Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  5/5/2011 (link)

  (BOUT DU MONDE Avec les Temps) The End of the World Dear Friends, Have you ever wondered what the old-vine vineyards of Southern France produced circa 1900 and what the results tasted like? If so, read on... I often talk about artisanal winemakers or artisanal results but the notion of a free-thinking, free-spirit has become so fleeting in our society that it’s almost startling to meet someone that lives their life (and pays their bills) by the flowing of the wind. The Summer of Love/Free to Be You and Me philosophy that held so much promise in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s appears to be dust in the wind at this point with only college-age and early twenty-somethings holding on to the flame of a life lived by candlelight. Thankfully, that notion has been reaffirmed by a maverick that is sure to become a household name sooner rather than later: Edouard Laffite, man for all seasons. If you missed out on the release of the 1928 Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s (as I did) the old days of the South have been re-bottled and recreated in the form of Le Bout du Monde – Edouard Laffite’s micro-winery in the Roussillon that he hopes (quite literally) is the end of the world as we know it....reborn for a new generation of dreamers and drinkers alike. While this person disdains the spotlight and any acknowledgement of his success, there is no one hotter in Southwest France right now than Edouard Lafitte and it’s downright impossible to obtain the wine. His strict BIO/natural wines are the tonic of choice by the young, free-spirits he cherishes and a tiny allocation of Le Bout du Monde on your Parisian wine list signifies that you are not only in the know but you are ahead of the game. From 100% BIO/organic old-vine Carignan grown on solid granite, the Avec le Temps is not only a throwback (no oak, no wood aging – only old cement) it proves that the freshest result could be achieved in a vintage like 2009. Low in alcohol (13.0-13.3%) and full of vibrant red fruit, crushed rock and citrus skin – the “cold climate” medium-weight/elegant style was achieved with a low-temperature carbonic methodology that is all the rage right now among the coolest of the cool. Normally, in the Roussillon and even Priorat, old-vine Carignan produces chocolate tones with a warmer, creamier presence – not here. The Avec le Temps is more reminiscent of traditional Grenache mixed with a cross between Lapierre, Frank Cornelissen, Breton and Bonneau – it is where natural winemaking comes together in a style that all of us can actually drink and enjoy. As a side note, I field countless complaints from winemakers in the Southern Rhone and Languedoc politely asking me to back off on my high-alcohol rant. Their point is that 16% alcohol is a natural by-product of their climate and its interaction with the terroir and varietals of the South. To that I say, phooey. The last time I checked, the Roussillon was as torrid a climate as any and the Avec le Temps is still less than 13.5%. In addition, it is one of Edouard Lafitte’s high-end “luxury” cuvees (which tend to have even higher alcohol versus everyday/bistro examples). A lesson to learn? VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as a cutting-edge discovery that defines the vinous here and now. This EXTREMELY LIMITED parcel is directly from the winery cellar with impeccable provenance. 2009 Le Bout du Monde “Avec le Temps” (Edouard Lafitte) - (only a few dozen cases for export as most of each vintage sells out prior to release) FIRST COME FIRST SERVED up to 6/person until we run out To order: nicki@garagistewine.com This parcel is set to arrive in a few weeks – it is not a long-term pre-arrival (please check OARS for local pick-up after June 15th). It will ship during the Fall shipping season. Drink 2011-2016+. 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 local pick up and arrival/ship information, please see your OARS link below (at the bottom of this offer) - don’t know how to access your OARS? Simply click the link and see your account. You can also paste the link into your browser. If you are having trouble with your link or your account, please contact: support@garagistewine.com NO SALES TO RETAILERS OR WHOLESALERS Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA SOFR2299