2005 Domaine d'Ardhuy Côte de Nuits Villages Clos des Langres

Burghound

• By Allen Meadows
  1st Quarter, 2007, Issue #25, (See more on Burghound...)

  (Domaine d'Ardhuy Côte de Nuits-Villages Clos des Langres Villages Red) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  8/3/2009, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (ARDHUY Clos de Longres ROUGE) UPDATE: Niki's Journey I'm sure everyone will be happy to know Niki has earned a much needed trip to Italy...for four months! She is on a sabbatical of sorts and has just arrived in Tuscany (today) to begin what should be an incredible trip. The catch - we wouldn't let her leave - not technically anyway. In exchange for spending the late summer and fall in Italy, she's still going to do all of her normal, everyday work (including invoices) but responses and emails will be sent at night instead of immediately. In other words, if you are used to a response from her within a few minutes, it will now arrive in the middle of the night. So, don't worry if you don't hear from her right away - it's 6-8 hours ahead in Italy and she'll get back to everyone just as she always does. Have a great time Niki - (we'll miss you but can't wait to see all the photos when you get back!)... - The Garagiste Family ***************************** New Arrivals Dear Friends, While Niki gets acclimated to her Italian surroundings, a few examples of note have arrived - all are worthy of the most demanding cellar. This set is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and EXTREMELY LIMITED at prices that are more than fair for each genre. Have fun Niki! - Jon Rimmerman ******************************************* Featured Wine: 2003 I Clivi "Galea" Bianco Colli Orientali del Friuli This unusual and eccentric wine deserves far more attention in the US - much the way Vodopivec or Gravner command the attention of an ever emerging group of collectors. Made with absolute dedication and the passion of near-obsession by Ferdinando Zanusso in the far-off hamlet of Corno (near the Transylvania-esque border with Slovenia), "I Clivi" is going to make much needed noise from this window of the world. Friuli remains very popular with Italians and Northern European collectors but has continued to flounder in the US due to a style that is confusing and costly for most (i.e., Sauvignon that drinks more like unctuous Batard instead of Sancerre - at prices that can approach the level of 1er and Grand Cru Burgundy). While the region's escalating median tariff has become a source of ire among US wine consumers, I Clivi is more than reasonably priced - especially in 2003 - a vintage the winery considers to be "exceptional and above all others". The Galea is my choice from the winery in the 2003 vintage - a blend of Tocai, Sauvignon, indigenous Verduzzo and a dash of Chardonnay, it has far less fat than the 2003 Brazan and has a multitude of intrigue at every corner. This textural wine serves to educate as well as stimulate your sense of adventure and it is delicious to drink right now - it is not orange marmalade akin to MM4 or Vitovska (as much as I adore Vodopivec - I Clivi is more of a true dry white wine). Quite rare - only 30 cases were exported and only a small number of bottles for retail: ******************************************** 2006 Tavijn "Ruche" di Castagnole Monferrato Those of you that have been waiting for an offer on Tavijn's 2006 Ruche, here you go. An indigenous Piedmontese varietal that fell by the wayside over the last 2-3 decades but has made a substantive home at Cascina Tavijn (a house intent on the re-establishment of Piedmont's most storied ancient grapes) - Ruche is set for a marvelous renaissance. This wine has been compared to a baby Barolo by some but it is far fresher and more centered on red raspberry than brick and rosewater. Soaring, captivating aromatics signal a fabulous picture that unfolds over several hours - a picture that speaks to each taster in a unique way. Due to limited quantities, that's all I will say. 2005 Domaine d'Ardhuy CÖte de Nuits-Villages "Clos des Langres" monopole (rouge) (BH88-90) This is an outstanding price on a 2005 that will reward the patient: 2005 Phillipe Pacalet Nuits St. Georges (rouge) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy7801 Italy7802 Burg6260 Burg6270