Part of the process for finding great "undiscovered" wines is doing your research. Also of great assistance is a little knowledge of the local area. Over the years I have spent quite a bit of time holidaying in the south-west of France. I love the area. Castles, caves with prehistoric art, watersports for the summer crowd. And then there are the truffles, foie gras, prunes, walnuts, duck - who can resist?
The area also produces one of the greatest sweet wines not just of France, but of the entire world.
Robert Parker has scored the wine 100 Points.
Bettane et Desseauve have awarded it 19.5/20.
And it regularly rates as high as Chateau d'Yquem.
The wine is Cuvee Madame from Chateau Tirecul la Graviere in Monbazillac.
The wines are simply terrific. They are similar to serious Sauternes but have something extra. And they are a fraction of the price.
No wonder they are so highly regarded in Europe.
I visited Domaine Tirecul la Graviere again last week and was very fortunate to be offered a small quantity of the VERY RARE Magnums. This includes 12 Magnums of the sensational 2009 - for me the finest vintage since 2005.
No more than 40 Magnums are produced each year for the entire world. They are only sold to a few clients and we are very lucky to have this small selection.
To read more about the domaine and these incredible wines in PDF format click here.
Tirecul la Graviere 2008 MAGNUM 2 available
Normally $185.00 Pre Arrival $157.00 each
Tirecul la Graviere Cuvee Madame 2008 MAGNUM 5 available
Normally $640.00 Pre Arrival $544.00 each
Tirecul la Graviere 2009 MAGNUM 12 available
Normally $242.00 Pre Arrival $205.00 each
Tirecul la Graviere Cuvee Madame 2009 MAGNUM 12 available
Normally $785.00 Pre Arrival $667.00 each
Each Magnum is presented in a wooden box. Please note these wines are not yet on our website so please order by email or phone.