Dear Wine Aficionado,

This week we have added 14 more estates to our Bordeaux Primeurs including some sweet wines from both Barsac and Sauternes with still more of the bigger names coming through. Full details are below, and remember that there are still wines available from our previous newsletters, use the current order form which lists all wines that are still available and to make things more user friendly, new wines are now marked in red.

This week we are offering a Portugese 6-pack of superb dry table wines. The featured Quinta's are;
De La Rosa, Do Poeira, Vale Dona Maria and Niepoort, full details are below.

End of financial year is almost upon us, so pop in today or tomorrow for your last chance at 10%-20%
off all wine in store.

Please note that the wine store opening hours are Midday to 8pm, 7 days a week.
For phone enquiries call (03) 9417 7220 during these hours.

The Europa Cellars team,
John, Aidan, Nick, Boon & Sam

view newsletter online

view newsletter as pdf
 

---

Bordeaux 2009 #7

---

"First, and most importantly, for some Médocs and Graves, 2009 may turn out to be the finest vintage I have tasted in 32 years of covering Bordeaux. From top to bottom, 2009 is not as consistent as 2005, but the peaks of quality in 2009 may turn out to be historic." Robert Parker  

"A number of Bordeaux vintners say that their wines are already so fantastic that they are enjoying them straight from the vat. The year (2009) started with wet weather for most of winter and spring. Some areas were hard hit by hail in the spring. Yet summer weather was impeccably warm, dry and sunny. The water table in the soil was high enough to offset the dry summer, and a little rain in September revived the vines completely, helping the fruit mature to near perfection." James Suckling

"Left Bank that provides the most pleasure,... Do not dismiss the Right Bank, in particular a clutch of breathtaking Cabernet Franc based Pomerols and Saint Emilions" Neal Martin Wine Advocate

"I have never given so many really high scores when tasting en primeur anywhere." Jancis Robinson

"Yesterday I had the enormous pleasure of tasting 25 Sauternes 2009 blind at Ch Coutet and by and large they were fantastic. And so much more difficult to make than the red wines that get so much attention. Lots of richness and botrytis. I loved particularly Ch Suduiraut, Guiraud, Nairac, La Tour Blanche and Doisy-Daëne." Jancis Robinson

The 2009s seem to have a 'togetherness' that will make them at once approachable in their youth but also probably, as for the 1929s, unexpectedly long-lived." Bill Blatch Vintex Bordeaux Negociant on Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages

2009 is definitely the vintage that every wine critic has been drumming on about and we are proud to present you our first offer of our 2009 Bordeaux Primeurs. Prices for these wines are all inclusive of Australian duties and taxes and we are offering 2 prices for the wines; by the full case (12 bottles) and by the single bottle in a split case. Prices for single bottles are charged an extra $3.00 for handling split cases. Please note that these wines are expected to arrive in mid 2012.

Bordeaux Rouge

2009 Haut Batailley Pauillac
Single bottle price - $69.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $792.00 / $66.00
"Even though Haut-Batailley is usually a finesse-styled Pauillac, the 2009 is somewhat light for the vintage. However, it exhibits lovely, round, berry fruit, a hint of loamy soil, medium body, soft tannins, and a pretty, elegant style. It should drink nicely for 15+ years. (Tasted two times.)" 88-90 points Robert Parker
"Mid to deep crimson. Firm and quite dry. Racy. Grainy taffeta texture. Long. Very neat."
17 points Jancis Robinson

2009 Figeac St Estephe
Single bottle price - $439.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $5232.00 / $436.00
"Really fabulous on the nose, with sweet milk chocolate, flowers, currant and plum. Full-bodied, with incredible length. The tannins are so silky, but they are warm and cuddly. You just want to hug it. Powerful but so attractive." 97-100 points James Suckling, Wine Spectator
"Luscious, opulent nose – very come-hither. Cool and fresh. Complete. Still a bit simple but there are no excesses here. Just slightly timid on the palate. Real juice though – not exaggerated. Sweet and juicy and friendly even if not the most dramatic. Dry end. Will get there.  As discreet and distinctive as usual."
17+ points Jancis Robinson

2009 Pichon Lalande Pauillac
Single bottle price - $349.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $4152.00 / $346.00
"The opaque purple-colored 2009 exhibits an intoxicatingly intense nose of red and black fruits, subtle smoke, charcoal, forest floor, and a hint of flowers. Unusually full-bodied for a wine from this estate as well as unctuously textured, voluptuous, and incredibly pure and precise, this dazzling wine should be drinkable at an early age, and evolve for 30+ years. (Tasted once.)" 96-98 points Robert Parker
"Heady and rich and spicy and lightly gamey. Very solid and dark and dense – almost brooding. Sweet, polished and fun. Just lacks a bit of bottom and density on the palate. Very flirtatious. Complete and savoury on the finish with very polished tannins. Appetising and not at all forced." 17 points Jancis Robinson

2009 Pichon Baron Pauillac
Single bottle price - $249.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $2952.00 / $246.00
"An inky/blue/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of incense, flowery black currants, and subtle smoke and oak. This full-bodied 2009, which exhibits wonderful intensity, purity, and length, is an exceptional effort, but in this vintage, it must take a back seat to some of its peers, such as Pichon Lalande, Pontet-Canet and Lynch-Bages, not to mention all the first-growths. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful wine that should drink well for 30+ years. (Tasted three times.)" 93-95 points Robert Parker
"Very mineral and grown up. Lovely lift and great, polished tannins. Very fresh and fine tannins with density and lift on the finish. Very sophisticated. Lots of mass. Remjnds me a little of their 1990, though the yields were very much lower in 2009. Very glossy and confident. Very sophisticated." 18 points Jancis Robinson

2009 la Conseillante Pomerol
Single bottle price - $379.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $4512.00 / $376.00
"Inky bluish purple, with an extraordinary nose of framboise, black raspberries, spring flowers, spice box, and a hint of truffle, the wine has great depth, full-bodied opulence, silky tannins, enormous power and richness, but again, a vibrancy and uplift that are just freakish in this vintage. That’s one of the great hallmarks of 2009 and one that will always stand out over the next 30 years. This wine should be drinkable in 5-7 years and last 40 or more. (Tasted three times.)" 95-98 points Robert Parker

2009 Palmer Margaux
Single bottle price - $592.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $7068.00 / $589.00
"Pure blackberry and black currant fruit notes intermixed with hints of incense, graphite, and wood are followed by an opulent, thick, juicy wine with plenty of structure, and enormous concentration, mass, and length. Four to five years of patience is required, but this beauty should last for three decades or more. (Tasted once.)"
94-96 points Robert Parker
"Very sweet and opulent on the nose. Very charming and glamorous. Much more of an expression of Merlot than many Médocs in 2009. Big and glamorous – a slightly Italian note." 18 points Jancis Robinson

2009 Montrose St Estephe
Single bottle price - $299.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $3552.00 / $296.00
"The color is an opaque purple, the pH is a relatively normal 3.7, and the finish is endless. The flavor profile bursts with black currant, blackberry, and boysenberry fruit intertwined with hints of spring flowers and crushed rocks. Huge body, sweet tannin, and wonderful freshness make for one of the all-time great wines ever produced at Montrose. I hope to be drinking this wine with great pleasure before the Man comes for me. Kudos to Jean-Bernard Delmas. (Tasted two times.)" 96-100* points Robert Parker

2009 la Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion Pessac Leognan
Single bottle price - $169.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $1992.00 / $166.00
"The wine is a remarkable effort, with amazing density, extraordinary fruit quality, dense purple color with meaty notes alongside subtle barbecue smoke, camphor, black currant, sweet cherry, and blackberry. It has a lush, opulent texture, loads of glycerin, and admirable purity and length. I could have drunk a bottle or two just tasting it from the barrel! It should evolve for 10-15 or more years. (Tasted two times.)" 91-94* points Robert Parker
"Deep and rich underneath.  Very dry finish.  Very firm – just extra depth but no extra obvious sweetness/ripeness until the very end when there is quite a bit of alcohol.  Obvious top growth address even in this wine." 17.5 points Jancis Robinson

2009 Branaire-Ducru St Julien
Single bottle price - $122.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $1428.00 / $119.00
"An inky/blue/purple color is followed by raspberry, boysenberry, crushed rock, graphite, and floral notes, and an opaque, broad, dense, substantial, impressively structured wine without any hardness. It requires 4-5 years of cellaring, and should last four decades or more. (Tasted two times.)" 92-95 points Robert Parker

2009 Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien
Single bottle price - $493.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $5880.00 / $490.00
"This inky/purple-hued, unctuously textured 2009 reveals layers and layers of blue, red, and black fruits, and hints of licorice and spice box. Despite its substantial, massive size, it retains an elegant style, but will need 3-5 years of cellaring. It should last for 40+ years. (Tasted once.)" 96-98+ points Robert Parker
"Very dark crimson. Crimson, purple rim. Dense and peppery and quite mineral. Much more serious on the nose than the Croix de Beaucaillou. Very polished. Lots of energy. Bone dry, spicy finish."
17 points Jancis Robinson

Bordeaux Doux

2009 Broustet Barsac
Single bottle price - $49.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $552.00 / $46.00
"A well-defined nose with acacia honey and a touch of white peach and apricot. The palate is very well balanced with such bright fruits you need sunglasses. Superb poise from start to finish, citrus lemon, apricot, white peach and a touch of pear. Viscous texture and great persistency. The 2009 must represent one of the finest wines from this estate." 91-93 points Neal Martin, eRobertParker
"Lemon oil plus sweetness. Quite attractive in an aperitif Sauternes style. Very marked acdity. A deliberate attempt not to go for maximum sweetness?" 16 points Jancis Robinson

2009 Bastor-Lamontagne Sauternes
Single bottle price - $42.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $468.00 / $39.00
"This has a very rich, almost decadent nose with pineapple, almond, orange blossom and honey. The palate is rich with an admirable level of botrytis, well balanced with a fine sense of underlying minerality that defines the caressing, spice-tinged finish. Good potential. This is a Bastor-Lamontagne that is rediscovering form. Bravo!"
90-92 points Neal Martin, eRobertParker

2009 Sigalas Rabaud Sauternes
Single bottle price - $89.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $1032.00 / $86.00
"A well defined nose: grapefruit, nectarine, honey and lime, much more primal than some of the other 2009s. The palate is very well balanced with excellent acidity: apricot, honeysuckle, a touch of orange zest and then vibrant white peach bursting across the finish with lime flower and lemongrass on the aftertaste. Wonderful persistency, power and freshness. Without question: the 2009 is the best Sigalas-Rabaud that I have tasted and this nectar comes highly recommended." 95-97 points Neal Martin, eRobertParker
"Round, fat and inexpressive. Very forward and evolved. Truly sticky and lovely." 17.5 points Jancis Robinson

2009 de Suduiraut Sauternes
Single bottle price - $152.00
Full Case/ per bottle - $1788.00 / $149.00
"One of the outstanding successes of the 2009 vintage, this may surpass the superlative 2007. It has a more understated nose at the moment, but is very well defined with honey, white peach, orange peel and crushed stones. The palate has a viscous entry, is very well balanced, very powerful with great depth and effervescent minerality. Layers of botrytis layer across the mellifluous finish that is beautifully defined and sensuous. Fabulous." 97-99 points Neal Martin, eRobertParker
"A bit of spice and so much sugar! This deserves very high points for its combination of sweetness and purity. Great weight. Really very good indeed. Bravo AXA for allowing these decisions." 18.5 points Jancis Robinson

download order form
NB: New wines are now marked in red.

---

Portugese 6-pack Offer

---

When we think of Portugal we generally think of the fortified wines of the Douro Valley known as Port. However Portugal is making some truly exciting table wines, both white and red. It is with much pleasure then that we bring you a selection of 6 wines all from the Douro Valley with nothing fortified among them, 2 whites and 4 reds, all drinking perfectly right now and ideal for these cold months (the whites included).

Quinta de la Rosa
Quinta de la Rosa is located at Pinhão in the heart of the upper Douro. It is run by Tim Bergqvist and his daughter Sophia.The quality is high as attested by the many gold, silver and bronze medals awarded at the International Wine Challenge. In 1995 they were awarded the Fortified Wine Maker of the Year Trophy. This Estate also produces table wines of exceptional quality. Already winning respect internationally, this is an estate to watch.
2006 DouRosa Brancho $25.00
2007 DouRosa Tinto $27.00

Quinta do Poeira
Jorge Moreira is regarded as one of the rising stars is the Portuguese wine scene where he has won acclaim for the wines at both Quinta de la Rosa and Quinta do Poiera. Quinta do Poeira is his own venture and has 9 hectares of vineyard situated in Provesende, stretching along a hillside in the Vale do Pinhão on the right bank of the river of the same name. The wines produced at Quinta do Poeira are made with minimalist intervention, using traditional stone vats, temperature controlled casks for fermentation and an old vertical press.
2008 Po de Poeira Brancho $34.00
2006 Po de Poeira Tinto $48.00

Niepoort
Niepoort has been an independent family business since 1842. Fifth generation Dirk joined his father Rolf in the family business in 1987, and was challenged to innovate while maintaining the business' traditions.
The first important step in modernising the business was the acquisition of their own vineyards: Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril in Cima Corgo, a region that traditionally produces the best Port Wines; 15 hectares of vineyards were newly planted, and 10 hectares 60-year old vines were carefully maintained.
Now head of the business, Dirk is one of the most important thinkers on the Douro scene, and a noted innovator. His passion for wine and the humble respect and curiosity for the Douro terroir has defined the Niepoort spirit over the past two decades.
2006 Vertente Tinto $65.00

Quinta do Vale Dona Maria
Quinta do Vale Doña Maria is the property of Cristiano van Zeller, former owner of legendary Port house, Noval. After his family sold Noval, Cristiano set out to promote and foster a certain attitude and marketing thrust in the Douro - the specialist small-volume vineyard-based Quinta. He is unarguably the driving force behind 'The Douro Boys'. Vale Doña Maria is situated in an off-shoot (cooler) river valley to the Douro, Rio Torto. It's a property long held in ownership of Cristiano's wife Joana's family. To date, Quinta Vale D. Maria has 16 hectares of fully owned very old vineyards (50 years+), around 5 more hectares of vineyards under management and a new planting of 3 hectares, finished in 2004.
2004 Dona Maria Tinto $90.00

Shelf Price for 6 Pack $289.00 OFFER PRICE $245.00!

download order form

---

Wine Bar News

---

Europa Cellars is now bringing you some of the best local produce Victoria has to offer thanks to Central Victoria Providores. The deli is fully loaded with cheese, cured meats and accompaniments for you to take home and enjoy. We also have a terrific selection of gourmet panninis using the delightful new produce, but for all you loyal regulars, all the favourites still remain. Also new to the store is Holy Goat Cheese, for those of you unfamiliar, it is completely organic, bio-dynamic goats cheese from Sutton Grange in Central Victoria and quite possibly the most delightful cheese any of us here have had the pleasure of trying.

Europa Cellars Wine Bar is open between 12pm and 8pm, 7 days a week. Wines are available by the glass and tasting flights are available 'enoteca style'. The tasting flights consist of 3, 25ml wine pours designed to allow the taster a journey into the particular wine styles of that region. You are also able to select any bottle of wine from the wine store to drink in the wine bar with a $12 corkage fee.

The Wine Bar menu is available between 12pm until 8pm, 7 days a week. Our current menu is;
Warm Mt Zero Olives $6.00
Pickled Vegetables $9.00
Soup with Crusty Bread $8.00
Terrine du Jour $12.00
Trio of Dips $12.00
Vegetarian Antipasto$16.00
Charcuterie Plate $20.00
Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli $18.00
Chicken Cacciatore $20.00
Cheese Plate $18.00

This is the final week of our Greek Tasting Flights.

Tasting Flight #1 Greek Whites $5.00

2009 Gaia Notios White

2007 Kir Yianni Petra

2008 Gaia Estate Thalassitis

Tasting Flight #2 Greek Reds $5.00

2008 Gaia Notios Red

2008 Argiorgitiko by Gaia

2006 Kir Yianni Ramnista

---

On Saturday 10 April 2004, new Australian Federal Government legislation came into force that requires that no unsolicited emails be sent without the permission of the recipient.  Europa Cellars has an email database and sends out periodic newsletters or special offers to especially interested clients. If you do not wish to receive further newsletters or special offers from Europa Cellars in the future, please advise by emailing wine@europacellars.com.au . Alternatively, if you subscribed via our website you may visit the following link to unsubscribe the same way. http://ethreemail.com/e3ds/u.php?g=a1fc2f1a

Europa Cellars 150 Wellington Parade East Melbourne VIC Australia 3002 p. +61 (3) 9417 7220 f.+61(3) 9417 7223 e. wine @europacellars .com.au
ABN 78 102 566 781 License no. 32053562