"A candidate for wine of the vintage" Robert Parker on the Clos du Caillou 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
Le Clos du Caillou, a 53 hectare wine estate with Côtes-du-Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellations, is located in Courthézon in the South of France.
The property came in possession of the Pouizin family in 1956. Until 1996 the property was run by Claude Pouizin, who until 1993 sold most of his yield to negociants. In 1996 his daughter Sylvie and son-in-law Jean-Denis Vacherons took charge and the quality of the wines from property rapidly rose.
Our first offer was the glorious 2010 vintage and we are pleased to follow this up with the excellent 2011 vintage.
We have a lightly larger range (including the 100% Grenache Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tradition) and for those who act quickly we even have some MAGNUMS!
The range includes several Cote-du-Rhones at prices starting at just $24.25 Pre Arrival plus some highly rated Chateauneuf-du Papes. Here are two wines from our offer....
2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
750ml Usual Price $215.00
Pre Arrival Price $182.50
1500ml MAGNUM
Usual Price $430.00
Pre Arrival Price $365.00
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve is a wine made only in the best vintages. The vineyard is composed of 60% Grenache (planted in 1930 in La Guigasse) and 20% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah (planted in 1939 in Les Bedines). The soil, composed of sand, gives the wine freshness and finesse. The grapes are harvested late to obtain the perfect maturity of Mourvèdre.
Robert Parker: Even better, and a candidate for the wine of the vintage (again! DH), is the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Caillou. Composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, it possesses great intensity, a stunningly dense purple color, this is one of the great wines of 2011. Much richer, fuller, and deeper than most 2011s, this wine will need some bottle age and atypically last 15 or more years. 93-95 Points

2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres
750ml Usual Price $85.95
Pre-Arrival Price $73.00
1500ml MAGNUM
Usual Price $171.95
Pre Arrival Price $146.00
Les Safres comes from several parcels of Grenache located around the field at a place called "The Bedines" on a soil composed of sand and safres (sand agglomerates) which gives the wine finesse and flexibility. These plots were planted between 1954 and 1972 and represent 95% of the plantings.
Stephen Tanzer:
Bright ruby-red. Explosive, spice-accented aromas of red berry liqueur, incense and potpourri, with a deeper licorice quality in the background. Sweet, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors show an impressive interplay of richness and vivacity, picking up a smoky nuance with air. Closes with excellent clarity and lift, leaving lavender pastille and raspberry preserve notes behind. 92-95 Points
Wines may be viewed and purchased on line by clicking here. You may also order by telephone (03) 9326 5737 or email sales@grandmillesime.com.au
Cheers,
Darren
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