A Half-Hearted Sweet Day
Dear Friends,
I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but...
I will save you the time and effort this afternoon – you can hit reply with abandon and the
odds of remorse are about as slim as it gets. This one not only satiates the senses, it hits the
spot as a gift, special occasion dalliance or pretty much anything you can think of.
With that...
Little did I realize my half-hearted stroll into the den of Pierre Meslier would bring a
turnabout change of heart so swiftly, this succulence seeking scribe was inspired before
anyone cared to utter the “Y” word.
“Let’s not talk about Yquem, we’re always apologizing for not being Yquem but I’d like to
think our Sauternes is pretty good as well. I can tell you we work just as hard!”
Such is life in a region where second-fiddle is taken by 2-3 properties and everyone else is
let to fend for the entrails.
Dramatic interpretation?
Not really.
Sauternes is not St. Estephe – there is a limited audience to begin with and that audience
routinely seeks Yquem first, Rieussec and Suduiraut second and the rest later (or never).
Raymond-Lafon would like to change that notion by dropping their shorts in the form of a
wine meant to be enjoyed now (or over the next decade) for a tariff that even this non-sweet
wine sipping collector cannot ignore:
$19.99/375ml for their Chateau bottling, not their second wine.
Some background noise...
The cellars of Raymond-Lafon are stocked with (mostly) unheralded treasures of a botrytized
and delicious sort - the type of vinous honey Pooh Bear would contract Zooey Deschanel to
croon about.
Always reasonably priced, when this historic property gets it right, there’s little need for the
more costly neighbors as the quality is just about right for any occasion -Sunday afternoon or
formal evening.
With a choice or vintages in front of me, I asked for an example representative of the
Chateau style but also one that could be enjoyed this fall (i.e. If you are attempting to secure
loyalty, the best policy is to offer immediate satisfaction and encourage bottles to be opened,
not 10-15 years down the road).
The vintage that fits the bill?
2006...replete with a tariff that is not only eye-popping, it's Mystery Wine crazy (without the
mystery):
Neil Martin (Wine Journal/Wine Advocate): “Tasted at the Chateau. This is a superb
Sauternes from Pierre Meslier. It has a fragrant bouquet with touches of Seville orange
marmalade, green lemon and orange-blossom, all very well-defined. The palate is mediumbodied
with a good level of botrytis, tangy tangerine and citrus fruits. This ’06 is fizzing with
energy: great tension and vibrancy on the finish with just a hint of lemon curd on the
aftertaste. Moderate length. Well-made 2006 that should offer splendid drinking over the
decade. Drink now-2020. 92pts”
WS: “($65/750ml); Unctuous, sporting apricot, glazed pear and creamed melon flavors, with
a lush coconut-tinged finish. A nice floral hint weaves in and out, adding length and vivacity,
too. Drink now through 2020. 91pts”
For provenance of this ilk, at this very gracious gesture of a tariff, I have a feeling Nicki is
going to be cursing my existence by 2:00am this evening....
This parcel has the finest provenance available – directly from Sauternes.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED up to 48 x 375ml until we run out:
2006 Raymond-Lafon Sauternes 375ml (Bordeaux) - $19.99 (NM92)(WS91)
(compare at $35-40+ in the US for a 375ml)
To order: simply reply to this email or send Nicki a note (be sure not to change the subject
line in your email or your order may get dropped to the end of the stack if Nicki can’t find
your request!)
This parcel is on its way – it will arrive this summer and will ship during the first available
window (weather permitting!) Please check The Center for local pick up in July/Aug. Drink
2013-2022.
Out of state orders will be held for free under ideal storage conditions (56
degrees/70%humidity) until shipping is possible. Locals may pick up at their leisure.
For current order status information, please log in to the Customer Center
athttp://customer.garagiste.com.
For local pick-ups, please go to:http://www.garagiste.com/pickup to schedule a time to pick
up your order(s).
If you are having trouble accessing your account, please
contact:support@garagistewine.com
NO SALES TO RETAILERS OR WHOLESALERS
Thank you,
Jon Rimmerman
Garagiste
Seattle, WA

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