The World of Fine Wine

• September 2011, Issue #33 (link)

  (Domaine L’oustal Blanc Giocoso Minervois) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  4/24/2011 (link)

  (L'Oustal Blanc Minervois Giocoso (red)) Weekend Dear Friends, Every spring, I receive requests for the elusive portfolio from Claude and Isabel Fonquerle. Their stable is one of the most difficult to procure in the South of France and it’s become as close to a “cult” label as I’ve seen from Minervois. Not only are the wines very hard to find but the winery name has made things even more confusing: L’Oustal Blanc. While there is only one white wine produced, English speakers have never been able to wrap their arms around the other 4-5 red wines labeled as “Blanc” even though the word is in regard to the winery name, not the wine itself. This coupled with the Fonquerle’s eccentric and bizarre use of NV designations and numbers instead of vintages on their labels makes the consumer’s understanding of what’s going on more of a fight than anything else. In other words, Claude and Isabel do things their way and if we wish to come along for the ride, that’s great. If not, they will drink their wine with friends and family. Something tells me they have nothing left after each vintage...especially with their long-awaited top-drawer 2007’s – a group that David Schildknecht has anointed as one of the greatest ever produced in Minervois (and that’s from a staunch classicist). All are FIRST COME FIRST SERVED up to the stated limits until we run out. Happy Holiday weekend everyone! 2009 L'Oustal Blanc K9 (red) - STRICT LIMIT 3/person NV L'Oustal Blanc Naick 8 (2008/white) - STRICT LIMIT 6/person The last few Naick Blanc’s have been among David Schildknecht's most admired white wines of the world (not just of France) and the 2008 is their most classic achievement yet (due to the cool growing season). Here’s the 2006 review - a wine the 2008 more closely resembles than the bigger 2007. If you enjoy experimentation, Oustal’s Grenache Gris is not only worth your time, it is one of those wines that makes you take pause and reassess what you actually know about all things vinous: NV L'Oustal Blanc Naick 7 (2007/red) - STRICT LIMIT 6/person 2007 L'Oustal Blanc Minervois Giocoso (red) - STRICT LIMIT 2/person To order any of the above: nicki@garagistewine.com This is not a long-term pre-arrival - all are set to arrive in a few weeks. If the weather cooperates, we will try to ship them this spring (otherwise, we will hold them for fall). Please check OARS for local pick up after May 10th. 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 SOFR3341 SOFR3342 SOFR3343 SOFR3344 SOFR3345