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THE SOCIETY’SFINE WINELISTA UGUST – N OVEMBER 2012Fine bottles from £8.95 to £349thewinesociety.com/finewine

SUMMER’S LEASE ORSEASON OF MISTS?What to imbibe after the exceptionallybusy, celebratory and, frankly, wet earlysummer of 2012?We go to press cheered by promises of better weather but it’s not only rosé that isray-dependent, and we are taking no chances in this List. While the emerald glintand verdant aroma of a serious sauvignon blanc (page 17) are especiallyappealing in a sunny garden, anyone who has holidayed in Galicia will know thedelight of quaffing crystalline albariño (page 4) with a sizzling platter of octopuswhile the rain lashes a grey Atlantic. Spain’s equally toothsome reds (page 5)can oblige al fresco or under cover, but should we be set, not for an Indian summerbut an arctic autumn, members may be in the mood to mark InternationalGrenache Day (Page 16) with some liquid central heating.There is no need to fly to the sun when you can wallow at home both in the newworld classics in the Great Grape Escape (page 9) and superlative southernFrench reds (page 12). Spearheading a patrician Languedoc presence in this List isan overview of the past decade at Domaine de Perdiguier (page 13), producer ofexquisite cabernet and merlot blends that should ring a few alarm bells in Bordeaux.If Claret it has to be, our itinerary of choice this time is the right bank (page 14),calling at Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Hosanna and Evangile, among others.The late-summer Fine Wine List has become the launch pad for the premium bottlesthat distinguished themselves in the 2012 Wine Champions campaign. This year,very nearly 600 wines were tasted, and the collection of winners starting on page6 includes a higher than usual number of world-class chardonnays. The house ofGratien sparkled too, with an unprecedented champenois hat-trick, so memberswith celebrations to come will be spoiled for choice.The success of Custom Cellars, launched in May, indicated strong demand forsmall, choice wine parcels from members who like to mix their own cases for futureenjoyment. On page 18, riesling, one of the world’s longest-lasting varieties,extends the possibilities, along with a late chance to snap up a mixed case of Claretfrom the outstanding 2009 vintage. This now looks set to become as stalwarta Fine Wine fixture as the wallet-friendly Small Wonders on (page 10) or thecontrolled Exhibitionism (page 3) with which we proudly showcase the quality,authenticity and value behind our premium Society wines, winners of a recordnumber of medals a t this year’s Decanter and International Wine Challengetastings. Made for our members’ pleasure by beacons of their respective regions,and as reliable as – though infinitely more welcome than – a thunderstorm at thevillage fête, these are bottles that can be uncorked with absolute confidence, comerain or shine.How to use this List● Wines are listed by theme and then by price● Drink dates are given as a guide to maturityand ageing potential● For further information about any of thewines, or Members’ Reserves, pleasecontact Member Services on 01438 741177● Fine wines too limited in quantity to belisted may be found in the fine wine sectionof The Society’s website atthewinesociety.com/finewineCONTENTSpageTHE SOCIETY’S EXHIBITIONREDS AND WHITES 3SPAIN 4BEST IN SHOW 6THE GREAT GRAPE ESCAPE 9SMALL WONDERS 10SOUTHERN STARS 12LIONS OF THE LANGUEDOC 13Bordeaux 14GRENACHE: ‘UNSUNG HERO‘ 16Sauvignon Blanc 17Custom Cellars 182To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

THE SOCIETY’S EXHIBITIONREDS AND WHITES(WITH ADDED GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE)We are especially proud of our Exhibition range, ambassadors for their regions, madeexclusively for us by producers who know those regions like the back of their hand.These are wines that dig deeper into the vineyards of the world than you’d expect of anown label, often benefiting from single-vineyard complexity or old-vine concentration.For all that, they are both accessible and affordable, and it is especially gratifying tohave our pride in them endorsed by professional tasters at this year’s Decanter WorldAwards and the International Wine Challenge. No fewer than 20 Exhibition wines wereawarded medals, seven of them by both tasting panels.This arithmetic-defying selection – two gold, six silver and two bronze medals in just sixbottles – is our most garlanded ever. It should go without saying that the mixed casereally is a winning combination, and now you needn’t just take our word for it.WhiteM-NZ6001 The Society’s Exhibition Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 £10.50 bottle £126 dozenExceptional Kiwi sauvignon from Jane Hunter’s best, most established vineyards thatproduce a classy, harmonious and intense style. Drink this year and next. 13.5%M-AL9211 The Society’s Exhibition Gewurztraminer, 2008 £13.50 bottle £162 dozenMade for The Wine Society by Hugel & Fils, this is an exercise in equilibriumbetween the hedonistic fragrance of the grape and the fullness and body of prime,ripe, spice-infused fruit. Bewitching. Drink this year and next. 13%M-BU51001 The Society’s Exhibition Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, Jean-Marc £16 bottle £192 dozenBrocard, 2010This stood out in a line up of lovely premiers crus from the high quality 2010 vintage,so we selected it for the Exhibition label. Showing off Chablis’ typical attributes of abroad palate with steely acidity, this is delicious. Unoaked. Now to 2015. 12.5%REDM-BJ4821 The Society’s Exhibition Moulin-à-Vent, 2009 £9.25 bottle £111 dozenSuch is the depth of flavour and quality of this 2009 Moulin-à-Vent, that it hasneeded a second winter to evolve. Glorious now, and for some time to come.Now to 2018. 13%M-NZ6011 The Society’s Exhibition Marlborough Pinot Noir, 2010 £12.50 bottle £150 dozenThis succulent, plummy pinot from Villa Maria’s top vineyards in the Awatere andWairau valleys stands out for its silky texture. Now to 2014. 14%The Society’s Exhibition Mendoza Malbec, 2009This is an opulent wine with a ripe, naturally sweet palate and deep, velvety texture,plummy in character. It comprises 55% malbec from Agrelo, 25% malbec fromGualtallary, 10% malbec from Lunlunta with 5% each petit verdot and cabernet franc.Now to 2017. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case.THE EXHIBITION MEDAL-WINNERS’ CASEDrink now to 2014ref M-MX125177 at £69A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the above winesFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 7411773

SPAINSIX OF THE BEST ALBARIÑOSThe world has had its eyes on the albariño grape recently,thanks to the outstanding quality of the dry wines beingproduced in its native Galicia. In the cool Atlantic climatehere, and when carefully handled in vineyard and winery, it isresponsible for Spain’s finest and purest whites. Earlier thisyear, we chose six of the very best albariños from a line-up ofover 20 and these are unveiled below for the first time.Castro Celta and Pazo Señorans show the precise, vibrantflavours of the grape, whilst Fefiñanes and Lagar de Costaexpress its textural quality and aromatic finesse. The two finalwines, both aged on lees, show the wonderful complexitythat discreet barrel ageing can bring to this noble variety.M-SP7381 Castro Celta Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2011 £8.95 bottle £107 dozenCastro Celta produces wines with clean aromatics and zesty acidity, a great match forthe local seafood. The style is juicy and lively, with no oak to mask the appley flavours.Drink this year and next. 12.5%M-SP7321 Lagar de Costa Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2011 £11.50 bottle £138 dozenThe Costa family’s interpretation of albariño, from 60-year-old vines, is packed withcitrus, tropical and green-fruit aromas, well structured and balanced on the palate,long and complex on the finish. Possibly the best albariño we have tasted this year.Now to 2014. 12.5%M-SP7291 Pazo Señorans Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2011 £12.50 bottle £150 dozenExquisite, clean-cut albariño which is both gentle and restrained, yet intensely flavoured.Now to 2014. 12%M-SP7411 Fefiñanes Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2011 £14.95 bottle £179 dozenElegant, peachy albariño of understated intensity from the region’s most historicand patrician producer, the first to bottle a monovarietal albariño back in 1928.This vintage was awarded the Albariño Trophy at this year’s International WineChallenge. Drink this year and next. 13%M-SP7331 Lagar de Costa Maio Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2010 £24 bottle £288 dozenA stunning and distinctive albariño, released a year following the vintage, afterspending time on its lees in old barrels. The purity and raciness of the grape areretained, but the wine feels rounder and more substantial, with deep, concentratedflavour. Now to 2015. 13.5%M-SP7401 Pazo Señorans Selección de Añada Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2005 £30 bottle £360 dozenAnother lees-aged albariño, this time for nearly three years, plus another three in bottlebefore release. Round, biscuity, rich, almost Burgundian. A Decanter Magazine five-starpick, and very fine indeed. Now to 2016. 12.5%SIX OF THE BEST ALBARIÑOSDrink This Year and Nextref M-MX125175 at £99A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the above wines4 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

SIX OF THE BEST SPANISH REDSTempranillo and garnacha are overwhelmingly the twin towers of quality Spanish reds, and you’ll find both in most Rioja, wheregarnacha has traditionally been thought something of a junior partner. Increasingly, it’s striking out on its own, as the InternationalGrenache Day feature on p16 testifies, not only in Priorat and the Aragonese denominación of Calatayud, but also in Rioja itself.Making a bid to join the triumvirate is monastrell, otherwise known as the mourvèdre of southern France. As the Spanish white winerevolution continues apace, let the selection below be a delicious reminder of the country’s stunning reds.M-SP6171 Lanzaga, Rioja, 2007 £14.50 bottle £174 dozenA velvety, modern-style Rioja with rich black-fruit and spice flavours and fantasticbackbone and length. Best decanted. Now to 2017. 14%M-SP6141 El Puño Garnacha, Calatayud, 2007 £16 bottle £192 dozenA bold and impressive red from dramatic vineyards at 1,200 metres altitude, to thesouth of Zaragoza. Here, garnacha rules, constituting two-thirds of plantings asopposed to tempranillo’s 10%. Made by British Master of Wine, Norrel Robertson, thisis dense, sensuous and mineral, full of old-vine complexity. Now to 2015.Low stock.15%M-SP6311 Viña Pedrosa Crianza, Ribera del Duero, 2007 £17 bottle £204 dozenThe realm of tempranillo, known here as tinto fino, DO Ribera has something of areputation for austere, muscular reds, but the addition of 10% cabernet sauvignongives this wine a wonderfully velvety texture without sacrificing authenticity. A fine,classy red, overlaid with exotic fruit flavours that will respond to a good two hours ina decanter. Now to 2016. 13.5%M-SP6441 La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial, Rioja, 2001 £18.50 bottle £222 dozenThe 2001 vintage of this classic reserva is unmissable. Exceptionally fine, fragrant andsilky with long sweet flavour, it was carefully aged in oak and bottle to reach itsenormous potential. An International Wine Challenge gold-medal winner last year.Now to 2018. 13.5%M-SP6851 El Sequé, Alicante, 2009 £20 bottle £240 dozenThis sweet, round full-throttle blockbuster is the product of a unique high-altitudevineyard in south-eastern Spain, with a cache of centenarian monastrell vines.One of the partners in this joint venture is Rioja producer Bodegas Artadi in Laguardia,and the blend is mainly old-vine monastrell with syrah and a little tempranillo added.Now to 2016. 14.5%M-SP6921 Contino Garnacha, Rioja, 2008 £23 bottle £276 dozenA smooth, potent and spicy Rioja exclusive to The Society, made entirely from estategrowngarnacha by Contino winemaker Jesús Madrazo and aged for 30 months inbarrel. Decant a couple of hours prior to drinking to allow the exotic flavours to evolvefully, or keep awhile. Now to 2016. 13.5%SIX OF THE BEST SPANISH REDSNow to 2015ref M-MX125169 at £109A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the above winesFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 7411775

BEST IN SHOWTHE SOCIETY’S FINE WINE CHAMPIONS 2012We don’t normally go in for point-scoring at The Society: either a wine is good enough to be listed, or it isn’t. Our annual WineChampions campaign takes that principle further by taking the guesswork, albeit educated, out of choosing the perfect time todrink it. Well over 500 wines from the many thousands we have maturing in stock are tasted blind by the buying team over severalsessions, the aim being to identify the bottles that are undeniably brilliant now, and to share that information with members.The main offer was published earlier this summer: now it’s time for this year’s fine wine stars.Though each Champions vintage is unique, 2012 carried forward two of last year’s most successful categories: chardonnay,particularly white Burgundy, and Champagne, notably that of Alfred Gratien, which set a new record for the number of top marksissued in one session. A strong showing from the rest of the world’s fine wine vineyards ensures that there is something for everypalate among this year’s men of the match, and three mixed cases deliver the highlights.To find out more about the Championship process and to see videos of the buyers putting some of the 2012 candidates throughtheir paces visit thewinesociety.com/championsWHITESM-BU49101 Chablis, Samuel Billaud, 2010 £10.95 bottle £131 dozenBillaud’s classically-styled 2010 shone: its refreshing, mineral palate and generouslength place it on any Chablis lover’s shopping-list. Now to 2014. Low stock. 12.5%M-NZ6041 Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay, 2010 Marlborough £14.95 bottle £179 dozenPitted incognito against a host of top names, this smoky, layered Kiwi chardonnayfrom former Seresin winemaker Brian Bicknell was a triumph. Now to 2014. 13.5%M-GE6881 Saarburger Rausch Kabinett, 2009 (Zilliken) £15.50 bottle £186 dozenA knockout wine, and a checklist of everything one might want from a top Germanriesling: food-friendliness, ageworthiness, low alcohol (only 8%) and a fresh, multifacetedpalate to gladden the heart. Now to 2025. 8%M-NZ5901 Neudorf Chardonnay, 2009, Nelson £18.50 bottle £222 dozenAn explosion of delicious, revitalising fruit flavours underpinned by subtle andwell-judged oak made Neudorf’s second wine a very worthy Champion and markedan impressive Kiwi chardonnay double. Now to 2014. 13.5%M-LO9501 Vouvray, Le Mont Sec, 2010 (Domaine Huet) £18.50 bottle £222 dozenSubtle and spellbinding Vouvray which offers both cerebral complexity and gratifyingpurity. Though it will age effortlessly for years, our tasters were smitten with its youthfulpoise and sheer class. Now to 2035. 13.5%6 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

WHITESM-BU49131 Pouilly-Fuissé Les Courtelongs, Domaine Jacques et Nathalie Saumaize, £17.50 bottle £210 dozen2010A white Burgundy of formidable depth and length. Made by the perfectionistJacky Saumaize from low-yielding fruit, it harvested a bumper crop of high scores.Now to 2014. Low stock. 13%M-BU46361 Pouilly-Fuissé Charmes, Château de Beauregard, 2009 £22.50 bottle £270 dozenA cool village and a warm year conspired to imbue Frédéric Burrier’s barrel-fermentedBurgundy with impeccable balance and a stunning, concentrated finish. 13.5%M-BU44381 Chablis Premier Cru Vaulorent, Domaine William Fèvre, 2007 £29 bottle £348 dozenVaulorent is the premier cru closest in style and geography to the grands crus. Tastingthis powerful yet poised 2007 under blind conditions only confirmed the quality.Outstanding. Now to 2014. 13%M-BU45271 Meursault Ormeau, Domaine Coche-Bizouard, 2008 £29 bottle £348 dozenShimmering with complexity and completeness, Alain Coche’s intensely flavoured andlightly honeyed Burgundy wowed the panel. Though mature now, it will age with easeuntil 2014. 13.5%M-AA1161 Riesling Steinertal, Smaragd, 2009 (F.X. Pichler) £33 bottle £396 dozenThe finely chiselled flavours and dazzling length of this dry riesling seduced all whotasted it. An Austrian masterclass in minerality and precision. Now to 2015. 13%REDSM-SP6991 Muga Reserva, Rioja, 2007 £13.50 bottle £162 dozenRioja’s 2007 vintage is proving a pleasure-first prospect now, as evidenced by BodegasMuga’s irresistibly plump and velvety reserva. Now to 2016. Low stock. 13.5%M-BJ3871 Moulin-à-Vent, Clos du Grand Carquelin, Château des Jacques, £22 bottle £264 dozenLouis Jadot, 2006The graceful subtlety and Burgundian finesse of this Moulin-à-Vent proved that a trueChampion does not need to shout in order to be heard. Though pitch-perfect now, itwill continue to develop until 2016. 13%M-BU47101 Santenay Rouge Premier Cru Beaurepaire, Domaine Jean-Marc Vincent, £23 bottle £276 dozen2009The succulence of Burgundy’s 2009 vintage is evinced in real style here. We loved itsrounded, silky texture and an impeccably judged hint of sweetness. Now to 2014. 13%M-CS6671 Château l’Enclos, 2005, Pomerol £29 bottle £348 dozenMany 2005s are still yet to fulfil their potential, but this gentle, floral and seductivePomerol is both generous and graceful now, receiving high marks from our tasters.Now to 2015. 13%M-AU12791 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, Margaret River £29.50 bottle £354 dozenAs refined, perfumed and sophisticated as they come, this will be a revelation to thosewho still associate Australian cabernet with burly fruit and chewy oak. Decant to get thebest out of its complex, harmonious flavours. Now to 2015. 13.5%M-CM11951 Château Prieuré-Lichine, 2004, Margaux £35 bottle £420 dozenThe 2004 vintage was a sound bet for canny Claret fans, and this fine Margaux displaysits charms with aplomb. Running a gratifying gamut from classic cassis to complex,cedary undertones, it hit the spot in style, though it will continue to age gracefully to2020. 13%M-BU36691 Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Thorey, Domaine de Montille, 2005 £39 bottle £468 dozenFine red Burgundy makes so many wine lovers go weak at the knees, and Montille’sglorious 2005 from the north of Nuits captivated the collective palate with its perfumedlightness of touch and velvety texture. Now to 2019. 13%M-AU13641 Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz, 2000, Barossa £48 bottle £576 dozenA museum release of one of Australia’s most revered reds proved an absolute joy, itsexuberant fruit now tempered by Claret-like complexity that seduced all our tasters.Ignore the over-cautious advice on the label (which states ‘drink by 2010’): this willcontinue to be a stunning bottle throughout this year and the next. 13.5%For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 7411777

CHAMPAGNEM-CH761 Marc Hébrart, Premier Cru, Cuvée de Réserve, Brut, Non-Vintage £22 bottle £110 6 for 5 priceThis non-vintage gem from the conscientious Marc Hébrart – who sells half of hisgrapes to the famous Houses – put in a riveting performance this year. A winningcombination of finesse, length, roundness and, of course, readiness earned the winetop marks. 12%M-CH331 The Society’s Champagne, Brut £27 bottle £135 6 for 5 priceRefined yet rich with great depth of flavour, our ‘house’ Champagne continues todistinguish itself and delight members. The first of a Championship hat trick forAlfred Gratien, with whom The Society has worked for over a hundred years. 12.5%M-CH26431 Louis Roederer, Brut Premier, Non-Vintage £35 bottle £175 6 for 5 priceWith up to a third of cask-aged reserve wine added to the final blend, Roederer’spoise, persistence and super length shone through. An ambassadorial performancefrom a standard-bearer among the Grandes Marques. 12%M-CH2251 Alfred Gratien Blanc de Blancs, 2007 £35 bottle £210 per sixTop vintage blanc de blancs Champagnes can be surly in their youth, but thisgrand cru blend is a delight already, showing refinement and elegance that assuredit a comfortable victory. Now to 2016. 12.5%M-CH2161 Alfred Gratien Brut, 1999 £45 bottle £270 per sixHaving triumphed with non-vintage and blanc de blancs, Gratien completed theirChampions trio with an aged vintage wine. Rich, complex and thoroughly charming,this is a wine for both celebration and contemplation. Now to 2015. 12.5%CHAMPIONCHARDONNAYSDrink now to 2014ref M-MX125167 at £119A six-bottle case containing ONEbottle each of the following winesChablis Premier Cru Vaulorent,Domaine William Fèvre, 2007Neudorf Chardonnay, 2009,NelsonMeursault Ormeau, DomaineCoche-Bizouard, 2008Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay.2010, MarlboroughPouilly-Fuissé Les Courtelongs,Domaine Jacques et NathalieSaumaize, 2010Chablis, Samuel Billaud, 2010CHAMPIONREDS & WHITESDrink now to 2014ref M-MX125168 at £139A six-bottle case containing ONEbottle each of the following winesVouvray Le Mont Sec, 2010(Domaine Huet)Chablis Premier Cru Vaulorent,Domaine William Fèvre, 2007Riesling Steinertal Smaragd,2009 (F.X.Pichler)Santenay Rouge PremierCru Beaurepaire, Jean MarcVincent, 2009Leeuwin Estate Art SeriesCabernet Sauvignon, 2005Muga Reserva Rioja, 2007CHAMPAGNECHAMPIONSref M-MX125166 at £99A three-bottle case containing ONEbottle each of the followingChampagnes.The Society’s Champagne, BrutAlfred Gratien Blanc de Blancs,2007Alfred Gratien Brut, 19998 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

THE GREATGRAPE ESCAPETHE VARIETIES THATCONQUERED THE NEW WORLDIn a wine world shrunk by instant communications and globaldemand, it’s not surprising to see the classic varieties of vitisvinifera colonising as many corners of it as suit their DNA. Somesettle more happily than others. Over the years, a handful ofthem have become classics in their own right, while others havebeen quietly (and thankfully) consigned to obscurity. No suchfate awaits Argentine malbec, cabernet from Chile and theCape, Kiwi pinot noir, Aussie shiraz and Californiazinfandel. The selection below unites these six red successstories with growers who have brought out the best in them.M-AU14151 Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz 2005, Victoria £19 bottle £228 dozenBrown Brothers’ top shiraz bowled us over when we first tasted it. Twelve months inAmerican oak and a further four years in bottle have resulted in a gorgeous smoky,blackberry-fruited Australian shiraz which combines class with power. Now to 2015.14.5%Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel, 2008Frog’s Leap has been a trailblazer in the trend to more sustainable agriculture in California,farming all its vineyards organically. This stylish zinfandel has a smattering of petite sirahfor spicy complexity and reflects the estate’s mantra of elegance and harmony rather thanpower. Now to 2018. 13.5% Only available as part of the mixed case.M-NZ5821 Seresin Rachel Pinot Noir, 2009, Marlborough £19.50 bottle £234 dozenSeresin Estate’s Raupo Creek vineyard supplies the fruit for this sublime Kiwi pinot.Very low yields (one bunch per vine) contribute incredible concentration and depthof flavour. Now to 2016. 14%M-SA6651 Meerlust Estate Rubicon, Stellenbosch, 2006 £21 bottle £252 dozenLovely Rubicon with a solid base of 76% cabernet sauvignon, with less merlot since2001 in favour of more cabernet franc, here 16%. Still young but already approachableif decanted. Now to 2025. 14%M-AR2651 Zaha Altamira Malbec, 2010 £22 bottle £264 dozenZaha means ‘heart’ in the language of the Huarpe Indians who lived in the Mendozaregion. Altamira is a cool district with most vines grown around 1000m altitude, and isproducing some of the region’s most scented and finest-textured malbecs. This, theirfirst vintage, is exclusive to members of The Society. Now to 2020. 14%M-CE6201 Santa Rita Casa Real, Alto Jahuel Maipo, 2007 £23 bottle £276 dozenOne of Chile’s finest cabernets with concentration that comes from the vineyard, notthe winery. Matured in French oak barrels for 14 months, until the tannins are silky.Now to 2020. 14%CLASSIC GRAPES OF THE NEW WORLDDrink now to 2015ref M-MX125176 at £119A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the above winesFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 7411779

SMALL WONDERSFINE WINE AT £20 OR LESSOur launch pad for the less obvious, popular with the strong contingent of ‘lateral drinkers’ amongst our members, is not confined topreviously undiscovered slopes in hidden Eldorados. For one thing such places are thin on the ground in the 21st century, for another,there is plenty of value to be trawled from far more familiar places like Bordeaux or Piemonte. Portugal’s Douro Valley, slowly butsurely winning international recognition now for fine table whites as well as reds, is perfectly at home here. Jurançon, Corsica andCollioure are splendid sources of thought-provoking whites that we feel really should be better appreciated, the latter because theycontinue to offer remarkable value.WhiteM-FC19561 Corse-Calvi, Clos Culombu Blanc, 2009 £9.95 bottle £119 dozenBroad, rich-tasting dry white from Corsica exuding character, attitude and abundantcharm. Drink this year. 12.5%M-FC20781 Jurançon, Geyser, Domaine Cauhapé, 2010 £12.95 bottle £155 dozenHenri Ramonteu’s Béarnais blend of gros and petit manseng with camaralet, courbuand lauzet is as bone dry, fragrant and zesty as a Pyrenean meadow, and full-bodiedenough to shine with the local fromage de brébis too. Now to 2014. 14%Seresin Sauvignon Blanc, 2010, MarlboroughSeresin’s healthy, biodynamically managed vineyards, produce exceptional fruit.A complex, highly elegant and delicious New Zealand sauvignon. Drink this year andnext. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case M-MX125174.M-FC15791 Collioure, Tremadoc, Domaine Madeloc, 2006 £14.95 bottle £179 dozenDeliciously full, gastronomic southern French white made from roussanne, vermentinoand a high proportion of grenache gris, all raised in oak for about six months. Drink thisyear. 14%M-PW3031 Tiara Douro, 2010 (Niepoort) £19 bottle £228 dozenElegant, lightly fragrant Portuguese wine, based on the codega do larinho grape varietygrown at high altitude in slate soils. Just 10% is fermented in old casks, the balance instainless-steel tanks to preserve fruit freshness and steely backbone. Now to 2014.Low stock.13%M-BU44421 Pouilly-Fuissé, Château de Beauregard, 2008 £19 bottleLovely assemblage of Pouilly-Fuissé offering a honeyed white Burgundy which is rich butnot top heavy. An excellent example of the appellation. Drink this year and next. Lowstock, three bottles only per member. 13%10 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

RedM-BJ4831 Fleurie, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Passot Les Rampaux, 2009 £10.95 bottle £131 dozenSumptuous, full-flavoured cru Beaujolais, sinewy and very long. A perfect choice forcoq au vin. Now to 2015. Low stock. 13%M-SP6731 Tobelos Crianza, Rioja, 2007 £10.95 bottle £131 dozenA classically made Rioja with intense leathery fruit and a silky palate which is deliciousnow but will continue to improve. A Wine Champion this year. Now to 2015. 13.5%M-RH19761 Crozes-Hermitage Albéric Bouvet, Domaine Gilles Robin, 2006 £14.95 bottle £179 dozenA modern-style northern Rhône from Gilles Robin, a talented grower with vines situatedbetween Thalabert and Chapoutier’s Meyssoniers. Stylish with plenty of fruit and depth.The use of oak is exemplary. Now to 2017. 13.5%M-IT14171 Barbera d’Asti D’Annona, 2007 (Il Cascinone) £16 bottle £192 dozen2007 was an absolutely cracking vintage for barbera grapes which were beautifully ripe,healthy and succulent, making fragrant, full and balanced wine. The flagship of thed’Annona estate has been aged 18 months in barrique to add complexity androundness. Now to 2017. 14.5%M-AU13571 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008, Coonawarra £18 bottle £216 dozenSophisticated Australian cabernet with toasty, tobacco-infused fruit, classy tannins andmodest weight. Decant if serving now, or keep for another six years. 13.5%M-RH19101 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, La Bernardine, Chapoutier, 2006 £19 bottle £228 dozenThe Chapoutier family are vineyard owners in Châteauneuf and farm biodynamically.The wine is almost all grenache, raised in vat rather than barrel so that the accent ison the fruit. The 2006 is ripe-tasting with refreshing minerality. Now to 2019. 14.5%M-US4831 Lemelson Thea’s Selection Pinot Noir, 2009, Willamette Valley £19.50 bottle £234 dozenFine, concentrated and sensuous, this has an abundance of black-cherry and spicy-fruitflavours and classic, silky-smooth pinot texture. An excellent example of how successfulNorth American pinot noir can be. Now to 2016. 14.5%SMALL WONDERS REDS & WHITESFOR DRINKING NOWref M-MX125174 at £95A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the following winesWHITESeresin Sauvignon Blanc, 2010, MarlboroughCollioure, Tremadoc, Domaine Madeloc, 2006REDCrozes-Hermitage Albéric Bouvet, Domaine Gilles Robin, 2006Barbera d’Asti D’Annona, 2007 (Il Cascinone)Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008, CoonawarraChâteauneuf-du-Pape, La Bernardine, Chapoutier, 2006For advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 74117711

SOUTHERNSTARSTHE CREAM OF THEFRENCH REGIONSSouthern France offers a rich patchwork ofmicro-regions, stretching from the Atlantic tothe Mediterranean. Here, thousand-year-oldtraditions have created distinct styles andunique flavours, eloquently expressed bycommitted and often passionate growers suchas those below. They deliver breathtakingquality and excellent cellaring potential atprices that compare very favourably withcostlier bottles from the classic regions: theydeserve to be welcomed with open arms,and treated with similar respect.M-FC21521 Faugères, Château de la Liquière, Nos Racines, 2008 £12.95 bottle £155 dozenLa Liquière is an historic property at the heart of Faugères, north of Béziers, wherethe carignan grape has been venerated for generations. This is one of their top wines,almost all carignan and from very old vines. Full bodied, concentrated and satisfying.Now to 2016. 14%M-FC21671 Côteaux du Languedoc Copa Santa, Domaine Clavel, 2009 £14.95 bottle £179 dozenA spicy, full-bodied, syrah-dominated blend from near Pic Saint Loup in the easternLanguedoc. The vines grow in a tranquil corner of paradise with solar panels which theClavels use to sell electricity back to the grid. Not that heating is required with a glass ofthis in hand! 2013 to 2018. 14%M-FC15611 Prieuré Saint Jean de Bebian, Côteaux du Languedoc Rouge, 2006 £19 bottle £228 dozenBébian is unquestionably one of the great wines of the Languedoc. The 35-hectareestate, on the site of a 16th-century monastery, lies in Pézénas, north east of Béziers,and the blend is a little less than half syrah with grenache and mourvèdre in support.The syrah is raised in new oak, the grenache in older barrels so as not to compromisethe fruit. The 2006 combines balance with a clean, refreshing palate. Now to 2020.14.5%M-FC19491 Irouléguy, Domaine Brana, 2007 £20 bottle £240 dozenDomaine Brana, a founding estate in the Basque country, put their belief in the cabernetfranc grape which originated here and makes a more approachable style of wine thanthe more widely planted tannat. The appellation is situated right on the Spanish border,south and east of Biarritz and this supple red wine works brilliantly with lamb, as well aspork and grilled vegetables. Now to 2016. 12.5%M-FC20061 Montpeyroux, L’Esprit de Font-Caude, 2005 £23 bottle £276 dozenMontpeyroux, north-west of Montpellier, is a Languedoc hot-spot poised for promotionto AC status. Alain Chabanon’s tiny estate produces reds with lots of personality, andthis is his Montpeyroux blend, syrah and mourvèdre, given long ageing in oak andbottle and now just released. Decant an hour or two in advance to open up theflavours. Now to 2015. 14%M-FC18741 Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Gauby, 2008 £26 bottle £312 dozenSituated in Calce, north-west of Perpignan, the biodynamic Gauby estate is a beacon inthe Roussillon. 2008 may well have been their best vintage for many years. Everythingtasted extremely good especially from the old vines, which produced wines ofbreathtaking beauty. Gauby reds have changed over the years and are nowadays moreelegant and expressive of the minerality of the soils. Now to 2020. 13%12 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

LIONS OF THE LANGUEDOCTHE FERACCI FAMILY, DOMAINE DE PERDIGUIERThe Feracci‘s, very much a family affairThe Orb plateau, north of Béziers, is one of the brilliant corners of the Languedoc. Forming part of the greater Côtes Catalanes,this is, officially, vin de pays country but Society members know that behind a simple country designation there is often a grower lessinterested in formulaic local blends than in classic grapes considered unwelcome by appellation regulations. Cabernet sauvignon,the original vinifera non grata, has flourished here for years, but the AC door remains firmly shut in its face.For winemaker Jérôme Feracci, red wine matters much more than red tape. From a 14-century château near Maurasson, he and hisfamily produce a small, but elegant range, spearheaded by a cabernet-driven blend of exquisite balance and striking complexity, raisedin small oak barrels, one-third of them new. Only 10,000 bottles of the flagship Cuvée d’en Auger are produced each year. Thecombination of Bordelais elegance and Mediterranean warmth has a strong domestic following among private customers andrestaurants, and the small allocation we receive always sells out in record time from our en-primeur Rhône and Languedoc offers.Accordingly, we are all the more delighted to be able to regale members with the highlights of the past ten years in a limited-editionmixed case. Packed exclusively for The Society at the domaine, it includes a run of six choice vintages of Cuvée d’En Auger, from2002 to 2007, along with tasting notes by Marcel Orford-Williams, The Society’s buyer of Languedoc wines. Snap one up now, andbe converted.DOMAINE DE PERDIGUIER,CUVÉE D’EN AUGER FORDRINKING AND KEEPINGref M-MX125147 at £99Contains a bottle each of the following vintages of Cuvéed’En Auger, along with tasting notes.2002Fully evolved, with thecharm of a mature Claret.Drink now.2003Fragrant and rich in this hotvintage, but beautifullybalanced. Drink now to 2015.2004A fusion of Mediterraneanwarmth and Bordelais grip.Drink now to 2015.2005Long and elegant, lovely nowbut with time in hand. Drinknow to 2015.2006Bright and full, with bold,herb-infused flavours, long onthe palate. Drink now to2014.2007Ripe and sweet with reallength and complexity. Drinknow to 2018.Château de Perdiguier, designated an historical monumentFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 74117713

BORDEAUXTHE RIGHT BANKAdmirably explained by Jancis Robinson MW in her bible of wine terminology The Oxford Companion to Wine, the sometimesconfusing term right bank is ‘an expression much used of that part of the Bordeaux wine region that is on the right bank, or north, ofthe river Dordogne. It includes, travelling down river, Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Francs, Saint-Emilion and its satellite appellations,Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol, Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, Bourg and Blaye. The most obvious characteristic shared by theseappellations, and distinct from left bank appellations, is that the dominant grape varieties are merlot and cabernet franc rather thancabernet sauvignon.’Here we concentrate on the cream of the right bank appellations, Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, in a range of drinking and keepingvintages from favourite family-owned vineyards such as Carteau Côtes Daugay and Grand Corbin-Despagne, to the hedonistic heightsof Cheval Blanc.M-CS6281 Château Carteau Côtes Daugay, 2005, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru £19 bottle £228 dozenThe Bertrand family have been delivering consistently enjoyable, full-flavoured Claretsince we first bought from them in 1989, but this 2005 is exceptionally good by anystandards. Now to 2017. 13.5%M-CS6031 Château Bourgneuf, 2006, Pomerol £27 bottle £324 dozenBourgneuf is very well placed on the central Pomerol plateau and has producedstructured, ripe yet fresh-flavoured wine in 2006 of considerable quality. 2013 to 2020.13.5%M-CS6451 Château La Tour Figeac, 2004, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru £27 bottle £324 dozenRichly fragrant and spicy, with ample fruit, grainy tannins and good length of flavour.Now to 2018. 13.5%M-CS7281 Château Laroze, 2006, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé £28 bottle £336 dozenImpressive modern Claret with the added spice and toastiness of 66% new oak andlovely fragrance which comes from quite a high proportion of cabernet franc. Now to2025. 13.5%14 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

M-CS8351 Château Berliquet, 2008, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé £29 bottle £348 dozenPlanted with 70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon, this ninehectarevineyard is one of the oldest in Saint-Emilion. It has been managed since 2008by Nicolas Thienpont, with the assistance of consultant oenologist StéphaneDerenoncourt, thereby improving quality still further. Increasingly a property to follow.2013 to 2022. 13.5%M-CS7451 Château Grand Corbin Despagne, 2009, Saint-Emilion £30 bottle £360 dozenFrançois Despagne is making extremely good Claret by taking great care of his vines.His 2009 has the body and generosity of the year but also the potential to agegracefully and well quite long term. 2015 to 2030. 14%M-CS8301 Château Guillot, 2008, Pomerol £34 bottle £408 dozenLovely full, savoury Pomerol with style and depth of flavour. The small vineyard isbrilliantly situated in the heart of Pomerol on the plateau by the church. 2013 to 2025.13.5%M-CS5121 Château Hosanna, 2004, Pomerol £60 bottle £720 dozenLovely quality cabernet franc gives this wine magical bouquet and length of flavourwhich is fleshed out by the richer merlot. Now to 2024. 13.5%M-CS4371 Château L’Evangile, 2002, Pomerol £90 bottle £1,080 dozenSmall harvest of intensely concentrated Claret from this great Pomerol vineyard.A keeper. Now to 2017. 13.5%M-CS4001 Château Cheval Blanc, 2001, Saint-Emilion £349 bottleIn the style of the delicious 1988, but with more finesse, reckons Pierre Lurton. The top2001s on the right bank are starting to drink wonderfully well now, and this has lovelytexture and charm. Now to 2020. 13.5% Limited to three bottles only per member.RIGHT BANK CLARETS CASEDrink now to 2018Ref M-MX125171 at £199A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the following winesChâteau Laroze, 2006, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ClasséChâteau Berliquet, 2008, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ClasséChâteau La Tour Figeac, 2004, Saint-Emilion Grand CruChâteau Bourgneuf, 2006, PomerolChâteau Guillot, 2008, PomerolChâteau Hosanna, 2004, PomerolHosanna L’Evangile Cheval Blanc©Bryan Davies RIBA©Bryan Davies RIBAFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 74117715

GRENACHE:‘UNSUNG HERO‘Grenache and its alter egos – garnacha, cannonau and tinto aragones, to namebut three – is ubiquitous around the Mediterranean and increasingly important inthe New World. A boon in warm climates, it is prized for its resistance to heatand strong winds, for its firm colour and body, and for its alcohol potential.The third annual International Grenache Day, on 23rd September, aims tocelebrate what its organisers call the ‘unsung hero of the red wine world’ with aninternational campaign of awareness-raising tastings. Attending them all could besomething of a challenge, even for a time-traveller, so why not hoist a glass athome with the selection below? At its best with a plate of something hearty,grenache effortlessly absorbs garlic, strong herbs, anchovies and olives and isespecially good with the smoky taste of barbecued lamb, peppers and aubergines.For more information about International Grenache Day, log ontowww.grenachesymposium.comM-FC22311 Domaine Jones Red, Côtes Catalanes, Grenache, 2010 £11.95 bottle £143 dozenThis is a full-bodied, richly flavoured grenache from the Roussillon. Lots of ripe fruit herebut well balanced too, and generous. A brilliant success for Katie Jones, who has livedin the Roussillon for many years, but who has only recently begun to make wine.Now to 2015. 14.5%M-RH31491 Rasteau Côtes-du-Rhône Village, Héritage, Domaine des Escaravailles, 2009 £18 bottle £216 dozenAn extraordinary wine made from 100% grenache from a single acre of vines plantedin 1924. Fruity, very full bodied, almost sweet, such is the ripeness of the fruit. Decantbefore serving. Now to 2019. 15%M-AU13521 d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings, 2007, McLaren Vale £26.50 bottle £318 dozenA stunning blend of grenache (70%), shiraz (25%) and mourvèdre (5%) which iscomplex and herby with enormous blackberry-fruit flavour and length. Decant foran hour or so before serving. Now to 2022. 15%M-RH19601 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Font de Michelle, Cuvée Etienne Gonnet, £35 bottle £420 dozen2006Jean and Mickey Gonnet use some of their 100-year-old grenache to make this veryfull and concentrated cuvée of Châteauneuf. This is thickly textured and very rich.Now to 2024. 15%M-SP5811 Clos Mogador, Priorat, 2007 £45 bottle £540 dozenRené Barbier’s 2007 is a real success, showing incredible depth and concentration.Elegant yet bold, this expresses the tarry, herby, cassis flavours and velvety tannins oftop-flight Priorat. Now to 2019. 14.5%Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel, 2004The Perrins of Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape part own this PasoRobles estate, and their expertise in Rhône varieties shows in this delicious Californiablend of mourvèdre, syrah, grenache and counoise. A wine that is both elegant andrich. Now to 2015. 14.5% Only available as part of the mixed case M-MX125165.THE INTERNATIONAL GRENACHE DAY CASENOW to 2015ref M-MX125165 at £159A six-bottle case containing TWO bottles each of the following wines:Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel, 2004d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings, 2007, McLaren ValeChâteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Font de Michelle, Cuvée Etienne Gonnet, 200616 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

SAUVIGNON BLANCA WORLD OF DIFFERENCETwo regions, at opposite ends of the Earth, have locked horns over the ultimateexpression of sauvignon blanc. New Zealand has made its name with verdant winesthat immediately hit the spot, especially with the vivid flavours of Asian and Pacific Rimcooking, while the central vineyards of the Loire style their foremost grape in a lowerkey, with classic European cuisine in mind.In this selection of the crème de la crème of both regions, François Cotat andDomaine Vacheron in Sancerre and Château de Tracy in Pouilly representLes Bleus. The All Blacks, fielding a guest Australian with a strong Kiwi connection, arethe key players behind the phenomenal success of Cloudy Bay, New Zealand’s mosticonic winery. Founder David Hohnen now makes sublime sauvignon in his nativeWestern Australia. His former winemaker Kevin Judd is the brains behind the equallyindividualistic Greywacke, while at Dog Point, James Healy and Ivan Sutherlandreserve for their own brilliant bottlings the premium grapes once sold to Cloudy Bay.The Exhibition feature on page 3 completes the Kiwi A-Team with Jane Hunter andthe medal-winning Marlborough sauvignon she makes exclusively for The Society.M-AU14661 McHenry Hohnen ‘The Wine Society’s Special Selection’ Sauvignon £10.95 bottle £131 dozenBlanc, 2011, Margaret RiverWe jumped at the opportunity to bottle, exclusively for members, this single-vineyardsauvignon from David Hohnen’s Burnside vineyard, the exquisite fruit of which was,until 2010, sold to Cape Mentelle. Restrained, elegant and quite European in style.Now to 2014. 13.5%M-NZ6131 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc, 2011, Marlborough £12.50 bottle £150 dozenA beautifully structured sauvignon from this premium Marlborough property owned byIvan Sutherland and James Healy. Intensely aromatic, poised and elegant, it is made verymuch with food in mind. Now to 2015. 13.5%M-LO9641 Sancerre La Reine Blanche, 2011 (Vacheron) £16 bottle £192 dozenFrom a master craftsman, whose work has long been valued by Society members,this is benchmark Sancerre, imbued with wonderful, racy acidity and long on the palate.Now to 2016. 12.5%M-LO8591 Pouilly-Fumé, Château de Tracy, 2006 £17.50 bottle £210 dozenOwned by the Comte and Comtesse d’Estutt d’Assay, this fine estate, with its imposingchâteau, has been thoroughly rejuvenated in recent years and is producing an excellentrange of wines. Now to 2014. 13.5%M-NZ6191 Greywacke Wild Sauvignon, 2010, Marlborough £21 bottle £252 dozenKevin Judd’s highly sophisticated, broad, creamy ‘alternative’ sauvignon has beenfermented in old oak using indigenous wild yeast. Distinctive and quite delicious.Now to 2014. 14%M-LO9471 Sancerre, Les Monts Damnés, Chavignol, 2010 (François Cotat) £32 bottle £384 dozenCotat Sancerres are unique. From hand-tended old vines, the wines are fermented andmatured, until bottling without fining or filtration, in old oak tonneaux. This 2010 waspicked from 4th October, as usual around a week later than the rest of the village. Richand ripe, and best left for as long as you can before broaching. Now to 2020. 14%PREMIUM SAUVIGNONFOR DRINKING AND KEEPINGref M-MX125170 at £109A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the above winesFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 74117717

CUSTOM CELLARSHANDS-ON PLANNING FORFUTURE DRINKINGIf buying whole dozens en primeur is not for you, and premixedcases don’t quite hit the spot, Custom Cellars may be theanswer. Simply make up your own case of any twelve bottles,or multiples of twelve, and we’ll store them for you in perfectconditions in The Society’s Duty-Paid temperature-controlledCellars, the largest private storage facility of its kind in Europe.Brisk demand greeted the launch of this service in the May Fine Wine List, with our members’ first love, Claret, selling out very quickly.In this issue, we’ve taken that on board with some choice Bordeaux from the outstanding 2009 vintage. Since man surely cannot liveby red wine alone we also make a plea for riesling, arguably the noblest and certainly longest-lasting of white varieties.Any and all of these wines are available by the bottle and can be combined with any wine currently on offer from The Society in a mixedcase that perfectly suits your taste and requirements. All we ask is that the combination of bottles you select should have similar drinkingwindows, because all mixed cases will be stored, and must be withdrawn as a unit of twelve. The current charge per dozenper year or part-year, if you pay by direct debit, is £7.92, which includes eventual delivery and insurance at replacement value.RIESLINGTHE ULTIMATE LONG HAUL GRAPERacy in youth, graceful in old age, this thoroughbred of white grapes is still underrated, despite its remarkable and reliable longevityand the unique equilibrium of fruit and acidity that makes it the perfect dinner companion. Subtly lime-licked in the cooler reaches ofthe New World, long and profoundly complex in its Alsace heartland, and perhaps purest and most ethereal in the Rhine and Mosel,it’s a grape no food-lover’s cellar should be without.M-SA7841 Jordan Estate The Real McCoy Riesling, Stellenbosch, 2011 £13.95 bottle £167 dozenGary and Kathy Jordan produce a consistently excellent range of wines from theirlovely family estate, tucked away at the end of the Stellenboschkloof Road just outsideStellenbosch. This is in a just off-dry style and has excellent cellaring potential.Now to 2020. 13%M-AU14841 Grosset Springvale ‘Watervale’ Riesling, 2011, Clare Valley £19 bottle £228 dozenThis single vineyard in South East Australia’s Clare Valley has been producing exquisiteriesling for more than 30 years. The 2011 is a pristine, piercing white with superblength. Now to 2021. 12.5%M-AL7031 Riesling Kappelweg, Rolly-Gassmann, 2002 £25 bottle £300 dozenVery fine, racy Alsace riesling in a very good vintage for the grape. The Kappelweg vinesusually produce the best rieslings chez Rolly-Gassmann. Now to 2018. 13%Kanzemer Altenberg Riesling Spätleser Erste Lage, von Othegraven, 2005Lovely mineral riesling of great purity and finesse from one of the outstanding vineyardsites of the Saar. Now to 2018. 10% Only available as part of the mixed caseM-MX125173.Riesling Grand Cru Saering, Schlumberger, 2008Whistle-clean, finely etched riesling, ripe-tasting but bone dry in 2008. This famousAlsace House, also famous for textile machinery, is seriously back on form. Now to2017. 12.5% Only available as part of the mixed case M-MX125173.Maximin Grünhäuser Bruderberg Riesling, 2009 (von Schubert)Lip-smacking, full-flavoured gastronomic Mosel riesling with a long life ahead of it;sadly, it’s all too tempting to drink it now. Now to 2025. 9.5%Only available as part of the mixed case M-MX125173.18 To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone app

CUSTOM CELLAR RIESLING CASE Drink Now to 2017Ref M-MX125173 at £98A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the wines listed on page 182009 CLARETPRESENT AND FUTURE PERFECT2009 was a great Bordeaux vintage. Characterised by enticingly sweet, ripe, healthy fruit that was pure and appealing from the start, it isone that should be present in any self-respecting Claret lover’s cellar. In our Opening Offer in 2010, buyer Sebastian Payne wrote:‘We believe that the charm, balance and seductiveness of 2009s will make the best of them taste good at all stages of their development’,though for the greater complexity that makes Bordeaux wines unique we recommend allowing all these wines a little longer in bottle.Sebastian also commented at the time: ‘A particularly rewarding and exciting aspect of 2009 is the outstanding quality that can be foundin less well-known districts and properties’, so these wines may be purchased, and cellared if desired, with every confidence.M-CS8341 Château Carteau Côtes Daugay, 2009, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru £19 bottle £228 dozenThe Bertrand family make some of the most enjoyable, reliable, best-value Claret inSaint-Emilion. Their rule of thumb for optimum drinking is minimum five years’ bottleage but in this great vintage it will happily cellar for longer. 2013 to 2022. 14%M-CM14581 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, 2009, Saint-Julien £23 bottle £276 dozenThe second wine of one of the most famous second growth estates in the Médoc, longrecognised in the UK since its days within the Cordier stable. It has been owned since1997 by the Merlaut family who farm organically and continue to produce well-priced,well-made, classically-styled Claret. Now to 2024. 13.5%M-CM13761 Château Moulin Riche, 2009, Saint-Julien £26 bottle £312 dozenRipe, round and full with 7% exceptional petit verdot contributing freshness to 65%cabernet sauvignon and 28% merlot. The vineyard, owned by the Cuveliers of LéovillePoyferré, is in the north-west of Saint-Julien between Gloria and Batailley. 2015 to2025. 14%M-CM13751 Hortevie, 2009, Saint-Julien £28 bottle £336 dozenMany members already know the quality of this vineyard which lies across the roadfrom Ducru-Beaucaillou who now own it and have added extra polish and finesse.Lovely cedary bouquet and full, complex palate. No château in the title because ... thereis no château! 2016 to 2025. 13.5%M-CM14151 Château Monbrison, 2009, Margaux £30 bottle £360 dozenA vineyard that was once part of third growth Desmirail, on the gravelly high point inthe commune of Arsac. Shows the fragrance and finesse typical of Margaux, here with50% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot.Now to 2022. 14.5%Château Bouscaut, 2009, Pessac-LéognanGenerously full and ripe in this supercharged vintage with 7% old-vine malbec addingindividuality and freshness. This has been very much a property to follow in recentvintages. 2015 to 2025. 14% Only available as part of the mixed case.CUSTOM CELLAR 2009 CLARETS CASEDrink 2016 to 2022Ref M-MX125172 at £149A six-bottle case containing ONE bottle each of the above winesFor advice thewinesociety.com/advice or ☎ 01438 74117719

SERVICESMembers’ Reserves: optimum wine storageThis purpose-built, temperature-controlled facility offers members access tooptimum storage conditions at one of the UK’s most competitive rates.■ Optimum storage at a steady average temperature of 13˚C with appropriatehumidity of 65%■ Annual rental charge (currently £7.92 per dozen if paid by direct debit,£9.12 per dozen if not) includes VAT and insurance at replacement value■ Mix your own case for storage, or store pre-mixed cases■ Remove a few bottles of a full case stored in Reserves and leave the remainderto mature further■ View your stored wines online with updated drink dates■ When you are ready to receive your wines, UK delivery is free of chargethewinesociety.com/membersreservesVintage Cellar Plan – the simple and affordable way tocreate a cellar of fine wineChoose from a range of plans and then let The Society’s buyers do the rest, usingtheir expertise to seek out exceptional parcels of wine for your future enjoyment.thewinesociety.com/vintagecellarplanFine Wine Advisers – here to helpPlease contact the Fine Wine Advisers for help with wine selection, food matchingand any other wine-related subject. Visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call01438 741177 to find out more.KEYSee page144 of the main List for fulldescriptionsWhite Wines:bone dry, eg. Muscadeta little fuller than bone dry or with lower aciditydry but rich or lighter and sweetermedium dry, usually demi-secsmedium sweet, the driest of the pudding-stylewines- dessert grade sweetness eg. SauternesAlcohol levelsAlcohol percentage by volume is indicated foreach wine or spirit. Occasionally there will beslight variations from the published figure.Alcohol levels are only a guide to a wine’s fullness;other factors such as tannin and extract in redwines also contribute to overall impression ofweight and the note on the wine should makethis clear. Units of alcohol are increasingly printedon wine labels. A UK unit of alcohol is simplymeasured by multiplying alcohol by volume.Thus a standard 13% 75cl bottle of wine willcontain 9.7 units of alcohol.The Society’s Fine Wine ListPlease note that many of these wines are available only in limited quantities andwill be sold on a first-come first-served basis. Prices are correct at the time ofpublication, but The Society reserves the right to amend them at any time duringthe life of this List.For details on ordering from The Society see page 136 of the main List.Please note:■ Members wishing to store mixed cases in our Reserves facility are advised to take note of the drinkingwindows highlighted in the wine note of the wines included in it.■ Our Stevenage Showroom doesn’t hold stocks of all the fine wines listed, so pre-ordering is recommendedvolume %Units perstandard bottle14.5 10.914 10.513.5 10.113 9.7512 9.011 8.2510 7.59 6.75The UK governmentrecommends thatmen do not regularlyexceed 3-4 units aday, and that womendo not regularlyexceed 2-3 unitsa day. It alsorecommends thatpregnant women donot drink alcohol.FREE UK DELIVERYwhen you order any 12 bottles or if your order value is £75 or moreThis offer is open until Saturday 11th November, 2012 while stocks last.To order thewinesociety.com/finewine ☎ 01438 740222 smartphone appUncork with confidence: The Society’s promiseAs a mutual organisation, members’ pleasure is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven’t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about itand will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund as appropriate. For conditions please see thewinesociety.com/promisetwitter.com/TheWineSociety societygrapevine.com facebook.com/TheWineSociety thewinesociety.com/appThe International Exhibition Co-operative Wine Society Limited.Registered Office: Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2BTRegister Number: 1824R (IP)Website thewinesociety.comEnquiries 01438 741177Orders 01438 740222MAUG12