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Pre Arrival Offer August 2024

by Jono Hersey
OFFER CLOSES 31 AUGUST 2024
ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE EARLY NOVEMBER 2024
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Producers included in this offer:

    • Champagne Claude Cazals, Le Mesnil sur Oger
    • Domaine Lucie Thieblemont, Cremant de Bourgogne
    • Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot (CLF), Flagey-Echezeaux
    • Domaine Charles Baur, Alsace

      A couple of old French Wine Centre favourites as well as two recent classics. For the Charles Baur and Claude Cazals wines we will follow the format of ‘we will only order what we sell’. Because of this we are just offering the one, ultra low price. Unfortunately, the price of Champagne has increased considerably ex cellar, so while the prices may seem ‘reasonable’, we have actually been quite aggressive.

      Champagne Claude Cazals of Le Mesnil sur Oger is a producer of classic Blanc de Blancs. Their wines, while extra brut, have a lovely pillow like padding that wraps the core of minerality. The Chapelle du Clos and Clos Cazals are from the same clos. Chapelle du Clos is from the younger vines higher on the hill and the Clos Cazals from the older, lower laying vineyards. The style between these two cuvees reflect that with the Chapelle being racier and a little more tensile and the Clos Cazals being heavier, more sturdy with considerable power.

      Lucie Thieblemont is the wife of Charly Nicolle of Domaine Paul Nicolle, one of our Chablis producers. She owns 2 parcels of very old Pinot Noir just outside of Chablis, one of which is 100 years old and makes up a very good portion of the blend. This Cremant follows the same laws as a wine made in Champagne but is priced much more favourably. 

      Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot (CLF) of Flagey-Echezeaux which exploded into the top tier of red Burgundy producers over the last few years have very kindly increased our allocation. I would describe these as a hybrid of Liger-Belair and Sylvain Cathiard, this statement mind sound ridiculous but quite frankly the wines are outrageously good and only getting better. 

      Domaine Charles Baur of Eguisheim, Alsace is a producer whose wines balance richness that is typical for the region with precision, length and a fine yet present phenolic structure. I love these wines, I always have, particularly with food. They reward the consumer ten fold and give a lot of interest for not many pennies.

      Cheers!

      Champagne Claude Cazals, Le Mesnil sur Oger

      NV Champagne Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

      Pre Arrival $89

      NV Champagne Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs MAGNUM

      Pre Arrival $193

      There are a couple of Champagnes below this in her range, however, I would just suggest everyone buys this cuvee. This sums up the Claude Cazals style and why their wines are so sought after perfectly. Pillowy brioche with a pleasing mineral line that is ever present but not aggressive.

      2015 Champagne Claude Cazals Millesime Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

      Pre Arrival $99

      2015 Champagne Claude Cazals Millesime Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs MAGNUM P

      re Arrival $215

      Delphine’s Millesime cuvee really fits perfectly between the Cuvee Vive and the Clos cuvees. There is ‘more’ in the bottle than the Vive with a little more minerality, a little more scale, a little more length and falls short of the ‘demands’ of the prestige cuvees from the Clos. 2015 was warm but her terroir seems to deal with the heat quite well.

      2017 Champagne Claude Cazals Chapelle du Clos Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

      Pre Arrival $185

      2017 Champagne Claude Cazals Chapelle du Clos Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs MAGNUM

      Pre Arrival $352

      From the younger vines within the Clos by the Chapelle. Only 10% of the base wine matures in wood. For me, this is the most vibrant and offers the best drinkability between the two Clos cuvees.

      2014 Champagne Claude Cazals Clos Cazals Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

      Pre Arrival $258

      2014 Champagne Claude Cazals Clos Cazals Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs MAGNUM

      Pre Arrival $573

      Fermented in stainless steel but matured in seasoned Burgundy barrels. From older vines picked at higher potential alcohols results in a bigger, more ‘vinous’ Champagne loaded with complexity but still retains tension. This wine demands your attention, very difficult to appreciate without a large glass and your full attention!

      Domaine Lucie Thieblemont, Cremant de Bourgogne (Chablis)

       NV Domaine Lucie Thieblemont 'Blanc de Noirs' Cremant de Bourgogne

      RRP: $66

      Pre Arrival: $45

       

      Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot (CLF), Flagey-Echezeaux

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Bourgogne Rouge

      RRP $154 | Pre Arrival: $100

      High toned and transparent with beautiful lift and definition. Slightly more skewed to a red fruit focus. The palate is lively, ripe, fine tannin and an aray of detailed wild red fruit. Decent length, beautiful finish. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      A ripe yet agreeably fresh nose reflects mostly notes of various red berries and a touch of earth. The middleweight flavors possess a beguiling texture as well as good energy that carries over to the dusty, mildly austere, inviting and balanced finale. Lovely and a wine to enjoy young. 86-89 Points. Oustanding, Top Value
      Allen meadows, The Burghound
       
      A lovely bright purple, with a stunning bouquet. I want to gulp this straight way. Really classy on the palate, with a precise crisp finish. A joyous wine showing that you can make fabulous pinot at higher yields (55 hl/ha in this case) now that the grapes ripen properly. 89-91 points. Red 5 star wine. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
       

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Chambolle Musigny

      RRP $362 | Pre Arrival: $242

      More perfumed, more woven, a wonderful array of violet and lavendar, red currant and a little underlying red cherry. The palate is driven and long with brilliant energy. Fine grained tannins. Brilliant purity. - Jono Herse, FWC

      Note: from Les Gamaires; Here the expressive nose is both more elegant and more floral-inflected on the spicy red cherry and plum scents. There is equally good vibrancy and better detail on the finer medium weight flavors that exude a subtle minerality on the youthfully austere finale. This could use better depth so a few years of cellar time should prove helpful. 88-90 points. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      There was enough to make two cuves which will be blended together. A fine and even mid purple, with a gently charm to the nose, this is not too forceful though it certainly has plenty of energy on the palate. The barrel adds grip to the persistent finish. 90-92 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Morey St Denis

      RRP $309 | Pre Arrival: $203

      A little more scale, sauvage but still transparent and lifted. Slight glazed cherry, red currant, lavender, white florals and a little rounder. The palate is stronger, broader but with fine tannins. - Jono Hersey, FWC
       
      Note: from Les Crais Gillon, Clos Solon, En Seuvrey and Corvée Creunille; Fresh, bright and cool aromas include those of red currant and pretty floral nuances, especially rose petal., along with a hint of just turned earth. The sleek, delicious and energetic medium-bodied flavors deliver good if not special persistence on the lightly rustic finish. 88-91 points. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      An additional fresh purple density. Rich purple, with a depth of fruit to match. Quite special. I love the balance of this in the mouth, a dense and quite exuberant red fruit, brought back at the finish to the typical savoury style of Morey, long and fine. Darker fruit at the finish. 92-93 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Gevrey Chambertin

      RRP $326 | Pre Arrival: $213

      A little more red fruit, moss, wet rock but relatively muted at the present. The palate is transparent and showing all of its presence, strong tannins and structure. Red fruit focused and with an emphasis on red currant. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from Champerrier Bas plus parcels in En Songe and Vignes Belles; This is also attractively fresh and bright with its cool and airy nose of the essence of wild red berries, forest floor and a whiff of the sauvage. Once again there is fine volume to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that possess focused power and almost no rusticity on the impressively long and complex finale. This is an excellent Gevrey villages and worth considering. 89-92 points. Outstanding. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      Similar glowing purple, this time with a spicier nose. An excellent core of predominantly raspberry fruit, a fine core to this throughout, with a little oak at the finish. Not quite so striking as the Morey but a lovely glass in the offing. 90-93 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Vosne Romanee

      RRP $363 | Pre Arrival: $238

      Higher toned, fuller but with more detail and nuance. Ripe, dry frozen raspberry and strawberry with an array of detailed florals and an emphasis on violet. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from Les Chalandins, Quartiers de Nuits, Les Violettes and Basses Maizières; An overtly spicy nose is comprised by darker fruit that includes plum and black cherry along with violet and sandalwood hints. There is a really lovely texture to the caressing but punchy middleweight flavors that deliver equally good length on the youthfully austere and even more refined finale. This too is exceptionally good for its level. 89-92 points. Top Value. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      Fresh bright purple. What a radiant nose, all the heady joy of Vosne, such stylish bright ripe cherry fruit with some mixed red berries behind. Seamless texture and very long. Sheer class. 92-94 points. Red 5 star wine. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Vosne Romanee 1er Cru

      RRP SOLD OUT | Pre Arrival: SOLD OUT

      Less fruit while being more mineral and floral. Quite closed and tight. The palate is concentrated, closed and obviously trying to break through and open/show. For the moment there are just glimmers of cough syrup, sarsaparilla and confected cherries that with time in the glass begin to reveal a much more pure fruit  character. - Jono Hersey, FWC
      Note: 75% from Les Beaux Monts and 25% from the Echézeaux climat of Loächausses; There is enough wood to bother pointing out on the strikingly spice, elegant and even more floral-suffused nose of red cherry and poached plum. The spiciness extends to the palate of the medium-bodied flavors as well that exude evident minerality that adds a sense of lift to the bitter pit fruit-inflected finish. At least moderate patience would be a good idea here. 90-93 points. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      Made up of 1er Cru Beaumonts and the continuation of the same rows into Echezeaux. No deeper in colour, and only a little more concentrated in bouquet compared to the village Vosne, but with an extra level of finesse. Layer after layer of red fruit wash over the palate, a spectacular spread to finish. Very lovely. 94-96 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

      RRP $1180 | Pre Arrival $773

      A little more fruit, violets, nuances of cassis, black currant but still relatively closed for the moment. The palate shows a little more round in shape but still tight and focused with fine grained tannins and very ample length. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from a .66 ha parcel that runs from Baudes Basses to Grand Maupertui; Here too there is enough wood to notice framing the markedly floral-suffused nose with its notes of lavender, rose petal, violet and acacia blossom that add breadth to the elegant and cool red berry scents. The super-sleek and moderately dense flavors retain fine delineation on the dusty, youthfully austere and persistent finale where a touch of wood slowly reemerges. 91-94 points. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      A rich deep purple, super saturated, with a bouquet to match. A full and firm structure with Thomas Collardot’s abundant fruit flowing over the top. A darker fruit with a blackberry note, but not the mulberry which would imply over-ripeness. The 20% whole bunch vinification adds an additional freshness, a slight salinity which works very well. 94-97 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

      RRP: $1180 | Pre Arrival: $773

      More open, charming but not without subtle ethereality. the palate is long and open with fine ripe but present tannins with a coating of succulent red fruits. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from a .35 ha holding near the bottom of Mazoyère; This is also aromatically quite pretty and fresh with its lightly spiced combination of red berries, floral and earth-scented nose. Here too there is a relatively sleek and refined mouthfeel to the slightly more concentrated and more mineral-inflected flavors that possess good detail on the youthfully austere, firm and nicely balanced finale that possesses evident power. 91-94 points. Allen Meadows, The Burghound

      The fine deep colour goes without saying. Immediate raspberry and strawberry fruit thrusts itself to the front. Fresh dark berries, less explosive than Clos Vougeot, all tightly wound with an impressive intensity. This is going to be a beautiful bottle in due course, with a lovely, fine, summer pudding aftertaste. 94-97 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Echezeaux Grand Cru

      RRP $1254 | Pre Arrival: $824

      Tighter and more focused with a tensile attack. The fruit is more lifted with an array of florals. The palate is again, tighter, more aggressive with razor blade like minerality that sits on the tongue for what seems like an eternity. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from a large 1.33 ha holding in Les Treux, En Orveau and Les Poulaillères; Classic deep ruby color. The exuberantly spicy and ultra-nose displays the essence of red cherry and cool floral scents. There is both fine volume and punch to the beautifully textured medium-bodied flavors that offer fine length on the youthfully austere finish that is supported by fine-grained tannins. This could use better depth but that should just be a matter of appropriate cellaring. 92-94 points. Allen Meadows, The Burghound

      Just as deep a purple colour but more elegance on the nose, less obviously and immediately sumptuous. Wavelets of alpine strawberry and its raspberry equivalent dance across the palate, super fine, with startling elegance. Another 2022 beauty from Thomas. 95-97 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

      RRP: $1178 | Pre Arrival: $773

      Not as taut as the Ech but with a plethora of fruit that is kept refined with a lick of limestone minerality stringing the fruit out. The palate has more fruit and breadth but not without a fierce line of limestone minerality that drives the wine. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from a large 1.16 ha holding in Chabiots and Mochamps; Discreet but not imperceptible wood sets off distinctly earthy aromas of plum, red currant, spice and a whisper of violet. There is both good volume and a lovely sense of purity to the caressing yet quite powerful middleweight plus flavors that exude evident minerality on the hugely long, balanced and mildly austere finale. This is terrific and highly recommended. 93-95 points. Sweet Spot. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      A glowing fresh purple. Not reduction but just a mineral flinty top note above the fruit. Sitting back on its haunches but this lack of immediacy makes it even finer. All at the back of the palate and then additional waves come through thereafter, blue fruit indeed. So subtle yet striking as well. 96-98 points. Red 5 star wine. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Clos St Denis Grand Cru

      RRP: SOLD OUT | Pre Arrival: SOLD OUT

      *Extremely limited. Introduction of darker fruits, cassis, liqueur and violets. Although there is lift the overall nose is much more brooding with more depth than the previous. The palate is light on its feet yet overwhelmingly powerful, detailed and mineral. Outstandingly long. Talking with Thomas so no time for notes but this is a remarkable wine. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: from a .16 ha holding in CSD proper; A completely different nose offers up much spicier aromas of red currant, exotic tea and a similar hint of violet. There is excellent vibrancy to the attractively textured middleweight flavors that don't have the power of the Clos de la Roche but do offer slightly better depth and precision on the lingering finale that is shaped by relatively fine-grained tannins on the gorgeously well-balanced finale. This is a stunner of a CSD. 93-96 points. DON'T MISS!. Allen Meadows, The Burghound
       

      A bright pink edge to the purple. Very striking, very immediate, totally red fruit, very convincing essence of raspberry, with some ripe redcurrants behind. Fills the mouth, not quite the same intensity at the back as the Clos de la Roche but the Clos St-Denis does have quality finesse at the finish. 95-97 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      2022 Domaine Coquard Loison Fleurot Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru

      RRP: $1954 | Pre Arrival: $1282

      *Extremely limited. There is a ripe, slightly rotting cherry character, spice and a little fresh leather. A freeze dried strawberry lift lightens and tightens the wine while introducing another element. The palate is softer and more open with very fine tannins. Very long. Again, talking with Thomas and slightly distracted on the notes but this is marvelous. - Jono Hersey, FWC

      Note: also from a .16 ha holding; Ripe, fresh and restrained aromas are comprised by notes of red and dark currant, plum, a similar variety of spice elements and pretty floral nuances. I very much like the texture of the delicious medium-bodied flavors that aren't super dense but do possess good power and plenty of minerality while displaying excellent depth and length on the balanced finish that really fans out as it sits on the palate. One aspect that makes this so seductive is that the finish, while certainly built-to-age, has a lovely natural sweetness to it that renders it hard to resist. 93-96 points. DON'T MISS!. Allen Meadows, The Burghound

      More of a crimson purple, raspberry seedless, taken a bit of oak, but superlative nonetheless and exceptionally long. Completely mouth filling with great charm, fills all the nooks and crannies. An excellent balance between the fruit acidity and tannins. Still going strong in my mouth several minutes later! 96-98 Points. Red 5 star wine. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

      Domaine Charles Baur, Alsace

      2022 Domaine Charles Baur Riesling 'Cuvee Charles'

      Pre Arrival $36

      No tasting note from this trip, however, Arnaud did gift me a bottle which I consumed with friends in Auxey-Duresses with immense pleasure. Dry, very mineral, long and OUTSANDING value in the truest sense. A very structured Riesling.

      2021 Domaine Charles Baur Riesling 'Eichberg' Grand Cru

      Pre Arrival $54

      High toned and tensile with preserved grapefruit, lanolin, honeysuckle, beeswax. An ever-changing nose with complete satisfaction and moreishness.

      The palate is full, energetic, strict and straight but not without incredibly sumptuous and detailed fruit that wraps the core of minerality that persists, A beautiful, beautiful wine.

      2020 Domaine Charles Baur Gewurztraminer

      Pre Arrival $39

      While classically full of musk, grape, lychee, paw paw and a plethora of other tropical fruits it really is quite restrained in style.

      The palate is sumptuous and slippery with viscosity and pleasing tropical fruit. It is moreish while being flavourful and flamboyant. Nice grip and slight bitter grapefruit on the finish leaves one wanting more. - Jono Hersey, FW

      2020 Domaine Charles Baur Riesling 'Brand' Grand Cru Vendange Tardive

      Pre Arrival $72

      Beautifully dense dry extract, glaze fruits, dried florals, beeswax, lanolin, orange, orange oil, marmalade and a high toned lime marmalade. The palate is unctuous but shows restraint at the same time. Beeswax texture. Lovely scale and grip.

      2018 Domaine Charles Baur Pinot Gris 'Eichberg' grand Cru Vendange Tardive

      Pre Arrival $72

      Similar profile to the above but with more expression, fruit, lift and ‘more’ in general. The palate is sumptuous, unctuous, round, coating and flavourful. A rich, savoury sweetness. Long.

      Domaine Charles Baur Eau de vie 'Quetsche' 45%
      Domaine Charles Baur Eau de vie 'Vieille Prune' 45%
      Domaine Charles Baur Eau de vie 'Poire Williams' 45%

      Pre Arrival $79

      When I travel I enjoy eau de vie after dinner every single evening. I adore it. But for some unknown reason it is near impossible to source a quality example in Australia. Arnaud produces incredible examples, our first tasting together we went for choucroute after tasting his wines. Post dinner, with a big grin, told me we would now taste the true treasures of the Domaine. My lord did it open my eyes. Now, full disclosure, it is 45% white spirit so it is very alcoholic. But the fruit expressed is worth the bite for me by some considerable margin. It may not be the case for you!

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