromatic with a distinctive touch of acidity to ensure long life. Now to 2020. 13%

E-IT17671 Primitivo di Manduria Dunico 2010 £17 bottle £204 dozen

Wonderfully aromatic Puglian primitivo with generous aroma of spicy black fruits and cherry and intensely full fruity complex flavour. Made from 50 year-old bush-trained vines grown close to the Ionian coast. Now to 2017. 15.5%

E-US5341 Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 £17 bottle £204 dozen

Over the last six years, tremendous effort has been invested in pinot noir at Kendall-Jackson in the Sonoma Valley, California. The results are brilliant: this is a pretty, red-berry-flavoured pinot which is juicy, soft and harmonious. Drink this year and next. 13.5%

E-CM10281 Château La Tour Haut-Caussan, Médoc 2005 £18 bottle £216 dozen

The Courrian family in Bégadan make one of the best and best-value clarets of the Médoc. Balanced and stylish with fine bouquet. Now to 2018. 13.5%

E-CS6261 Château de Fonbel, Saint-Emilion 2006 £18 bottle £216 dozen

An intensely ripe, concentrated and richly flavoured Saint-Emilion from Alain Vauthier of Château Ausone. A very successful blend of 70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Now to 2016. 13%

E-AU16141 Heartland Directors’ Cut Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2010 £20 bottle £240 dozen

The Glaetzer family has a long heritage in Barossa dating back to 1888. Today Ben Glaetzer oversees the winemaking with the sole aim of producing high-quality, distinctive wines that represent the classic style of Barossa. This is a flamboyant, minty-chocolate, classic South Oz shiraz. Opulent, generous yet beautifully balanced. Now to 2016. 14.5%

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7For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or 01438 741177

WHITESE-IT17731 Dragon Langhe Bianco Luigi Baudana 2011 £9.95 bottle £119 dozen

A beautifully balanced lightly oaked fragrant Italian chardonnay with good body and fresh clean palate. Made by Giuseppe Vajra in Serralunga, Barolo country, this is an excellent alternative to Chablis. Now to 2016. 14%

E-LO10661 Reuilly ‘Les Pierres Plates’ 2012 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

Would that more Sancerre tasted as good as this perfectly poised Reuilly, with its lovely freshness and salty, mineral core. Drink this year and next. 12.5%

E-PW4111 Contacto Vinho Verde, Anselmo Mendes 2012 £11.95 bottle £143 dozen

Delightfully fragrant vinho verde from the delicately perfumed loureiro grape variety, refreshing and delicious. Now to 2016. 13%

E-IT17681 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, Le Giuncare 2010 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

Top-quality verdicchio with full body, fine ripe bouquet and satisfyingly long-lasting flavour. This excellent vintage needed time in vat and bottle to open up and show its best. Now to 2017. 13.5%

E-SP8201 Louro Godello, Valdeorras 2011 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

A delicious vintage for this fine, lemony and creamy godello, carefully aged in barrel by Rafael Palacios. This indigenous Galician grape is playing catch-up with its wildly successful neighbour albariño and still offers exceptional value for money. Enjoy it as you would a good white Mâcon. Drink this year and next. 13.5%

E-AU15841 Peter Lehmann ‘Margaret’ Barossa Semillon 2007 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

Aromatic, lime-infused, expressive Aussie semillon, made with no oak and picked early, resulting in modest alcohol. This is soft, waxy and incredibly good. Drink this year and next. 11.5%

E-LO10171 Côteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin ‘Les Varennes’, Cady 2003 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

Sweet Loire chenins are among the greatest dessert whites of the world, characterised by vivid freshness and great keeping potential. 2003 was a healthy, ripe vintage which produced lovely plump, pure fruit and generous but uncloying sweetness. Now to 2017. 13%

E-NZ4931 Neudorf Moutere Nelson Riesling 2009 £18 bottle £216 dozen

A refined single-vineyard riesling made in a medium-dry style which is as gentle and light as a fine German kabinett. Only 140 cases produced. Drink this year and next. 9%

E-LO9761 Vouvray Le Peu Morier Demi-Sec, Domaine Vincent Carème 2008 £18 bottle £216 dozen

Vincent and his South African wife, Tania, have farmed organically since 2007 at Vernou, in the heart of the Vouvray appellation. They aim for minimal intervention in the cellar. This medium-dry single-vineyard wine is lifted by fine, racy acidity and perfect with soft, ripe cheese, or a mild and creamy curry. Drink this year and next. 13.5%

SMALL WONDERS £77 WHITES CASE

Drink this year and next.

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following wines:

Dragon Langhe Bianco Luigi Baudana 2011Contacto Vinho Verde, Anselmo Mendes 2012Reuilly ‘Les Pierres Plates’ 2012Louro Godello, Valdeorras 2011Neudorf Moutere Nelson Riesling 2009 Peter Lehmann ‘Margaret’ Barossa Semillon 2007

Ref E-MX1434

SMALL WONDERS £95 REDS CASE

Drink this year and next.

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following wines:

Primitivo di Manduria Dunico 2010Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2010Beaumont Shiraz Mourvèdre , Bot River 2009Château La Tour Haut-Caussan, Médoc 2005La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Reserva, Rioja 2005Heartland Directors Cut Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2010

Ref E-MX1435

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8 To order thewinesociety.com/finewines 01438 740222 smartphone app

RIESLING

The Gastronome’s GrapeFor all its purity, poise and understated elegance, riesling shows real steel in the face of food. The subtle scale of sweetness it covers, from bone dry to luscious, but never cloying, and its concentration and racy acidity interact equally well with delicate scallops, salty oysters, smoked fish, hearty pork and luxurious cream-based sauces. From Kamptal to the Cape, the world is now ablaze with toothsome rieslings, a selection of which we’ve assembled below. For all that, it remains a woefully underrated grape, and the mixed case is a call to action we hope members will both heed and enjoy. Don’t miss Trimbach’s Clos Sainte Hune Riesling on page 19. Janet Wynne Evans

E-AA1321 Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling vom Urgestein, Kamptal 2012 £11.50 bottle £138 dozen

A fine and elegant example of Austrian riesling, perfectly poised and light on the palate, and delicious with trout or salmon. Now to 2016. 12.5%

E-SA7841 Jordan Estate The Real McCoy Riesling, Stellenbosch 2011 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

Gary and Kathy Jordan’s riesling was recently renamed The Real McCoy following the South African Wine Board’s long-overdue approval to use the name riesling pure and simple (as opposed to the ‘Weisser Riesling’ of old). Made in a just off-dry style that begs for spicy oriental or Indian food, it has excellent cellaring potential, as a tasting in 2012 of the still-delicious 2004 showed. Now to 2020. 13%

E-GE8081 Bacharacher Hahn Dry Riesling 2011 £14.50 bottle £174 dozen

Wonderful full, many-faceted German riesling with generous bouquet and dry but rounded flavour and even a hint of mango and passion fruit from ripe grapes picked in the golden October of 2011. The classic match is poached trout; top-grade fowl another sublime pairing. Now to 2018. 13.5%

E-AL7571 Riesling les Ecaillers, Léon Beyer 2007 £18 bottle £216 dozen

An outstanding Alsace riesling from the grand cru Pfersigberg vineyard; full-flavoured, rich yet bone dry with flashes of citrus and honey. An écailler is an expert in the noble art of removing oysters from their shells, so gastronomes, take your cue from that. Smoked or fresh salmon work very well too. Now to 2019. 12.5%

E-AU16421 Mac Forbes RS 37, Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2013 £20 bottle £240 dozen

Mac’s 2013 riesling is off-dry (37 grams of sugar per litre) and the balance between sugar and acid is sublime. Beautifully aromatic and fine, this is gentle, soft and very long indeed. Now to 2018. 12% (See page 5 for more Mac Forbes wines).

E-NZ6911 Prophet’s Rock Central Otago Riesling 2009 £20 bottle £240 dozen

A supple, rounded riesling from this producer in Central Otago whose wines are made by Paul Pujol, previously winemaker at Kuentz-Bas of Alsace. Off dry, supported by a fresh seam of acidity, this would suit unctuous pâté or a mildly spicy, rather than hot, curry. Now to 2016. 11%

E-AU15501 Grosset Springvale Clare Valley Riesling 2012 £22 bottle £264 dozen

The Springvale vineyard produces a sublime riesling, softer and more forward than the better-known Polish Hill. Lovely in its youth, but capable of maturing too. Its lime-licked character makes it a delight with Thai or fusion food. Now to 2022. 12.5%

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9For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or 01438 741177

E-AL8411 Riesling Grand Cru Kessler, Heisse Wanne, Domaine Dirler-Cade 2008 £24 bottle £288 dozen

An outstanding German riesling from old vines in the best part of the Kessler vineyard. This is dry, imperious and quite outstanding. A wonderful match both for surf and turf, this is especially good with oysters or pork. Now to 2021. 13.5%

E-AU16311 Grosset Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling 2013 £25 bottle £300 dozen

Amazingly pure and aromatic Aussie riesling which is tightly structured and oozes character. Very dry with fine, racy acidity, this cuts through smoked salmon like a hot knife through butter. Now to 2026. 12.5%

E-GE6521 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, JJ Prüm 2007 £28 bottle There is an intensity to the flavour of this fine German wine which will only reveal its

true potential with ageing for between five and 25 years in a cool cellar. Already the heavenly individual aroma is evident over the delicious ripe-scented fruit beneath. Blissful as an apéritif with light, savoury nibbles, some gougères perhaps. Now to 2027. 7.5% Three bottles only per member.

E-AL9721 Riesling Comte d’Eguisheim, Léon Beyer 2007 £29 bottle £348 dozen

Dry, assertive Alsace riesling with great finesse and big flavours. Open in advance and serve with noble fish like turbot or halibut in a hollandaise sauce. Now to 2018. 13%

CLASSIC RIESLING CASE £138

Drink now to 2016.

A six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following:

Riesling Les Ecaillers, Léon Beyer 2007Riesling Grand Cru Kessler, Heisse Wanne, Domaine Dirler-Cade 2008Riesling Comte d’Eguisheim, Léon Beyer 2007Grosset Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling 2013Grosset Springvale Clare Valley Riesling 2012Mac Forbes RS 37 Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2013

Ref E-MX1437

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10 To order thewinesociety.com/finewines 01438 740222 smartphone app

E-IT17661 Chianti Rufina, Selvapiana 2011 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

A warm and generous full-flavoured wine from Selvapiana, who made a rigorous selection of grapes to make this delicious wine, so there is less to go round than usual. Now to 2019. 14%

E-IT17821 Rosso di Montalcino, Gianni Brunelli 2011 £13.50 bottle £162 dozen

From Brunelli’s excellent Brunello vineyards but made from younger vines, which mean it is ready to drink sooner. Full of Fruit and charm. A lovely wine. Now to 2018. 14%

E-IT17171 Chianti Classico, Monteraponi 2011 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

Chianti Classico comes in many guises, but for us the best are not bolstered with international grapes like merlot, but made solely from indigenous grapes that reflect their origin best. This is pure sangiovese from a vineyard in the hilly heart of the Classico district. Smoky, fragrant, well-defined, ripe yet stimulating. Now to 2019. 14%

E-IT17801 Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena 2011 £16 bottle £192 dozen

Entrancing bouquet, freshness and ripe fruit are hallmarks of Paolo de Marchi’s Chianti and fully evident in his 2011. One secret is the care taken in his vineyards on the western edge of the Classico district. Now to 2016. 14%

E-IT16911 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Valdipiatta 2010 £17.50 bottle £210 dozen

Undoubtedly the most attractive Vino Nobile we have tasted. It has the power and body for which the name is known but also the vitality and freshness which so many of their neighbours lack. Now to 2016. 14%

E-IT15501 Colognole Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don 2009 £20 bottle £240 dozen

Superb quality for the price with wonderful elegance, freshness and vitality to balance the rich ripe flavour. Now to 2022. 14%

E-IT16591 Brunello di Montalcino, Canalicchio di Sopra 2008 £26 bottle £312 dozen

Francesco Ripaccioli makes some of the finest Brunello we know with finesse as well as depth of flavour and vitality. His production in 2008 was small and all the riserva quality grapes went into this very lovely wine. Now to 2020. 14%

E-IT17771 Brunello di Montalcino, Gianni Brunelli 2008 £28 bottle £336 dozen

A Brunello that combines both power and finesse with elegant bouquet and long-lasting, full and stylish flavour. A favourite in a recent Decanter magazine Brunello profile with good reason. Now to 2023. 14%

E-IT14981 Flaccianello della Pieve 2008 £42 bottle £504 dozen

The cream of a wonderful Fontodi vintage. Power, depth, finesse and tremendous promise for the future. Give this 10 years if you can but it will be wonderful decanted from 2015. 2015 to 2023. 14.5%

E-IT16701 Cepparello 2009 £46 bottle £552 dozen

A simply splendid vintage for the flagship wine of Paolo de Marchi’s Isole e Olena estate. Spicy rich and full of exhilarating flavours. Now to 2020. 14.5%

ITALY: GRAPE OF THE GODS

Sangiovese – ‘blood of Jove’ – is the grape responsible for many of Italy’s most prestigious wines from Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. It has long been the dominant red variety of Tuscany and Central Italy but there has been a real renaissance in the last 25 years as vines planted for quantity after the Second World War have been replaced by superior clones chosen for their quality. It is a grape that very much reflects the place in which it is grown and the people who make it, so you’ll find plenty of variety in this selection. Sebastian Payne MW

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A SANGIOVESE SPECIAL CASE £107

Drink now to 2016.

A six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following wines:

Chianti Classico, Monteraponi 2011 Colognole Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don 2009Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Valdipiatta 2010Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena 2011Brunello di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra 2008Rosso di Montalcino Gianni Brunelli 2011

Ref E-MX1436

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E-CS6821 Château de La Dauphine, Fronsac 2007 £17 bottle £204 dozen

Dauphine is a superb site overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and the Isle. Its wine combines finesse with generous fruit to produce a delightful, refreshing feminine style of claret, now starting to show the first hints of cedary flavours. Now to 2016. 13%

E-CM14101 The Society’s Exhibition Pauillac 2007 £19.50 bottle £234 dozen

The Rothschilds are well-placed to source and blend wines from the commune of Pauillac. These they combine with declassified wine from their own cru classé properties to produce The Society’s Exhibition Pauillac, an elegant, well-structured claret that benefits from a few years in bottle. Always charming in this vintage, this has evolved beautifully. Now to 2016. Low stock. 12.5%

E-CM13001 The Society’s Exhibition Pauillac 2006 £19.50 bottle £234 dozen

A stylish 2006 with refined tannins rounded by bottle age, good fresh fruit, cedary, spicy flavour and refreshing on the palate. Decanting will further reveal the pedigree in this elegant blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% merlot which was matured 60% in fine French oak barrels. Drink this year and next. 12.5%

E-CM12571 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac 2007 £24 bottle £288 dozen

Claire Villars-Lurton makes elegant, fine-boned Pauillac with a high percentage of cabernet sauvignon, here 65%. The wines generally take a little time to come around, even in a more forward vintage like 2007, and this wine will benefit from decanting for greater enjoyment while still young. Now to 2022. 13%

E-CM11741 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac 2006 £28 bottle £336 dozen

Fragrant, well-balanced and classically structured as ever in 2006, Claire Villars-Lurton’s stylish cru classé claret opens its account with a lovely, fresh attack and demonstrates how well it is evolving, though there is time in hand. Now to 2020. 13%

E-CS6691 Château Certan Marzelle, Pomerol 2007 £42 bottle £504 dozen

From the heart of the Pomerol plateau, this is elegant right-bank claret as it should be, perfumed with the aroma of fresh sloes and underpinned with gentle tannins. Bewitching in this vintage, and ready to drink. Now to 2017. 13%

E-CS6181 Château Certan Marzelle, Pomerol 2006 £45 bottle £540 dozen

Testament to the success of the commune in 2006, this is scented, distinguished Pomerol, supple, fine and ready. Now to 2017. 13%

E-CM12431 Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux 2007 £46 bottle £552 dozen

One of the loveliest properties in the commune of Margaux, Rauzan-Ségla consistently performs at the top of its appellation. A star of the vintage, this shows depth of flavour and true Margaux fragrance and finesse. 2017 to 2025. 13.5% Low stock.

xBORDEAUX

At sixes and sevensBordeaux is best known for its grand and expensive vintages, yet much drinking pleasure lies in its unsung heroes. In the shadow of 2005, 2006 has tended to be neglected as a vintage but is now eager to please. The wines have filled out and grown in bottle, shaking off their early gruff exterior and blossoming into elegant, well-balanced clarets: less exuberant and powerful than the great 2005s, more structured than the charming 2007s. The best of those are gentle, round and forward, and at the lower end of the spectrum a pleasure to drink already. A light hand in the cellar produced refined tannins that make the best 2007s accessible earlier, but the greatest will develop into more complex wines with time. Joanna Locke MW

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E-CM11561 Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux 2006 £55 bottle £660 dozen

Showing its ‘super-second’ class in this vintage, with more savoury flavour, fine grainy tannins and real length on the palate, this is a another poised expression of the commune. The blend is 53% cabernet sauvignon, 44% merlot and 3% petit verdot. 2019 to 2035. 13%

E-CM12801 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2007 £75 bottle £900 dozen

This distinguished second-growth always includes a high proportion of cabernet sauvignon, and it shows. This was raised to 90% in 2007, yet the wine is surprisingly round and supple, a reflection of a vintage we greeted at the time as ‘claret for pleasure’. 2020 to 2030. 13%

E-CM11791 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2006 £90 bottle £1080 dozen

A little patience will be required to enjoy this distinguished deuxième cru classé at full maturity. It has the radiant fruit of the vintage, underpinned with the freshness that also sets 2006 apart. The cabernet factor here is 75%, the balance merlot. 2018 to 2030. 13%

Château de la Dauphine, Fronsac 2006 The estate is now benefiting from the incorporation of the fine Canon de Brem

vineyard. Outstanding for the vintage, rather in the Pomerol style with elegant soft round fruit and charm, and ready to go. Now to 2018. 13.5% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1443.

Château Bélair, Saint-Emilion 2007 Pascal Delbeck was untroubled by the fashion for blockbuster reds, making wonderfully

individual clarets of silky elegance and almost Burgundian finesse from one of Saint-Emilion’s greatest vineyards. 95% merlot in 2007 and a star of the vintage, with fine floral perfume. Now to 2020. 13% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1444.

Château Bélair, Saint-Emilion 2006 ‘It was a joy to taste this elegant, stylish and beautifully balanced wine among a sea of

gawky, over-extracted Saint-Emilions’ wrote Sebastian Payne MW in 2007. It’s still as racy and fine as he observed it to be then, and it’s now ready to enjoy, with time in hand. Now to 2030. 13.5% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1444.

Roc de Cambes, Côtes de Bourg 2007 Exceptional in its commune, Roc de Cambes is the sister property to Tertre Roteboeuf

in Saint-Emilion and makes distinctive, richly-flavoured wines that develop spicy, exotic flavours as they mature. Attractive floral perfume with layers of greater complexity on the palate. Now to 2020. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1444.

Roc de Cambes, Côtes de Bourg 2006 Full, beefy and bold in this vintage – ‘exhibitionist’ was the word chosen by proprietor

François Mitjaville! – this is claret for steak and kidney pudding, roast duck or similarly rich, meaty dishes that will benefit from its structure. Now to 2020. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1444.

FINE 2006 AND 2007 £249 BORDEAUX CASE

Drink now to 2017.

A mixed case containing one bottle each of the following wines:

Château Bélair, Saint-Emilion 2006 Château Bélair, Saint-Emilion 2007 Roc de Cambes, Côtes de Bourg 2006 Roc de Cambes, Côtes de Bourg 2007 Château Certan Marzelle, Pomerol 2006 Château Certan Marzelle, Pomerol 2007

Ref E-MX1444

2006 AND 2007 £125 BORDEAUX CASE

Drink this year and next.

A mixed case containing one bottle each of the following wines:

The Society’s Exhibition Pauillac 2006 The Society’s Exhibition Pauillac 2007 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac 2006 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac 2007 Château de La Dauphine, Fronsac 2006 Château de La Dauphine, Fronsac 2007

Ref E-MX1443

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xSOUTH AFRICA ON A PLATTER

Platter’s South African Wines is the industry bible, something akin to Hugh Johnson’s Wine Guide here in the UK. It offers a thorough overview of the state of the Cape wine industry and provides a wealth of helpful information for anyone touring the winelands. If your tour is a virtual one, the comprehensive notes on each producer provide invaluable updates. The wines themselves are tasted by a group of experienced locals and guests, part of whose job is to nominate potential five-star wines. The resulting shortlist is then re-tasted blind and edited, and stars are duly awarded, those not quite showing sufficient star quality being relegated to the second division as ‘Highly Recommended’. The 2014 guide, launched last autumn, includes the following five-star wines currently sitting in The Society’s Stevenage cellars. Joanna Locke MW.

WHITESE-SA8672 Half bottle of Delheim ‘Edelspatz’ Noble Late Harvest Botrytis, £10.95 half bottle

Stellenbosch 2012 Dessert riesling is less common in South Africa than dessert chenin these days. This is

arguably the best known example, from the delightful Sperling family (the wine named after patriarch ‘Spatz’ Sperling). Naturally occurring botrytis is rare too but the single ‘Office’ vineyard has it most years. Lightish alcohol and refreshing palate bring a hint of the Germanic to this marmaladey nectar. Now to 2017. 11.5%

E-SA9001 The Foundry Grenache Blanc, Coastal 2012 £11.50 bottle £138 dozen

The Voor Paardeberg has been the successful source of the fruit for this wine in the last two vintages. One of few single varietal examples with a cornucopia of aromas and flavours enhanced by gentle oaking. Popular with the UK press since the first 2009 vintage, Chris Williams’ wine now has well-deserved recognition from his industry peers. Now to 2016. 13%

E-SA9251 Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay, Franschhoek 2012 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

A serial five-star wine from Platter’s Winery of the Year 2013. 100% higher altitude, estate-grown fruit, this is Gottfried Mocke’s top chardonnay, naturally barrel-fermented, nuanced and subtle in style for all its 70% new oak. Now to 2019. 13.5%

E-SA9031 Beaumont Hope Marguerite, Bot River 2012 £16.50 bottle £198 dozen

It’s three in a row for Sebastian Beaumont, whose top chenin, named after his grandmother, is perhaps South Africa’s most refined, and certainly the most European in style, with its moderate alcohol, mouthwatering freshness, and great purity of expression. Now to 2016. 12.5%

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde 2012 One of the most established chardonnay producers in the Cape and still one of the

best, the style here perhaps the most Burgundian of all. Anthony Hamilton Russell is not resting on his laurels, however. 7% of this wine was fermented in hand-made clay amphoras and the blend had just 20% new oak. Rich yet refined. Already delicious but will keep. Now to 2017. 13.5% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1440.

NEW Alheit Radio Lazarus, Stellenbosch 2012 Chris and Suzaan Alheit burst onto the Cape fine wine scene last year with Cartology,

a Platter’s five-star wine in its first vintage. This new wine makes it two in a row. Old-vine texture, ripe yet not in the least ebullient chenin blanc that is certainly one of the Cape’s finest and most complex. Decant to do justice to its intricately layered palate. Now to 2018. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1432.

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REDSE-SA9291 Chamonix Troika Reserve, Franschhoek 2011 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

A leader in the trend towards increasing proportions of cabernet franc in Bordeaux-style blends, here up to 85%. Made entirely from estate fruit, with splashes of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Real depth and freshness, still showing youthful red and black fruits, with hints of lead pencil and elegant finely wrought tannin structure. Now to 2019. 14.5%

E-SA9371 Rijks Reserve Pinotage, Tulbagh 2009 £32 bottle £384 dozen

Rich and dense example displaying the warmth of its Tulbagh home. Its new oak well integrated, its tannins well judged, this is a sensuous red that should impress and reward even those with pinotage phobia. Now to 2020. 14%

Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon, Franschhoek 2011 Every year this is one of the Cape’s finest examples of cabernet in the style of

Bordeaux. With beautiful and expressive floral perfume in 2011, its fruit and up-front charm belies a classic structure and refined tannins. Hints of cedar and spice are just appearing on the palate. Decant while still so young. Now to 2020. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case E-MX1432.

PLATTER’S PREMIUM CASE £205

Drink now to 2018.

A mixed six-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following:

Alheit Radio Lazarus, Stellenbosch 2012 Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon, Franschhoek 2011Rijks Reserve Pinotage, Tulbagh 2009

Ref E-MX1432

The stunningly beautiful landscape and vineyards of South Africa

Continued overleaf...

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PLATTER’S 2014 WINERY OF THE YEAR: MULLINEUX FAMILY WINES‘..today Chris and Andrea Mullineux are partners in life and in a Swartland boutique venture whose modest quantities completely belie their stellar quality.’…Quantities so modest that, regrettably, we have none of their ‘haul of four maximum ratings’. No need to miss out altogether, however, as we do have stock of their Kloof Street ‘house’ wines and their celebrated Mullineux white.

E-SA8731 Kloof Street Rouge, Swartland 2012 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

Juicy southern Rhône-style red, made predominantly from syrah with cinsault and carignan. Note the moderate alcohol for a Swartland red, this is easy-drinking, rewarding and refined. Now to 2016. Low stock. 13.5%

E-SA8931 Kloof Street Chenin Blanc, Swartland 2013 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

All old-vine chenin but blended from three different vineyard sites. More approachable than the Mullineux white but sets the tone for the family house style with rounded fruit and fine mineral backbone. Drink this year and next. 13%

E-SA8741 Mullineux White Blend, Swartland 2012 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

One of South Africa’s leading white blends, combining barrel-fermented chenin blanc with 16% clairette and 8% viognier, bringing freshness and aroma and texture respectively. A light hand in the cellar, and bottling unfined and unfiltered, brings maximum expression. Now to 2016. 13.5%

SOUTH AFRICA ON A PLATTER

SOUTH AFRICA ON £87 A PLATTER CASE

Drink now to 2016.

A mixed six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following:

WHITESThe Foundry Grenache Blanc, Coastal 2012Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay, Franschhoek 2012Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde 2012Beaumont Hope Marguerite, Bot River 2012REDSChamonix Troika Reserve, Franschhoek 2011Kloof Street Rouge, Swartland 2012

Ref E-MX1440

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E-LO9921 Savennières ‘L’Enclos’, Eric Morgat 2009 £25 bottle £300 dozen

More due to circumstances than design (a severely reduced 2008 crop meant the normal cycle of barrel purchases was interrupted), a third of this wine was fermented in new oak but this does not overpower. A small crop was picked to include some less ripe berries for natural freshness and this shines through in the wine, balancing rich, spicy fruit. Structured rather than austere. Now to 2024. 14%

E-LO8811 Savennières ‘L’Enclos’, Eric Morgat 2008 £25 bottle £300 dozen

A very short vintage in 2008, producing a complex, dry but opulent wine with more extravagant perfume supported by a firm mineral core. Now to 2020. 14%

Savennières ‘L’Enclos’, Eric Morgat 2007 With racy acidity, this fine chenin is more of a fish than meat or cheese wine, though

it will fill out with further bottle age. A cruelly tiny yield of 15hl/ha produced a tightly knit wine with saline and mineral freshness that belies the concentration beneath. Now to 2020. 14% Only available in the mixed case E-MX1431.

xSAVENNIERES

This grand old appellation recently marked its diamond anniversary. Whilst there are some grand old bottles too, the appellation rather lost its way for a while and was slow to embrace change. Now it has been revived by the enthusiasm of a highly motivated and hard-working younger generation and its reputation looks set to be restored as one of the greatest in France.

Situated on the northern bank of the Loire just south west of Angers, the vineyard area has grown in recent years and most wines – all chenin blanc – are now dry. Standards have improved enormously but styles vary, and continue to evolve. Eric Morgat is one of the relative newcomers (1994) and epitomises this renaissance. The wines below are dry but rich, made with little intervention in the cellar, and great attention to detail in the vineyards, which are farmed organically. They are best served with flavourful fish or white meat dishes, or with tasty soft cheeses. Like white Burgundy, they should not be served too chilled and will benefit from decanting. Joanna Locke MW

SAVENNIERES L’ENCLOS MINI VERTICAL CASE £75

Drink now to 2020.

A mixed case containing one bottle each of the wines listed above:

Ref E-MX1431

Eric Morgat in his vineyards on the banks of the Loire

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GRAND CRU CHABLIS FROM FEVRE AND BROCARD

The grands crus of Chablis come from a section of the vineyard with a high content of Kimmeridgian clay. This lends the wines considerable structure, and the lower yields required by law give a greater power and concentration than the premiers crus can deliver. Côte Bouguerots is the steepest part of Les Bougros. The plough has to be winched up the slope by cable. It is second only to Les Clos in its minerality. Les Clos is quintessential Chablis, a wine of length rather than breadth. It can be pur et dur, uncompromisingly firm and dry, in its youth. Over time it retains its crystalline freshness but the cold steeliness of youth is slightly moderated by age, still pur but a bit less dur. Valmur is a little softer and rounder, more open and floral in its youth but still with good ageing ability. Toby Morrhall

E-BU44191 Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2007 £36.50 bottle £438 dozen A little softer and more floral than Les Clos or Côte Bouguerots, this Valmur is a little

rounder and gentler on the palate too but still with the freshness of the vintage. Now to 2017. 12.5%

E-BU34861 Domaine William Fèvre, Chablis Grand Cru Bougros, Côte Bouguerots £39 bottle £468 dozen

2005 2005 was an outstanding vintage in Chablis. This has a spark of freshness on the nose,

and the palate starts rich but finishes fresh. Beautifully balanced, the richness of the vintage is counterbalanced by the minerality of the cru. Now to 2016. 13%

E-BU44401 Domaine William Fèvre, Chablis Grand Cru Bougros, Côte Bouguerots £39 bottle £468 dozen 2007

The combination of backward vintage and the minerality of Côte Bouguerots produces a firm, slowly evolving wine with the grip and density one expects of a grand cru and a reassuringly long finish. Now to 2017. 13%

E-BU44181 Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2007 £39 bottle £468 dozen

Taut and tense, Jean-Marc Brocard’s Les Clos is a pure, linear wine of great length of flavour. Now to 2017. 12.5%

E-BU35081 Domaine William Fèvre, Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2005 £49 bottle £588 dozen

Showing the steel and minerality that sets Les Clos apart, this has a tense, fresh, long palate, with enormous depth of flavour. Now to 2016. 13%

E-BU34151 Domaine William Fèvre, Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2004 £59 bottle £708 dozen

Age is just starting to soften the trademark Les Clos steeliness, revealing hints of honey and nuts in this classic vintage. Now to 2016. 14% Low stock.

FEVRE & BROCARD £259 GRAND CRU CHABLIS CASE

Drink now to 2016.

A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the wines listed above.

Ref E-MX1442

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The following wines are only available in the mixed case E-MX1439:

Pinot Gris Réserve Personnelle 2007 From Trimbach’s own vines, this is full, rich pinot gris with just a hint of sweetness. An excellent partner for delicately

spiced poultry, pork and smoked salmon or trout. A truffly mushroom risotto works too. Drink this year and next. 14%

Gewurztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre 2007 Gewurztraminer in the grand style, exclusively made from Trimbach’s own vineyards around the town of Ribeauvillé.

Magnificent with full, ripe washed-rind cheeses like Munster. Now to 2017. 14%

Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2007 A little less sweet than the Hors Choix below, but still rich and exotic with hints of peach and cream. A perfect

accompaniment for a fruit salad, for example. Now to 2020. 13.5%

Gewurztraminer Séléction de Grains Nobles ‘Hors Choix’ 2007 Winemaker Pierre Trimbach is president of the body that oversees late-harvest wines in Alsace. The production of

these gems is a rare event and when nature allows it in a vintage like 2007 the results can be exceptional. This is intense, exotic and succulent with sweetness that is in balance with the wine and an ultimate expression of séléction de grains nobles made from grapes affected by noble rot, picked quite literally, berry by berry. Perfect with a spiced dried-fruit salad or cinnamon-dusted baked apples. Now to 2022. 14%

Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 2007 Dry Alsace riesling at its best, tightly wrought, intense and mineral from Osterberg and Geisberg, two fine Ribeauvillé

terroirs. A wine to uncork with top-of-the-range fowl or noble fish, simply cooked. Now to 2022. 13%

Riesling Clos Saint Hune 2007 One of the world’s greatest rieslings, from vines rooted in the fine chalk of the Rosacker vineyard in Hunawihr, a

magical plot of less than two hectares, owned by the Trimbachs for more than two centuries. The sheer class and staggering complexity of this full, intense, yet dry riesling, coupled with an average annual production of around 8,000 bottles make it a collector’s item. Now to 2030. 13%

TRIMBACH CASE OF 2007 £349

Drink this year and next.

A mixed case containing one bottle each of the six wines listed above.

Ref E-MX1439

xALSACE

The 2007 Trimbach collectionBeing able to offer mature wines from a single vintage from a single producer across a complete range of styles and prices is a rare event. Yet from a region like Alsace, this is something that can be done, particularly from a producer like Trimbach, who is used to holding wines back for as long as possible in order to maximize the pleasure for the drinker.

Trimbach is one of the few producers who both own vineyards and buy grapes. This mixed case, however, consists of home-grown wines from vineyards owned by the family or from close relations. It focuses entirely on the 2007 vintage which was hot and sunny and which produced wines of exceptional concentration and finesse. They have been in bottle for six years and are now perfect for drinking. Marcel Orford-Williams

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EFEB

14

SERVICESMembers’ Reserves: optimum wine storage This purpose-built, temperature-controlled facility offers members access to ideal storage conditions at one of the UK’s most competitive rates.

l Optimum storage at a steady average temperature of 13°C with appropriate humidity of 65%

l An annual rental charge (currently £7.92 per dozen) that includes VAT and insurance at replacement value

l Mix your own case for storage, or store pre-mixed cases

l Remove a few bottles of a full case stored in Reserves and leave the remainder to mature further

l View your stored wines online with updated drink dates

l Free UK delivery when you are ready to receive your wines

thewinesociety.com/membersreserves

Vintage Cellar Plan – the simple and affordable way to create a cellar of fine wineChoose from a range of plans and then let The Society’s buyers do the rest, using their expertise to seek out exceptional parcels of wine for your future enjoyment. thewinesociety.com/vintagecellarplan

Fine Wine Advisers – here to helpPlease contact the Fine Wine Advisers for help with wine selection, food matching and any other wine-related subject. Visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177 to find out more.

The Society’s Fine Wine ListPlease note that many of these wines are available only in limited quantities and will be sold on a first-come first-served basis. Prices are correct at the time of publication, but The Society reserves the right to amend them at any time during the life of this List.

For details on ordering from The Society see page 136 of the main List.

Please note:

l Members wishing to store mixed cases in our Reserves facility are advised to take note of the drinking windows highlighted in the wine note of the wines included in it.

l Our Stevenage Showroom doesn’t hold stocks of all the fine wines listed, so pre-ordering is recommended.

KEYSee page 144 of the main List for full descriptions

White Wines: bone dry, eg. Muscadet

a little fuller than bone dry or with lower acidity

dry but rich or lighter and sweeter

medium dry, usually demi-secs

medium sweet, the driest of the pudding-style wines

- dessert grade sweetness eg. Sauternes

Alcohol levelsAlcohol percentage by volume is indicated for each wine or spirit. Occasionally there will be slight variations from the published figure. Alcohol levels are only a guide to a wine’s fullness; other factors such as tannin and extract in red wines also contribute to overall impression of weight and the note on the wine should make this clear. Units of alcohol are increasingly printed on wine labels. A UK unit of alcohol is simply measured by multiplying alcohol by volume. Thus a standard 13% 75cl bottle of wine will contain 9.7 units of alcohol.

14.5 10.9

14 10.5

13.5 10.1

13 9.75

12 9.0

11 8.25

10 7.5

9 6.75

volume %Units per

standard bottle

The UK government recommends that men do not regularly exceed 3-4 units a day, and that women do not regularly exceed 2-3 units a day. It also recommends that pregnant women do not drink alcohol.

Uncork with confidenceThe Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members’ satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven’t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise

This offer is open until Sunday 20th April 2014 while stocks last.

To order thewinesociety.com/finewines 01438 740222 smartphone app

The International Exhibition Co-operative Wine Society Limited. Registered Office: Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2BT Register Number: 1824R (IP)Website thewinesociety.comEnquiries 01438 741177Orders 01438 740222

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