Alanna McIntyre
Product Specialist
This is a white wine for those looking for the complexity, richness and extraction that is often more common in reds. A blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Roussanne grown on a very special site called “La Crau” in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Rounded stones, “galets”, cover the vineyard as far as the eye can see. Partially fermented in cement tanks, then transferred to oak barrels of various sizes and ages to complete fermentation. 70% of the wine undergoes softening malolactic fermentation. In the glass you’ll be greeted with intense white flower notes, ripe pear, nectarines and something that will remind you of crushed rocks. The palate is viscous and smooth, with generous floral and fruit notes, medium acidity and a clear mineral presence and persistence. Treat yourself and enjoy this with lobster, turkey dinner or a cheese plate this holiday season. That said, this is a wine has all the stuffing to develop beautifully over the years and is great cellar worthy bottle.
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Jason MacPhee
Wine Category Manager
The anxiously awaited Phillipe Gimel’s Saint Jean du Barroux La Montagne has finally arrived on the shelves at Bishops Cellar. I first tried La Montagne in 2015 when I was lucky enough to visit Phillipe at his “Vineyards” in Ventoux where we got to try among other wines a vertical of his elusive white Rhone blend. Every vintage was brilliant and unique and only got better as we tried older versions of the wine. The current release is 2014 and does not disappoint. A 6 year old blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc that taste as fresh as the day it was fermented. In Phillipes own words this wine will only get better in another 10 years. He said the 06 and 04 are drinking very well right now. I couldn’t wait even 10 days after it landed and it is easily my favourite white wine I’ve had in 2020.
Kathryn Harding
Sommelier and Retail Manager
The Geantet-Pansiot Estate was founded in 1954 and is one of the most sought after producers in Burgundy today. They were the driving force that helped to establish the reputation and prestige of the Marsanny region.
The grapes are grown on a ridge of Kimmeridgian soil which are responsible for the wines freshness and the mineraity of this wine.
The wine has notes of dark red plum and black cherries. There are hints of cinnamon, earthy funk and a hint of smoke. Their style of Marsannay is full bodied with small delicate tannins. The fruit of the palate is complemented by the wet stone finish.
Pair with duck, turkey or any mushroom dish.
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Lucas Mader
Beer Category Manager
Of all the years, 2020 just may be the year you find yourself on a solo hike up a mountain, or at a cabin in the woods, maybe even bulking up with provisions in preparation for whatever the Winter throws at you. And the way I see it, if you don’t have at least 6 bottles of Dolin Genepy in your larder – what are you even doing?
Made from the producers of France’s benchmark Vermouth, high up in the Savoy mountains above Chambery, Genepy is an legendary alpine liqueur that dates back, at least in some form, hundreds of years. Its bright herbal, and fresh flavors have long been associated with the mountain air and adventure, as this liqueur is only made using aromatic alpine herbs from the region. Today it is still the darling of French ski resorts and fine dining, served on the rocks or with tonic water, and very welcome after a fondue – or to settle the stomach after a large Christmas meal.
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Martha Kelly
Retail Staff
This has been a favourite Pinot Noir of mine for quite some time, as it consistently delivers on both quality and value.
In the glass, clear, very reflective and bright. Aromas of ‘almost-in-the-oven’ Cherry Pie that include dominant red fruit and bread/pastry dough. Notes of leather, newer oak, and a pleasant amount of smokiness. The palate delivers what the nose has promised; generous bright red fruit and wonderful baking spice aromas to round everything out. Fine, integrated tannins make this suitable on its own or ready to pair with anything from a cheese plate to a traditional turkey dinner!
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Ryan Almeida
Retail Staff
January 2018 was unusually warm, leading to a historically hot summer in Germany with its wine regions seeing extremely long droughts – some areas with stretches of 6-8 weeks without rainfall. Paired with its prized vineyard sites, Nahe’s many steep and rocky plots seemed to have fared best with a 2 week stretch of rain in late-May and early-June right before flowering, giving them enough moisture to handle the heat throughout the rest of the growing season. As per usual, Donnhoff provides one of the best examples of the vintage and region with their 2018 Krotenpfuhl bottling; citrus, savoury herbs, and wet stone describe this spectacular Grosses Gewächs – Germany’s Grand Cru equivalent.
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