2006 Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf-du-Pape

• By Josh Raynolds
  January/February 2008, IWC Issue #136, (See more on Vinous...)

  (Domaine de Ferrand Chateauneuf du Pape) Login and sign up and see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  12/5/2008, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (FERRAND CdP) Chëteauneuf et al Dear Friends, Below are a four wines that really stood out to me this week and your cellar would be greatly enhanced by their presence. In the case of the Ferrand, I've had multiple experiences with equal results. All of these are terrific for what they are and all are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for typicity and/or exemplary value. Come to think of it, I could make a lovely tasting dinner out of this set, starting with the Lancelot-Pienne and ending with the Eiswein (see food recommendations below). - Jon Rimmerman *************************************************** Friday Focus: Chëteauneuf du Pape Third time's a charm for this wine as it's captured my attention yet again (certainly from an aromatic standpoint where it has few competitors in this strata). After three successful bottles, it was time to find a parcel to for all of you. This wine will open your eyes to Chateauneuf the way it was for decades before the modernists discovered new oak and extract technology - it is a classic wine in the very best sense. I know everyone is searching for 2007 right now but (while certainly impressive) the 2007 is higher in alcohol and not as refined as the 2006. Think of this as a cerebral, aromatic 2001 Bordeaux to the power of its 2000 sibling - in other worlds, it's complex and somewhat feminine in its powerful expression with a layered presence that is more top hat than football helmet (although this is no shrinking violet). A gorgeous wine that is priced at the lower end of the spectrum for the quality level: Tasting dinner recommendation: grilled lamb chops, lentil stew or cassoulet, steak 2006 Domaine du Ferrand Chëteauneuf du Pape LIMIT 6/person ************************************************** N.V. Lancelot-Pienne Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant (Cotes de Blancs) This is a serious bottle of NV wine at a terrific price for the pedigree. Grand Cru Champagne rarely comes at this price-level and even less so from Cramant proper. A tension presides over this wine that elevates the creamed BdB fruit to another level. Citric and cleansing but also satiny smooth with brioche and toast notes that dance, this medium bodied effort is just about perfect as an aperitif. Will be available for New Year's pick up (probably the week between Christmas and New Year's). Tasting dinner recommendation: lobster, crab, sashimi or on its own (maybe my favorite choice) 2005 Holloran Pinot Noir "Le Pavillon" (Dundee Hills) LIMIT 6/person Here's a beautiful bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir that seamlessly blends what the Beaver State has tried to do for years - a true American rendition of terroir that reflects Burgundy as much as the Willamette Valley. They simply cannot make wine like this in 99% of California - period. This is a steal of a deal (it's normally closer to $40) and it opens gracefully over 2-4 hours. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Tasting dinner recommendation: duck breast, sautÄed mushrooms or risotto, roast chicken, cheese 2007 Markus Huber Riesling Eiswein "Berg" (Traisental) (375ml) LIMIT 3/person What a way to end the meal - a gorgeous Eiswein made from some of the more prized Riesling in Austria. Markus Huber is on a roll and this dessert wine is proof enough. VERY RARE and almost impossible to find outside of Austria/Germany - from a district on the rise: Tasting dinner recommendation: a dessert with pastry and nuts can work well, the less sweet the better - alone is always a top choice. Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Rhone6510 Champ9220 OR7200 Austr8730