2001 Château La Croix Martelle Minervois La Réserve de Sirus

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  8/18/2008, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (CROIX MARTELLE Sirus) Southern Bargain Dear Friends, This is the type of wine I would normally save for a Thursday or Friday (it should be a major offer) but I'm acting off a tip here and I had to grab this parcel now or lose it. I've heard good things about this property in the past and this late-release 2001 should prove to be a great buy in today's euro/dollar world. We are always looking for top examples under $10 but it's become quite a challenge over the past year so something like this has to be jumped at when the opportunity presents itself. This is an ambitious wine that is trying to play with the big boys but also trying to retain a certain breed that is mixed with its loose-knit roots - roots that are deep in the campagne. A blend of mostly Syrah with the remiander Grenache, Mouvedre and Cinsault - the order of the day is elegance within the sun-kissed framework of Minervois. If memory serves, this wine is only 12.5-13% alcohol (reports of 14%+ are untrue, it's 13% or under if anything) and it is almost akin to a Burgundian take on what Minervois could be - perfume, elegance and tannins that are red-fruit dominant and not simply over the top with thick southern sun. This wine certainly has the south as its framework but it has a distinct sense of itself absent from many other country choices and I think it will gain a level of appreciation far greater than just "crack and pour". I don't have access to my regular laptop right now so I can't look up any additional information on the wine but go ahead and search for other TN's or opinions out in the world - I'm sure most of them are quite positive - especially for a $15-20 wine that we have for about the same price as in France. A top bargain and worth more than a passing nod of consideration. Another office party candidate for the fall? ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price directly from the source with perfect provenance: 2001 Chateau La Croix Martelle Minervois "La RÄserve de Sirus" Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA SOFR7660