Chateau Beychevelle Grand Bateau Bordeaux Blanc Part 2

We have previously written a blog post on this excellent white wine from Chateau Beychevelle in Bordeaux, entitled "The ship has come in for white wine fanciers". 

Since then it has had some excellent reviews.

It was reviewed in a trade magazine National Liquor News article on sauvignon blanc and received the highest score amongst all of the sauvignon blancs submitted from Australia, New Zealand and France. They gave it 94.5 points.

Great opening @NatLiquorNews to see @Beychevelle1855 Grand Bateau #Bordeaux Blanc highest rated #sauvignonblanc pic.twitter.com/D50Ket4exD

— DiscoverVin (@discovervin) December 7, 2015

It was also reviewed by iconic aussie wine writer Winsor Dobbin who made it one of his wine of the week In December 2015.  "Looking for a white wine that offers a little bit more than simple fresh fruit flavours? You've come to the right place. Grand Bateau is a collaboration between Maison Barrière and sister Bordeaux company Chateau Beychevelle, and made by Beychevelle winemaker Philippe Blanc. Sometimes a blend with a semillon component, the 2014 vintage is made from 100% sauvignon blanc with some parcels vinified in oak barrels and others in vats. The end result is a complex palate, full of interest, in which toasty vanillin oak co-exists alongside rich stone fruit characters. A wine of balance and interest'

Our friends The Wine Wankers also tried it and said this..

Invitingly leads you into lovely fruit, vanilla and toast complexity. Very quaffable #wine! In Aus by @discovervin. pic.twitter.com/VrikreEyoA
— The Wine Wankers (@winewankers) January 13, 2016

Also mentioned in a blog recently by Madeline Puckette at Wine Folly on best value Bordeaux wines. 

And Sean Mitchell in the Grape Observer "In the glass, this release has charming aromatics of lemon, stones, minerals and old cedar.  Food friendly, the palate is fresh with good acidity and great balance."

It has been impressing us recently as a lovely wine to drink and as a great match to many summer foods including salads. Pick some up here at our website or ask your favourite independent liquor store to get it in. Also available at wholesale price to trade (price on application to info@discovervin.com.au) 

gift certificates

Running out of time to get to the shops? 
We are here to help!

A DiscoverVin gift voucher is a fantastic gift for any wine loving family and friends.

Our gift vouchers are available online and can be redeemed by the recipient online, or by phone, using an individualised code.  A mobile Gift Card can be delivered to your loved ones mobile phone as a picture message. Choose an amount, schedule delivery time, add a message and hit send!

Indeed these are always available and are suitable for Birthdays/Thankyou/Congratulations etc as well as Christmas.

So forget the traffic and the crowds, grab some gift certificates and relax and enjoy the festive season!
 
TO ORDER: Jump online or please call us on 02 6020 6016 or  0414 596 395 for assistance or send us an email  info@discovervin.com.au . 

Our usual terms and conditions apply.

Seasons Greetings from all the team at DiscoverVin!

http://www.discovervin.com.au/gift-cards.html

christmas top 5

'Tis the season to be jolly! Here are our top 5 Christmas/New Year wine suggestions.


Gift Packs
Christmas is all about giving after all. We have some great gift packs ready to be sent. We can send to you or to the gift recipient. We can include a personalised note.

We also have individualised gift certificates at various price points that can be redeemed on line.

Jump on line or give Helen a call on 0260 206 016 or 0414596395 for ideas.

Champagne
Many of us look forward to a glass or two of bubbles with friends and family over Christmas. This one is fantastic. Its being poured in some great restaurants in Australia and around the world.  Its well-priced enough to pour a glass for your family (well maybe!) By the bottle its $54 or $49 in a six pack.

Rosé
We are thrilled to see the rise and rise of dry rosé. Rosé sales now exceed white wine in France, and it has really taken off in Australia in the last few years. We have 2 lovely rosé wines. 

Chateau Rollan de By
This is a special wine that would go perfectly with turkey and ham and everything festive. It recently out scored the famous Chateau Margaux and Chateau Cheval Blanc (featured in the movie Sideways) in a blind tasting. Both these wines sell for >$1000 per bottle. We heard its being served on Air France business class! This is $59. A special wine to enjoy over the holiday period. Limited stocks. Find it here.

Mixed packs

We have some great mixed packs at various price points with a mix of rose/whites/reds and dessert wines. Don't forget we can send to your holiday address. 

Some clever customers have done this in previous years and had a case of their favourites delivered to their holiday accommodation/agents. Brilliant! Click here to buy.

Courier deadlines are approaching so please jump on line and order ASAP.

Whatever you are doing this holiday season, eat and drink well but drink responsibly.

New vintage of our best selling rosé

Since we began DiscoverVin in 2011, this lovely dry rosé from Chateau La Rayre in Bergerac has been one of our best selling wines.

It seems to appeal to wine lovers who would not normally look at rosé. It is darker in colour and has more body than other styles of rosé (this is achieved by pressing the skins with the juice which otherwise would be clear). From the colour you might think it to be sweet but it is textural and dry.

Many of our regular customers have tried or bought this wine. If you haven't, give it a go and we are sure you will enjoy it!

Region/Terroir: Bergerac.

Grapes: Merlot and cabernet franc.

Our Tasting notes: Blackcurrant, raspberry and strawberry nose with an ample unctuous palate. Beautiful balance and freshness. Lovely dry finish. This new vintage is a a winner!

Alcohol:13%

Drink on its own or with food. It's  a great wine to take to a bbq, or to the beach, or to have with noodles or enjoy as a sunset tipple on the verandah - it goes with just about anything! Drink chilled.

This would be perfect to have on hand for barbies, picnics, end of year break ups, Christmas, New Years Eve etc !

To order click on this link. Trade price available on application.(info@discovervin.com.au) 

International Trophy Red Blend under £15 – Château Bouissel, "Le Bouissel" Fronton, Southwest France 2011

Chateau Bouissel, "Le Bouissel" 2011 has won the the Decanter International Trophy for Red Blend under 15 pounds. 

From the small appellation of Fronton near Toulouse in south-west France, its a blend of Shiraz, Malbec and the unique local/indigenous variety of Négrette. This grape is known for producing wine with rich fruit, aromatic character, soft spice and velvety tannins. Largely replaced in the region by international varieties such as merlot and shiraz in the 20th century, the Selle family at Chateau Bouissel have championed this variety.

Out of 16000 wines tasted by a panel of 250 judges, 35 wines received a trophy in the Decanter awards. 8 were French, 2 were red wines- Le Bouissel 2011 and a Burgundy (Domaine de la Vougeraie).

Long recognised as one of the leading producers in the region, on an ideal site on the 3rd terrace of the Tarn river, the Selle family are a little amused at being tagged an "overnight success". Since taking over the Chateau in 1978, Pierre and Isabelle have embarked on a program of renovation, renewal and replanting. Since 2009 they have been in conversion to organic production. Says Pierre, "It's a long term project, well thought out and prepared for a longtime. Its a little bit like elite sport, its necessary to make a huge effort and make sacrifices in order to be rewarded today."

DiscoverVin has been importing this wine for 4 years and we are thrilled to see this wine recognised in this way.

What Decanter said: "Fresh and warm, with well-judged oak bringing a little spiciness to the table, complementing earthy, smoky aromas of black cherry, herbs and liquorice. Vivid, ample, stylish and articulate, this displays lovely balance, reams of deep, juicy fruit, and a characterful, dusty finish. A simply stunning illustration of Fronton."

The bad news: it immediatley sold out at the Chateau. The good news: we secured a small allocation of 300 bottles. With import duty, WET and GST it retails for more than 15 pounds in Australia. Nevertheless, we believe it to be value for money given for the uniqueness and quality of this boutique wine. 

We are currently taking orders whilst stocks last 

Trade price on application at info@discovervin.com.au. 

If you Speak French, here is a short video from France 3 Television. 

Chateau Rollan de By 2008

If you are looking for a very special (but affordable) red wine, read on! 

Chateau Rollan de By 2008 is one of our current favourites. Drinking superbly now but could repay several more years in your cellar.

Winner of the Best Sommelier in the World in 2007, Andreas Larsson, reviews the wine in this short video.




This red is  Cru Borgeois Bordeaux at its best. We think this is wine with a WOW factor for taste and value for money. Currently being served on Air France A380 Business Class. It received two stars in the French wine review bible, Guide Hachette and four stars in Decanter Magazine (UK).

More details here.

Our French Life

Recently Judy MacMahon at My French Life wrote an article about DiscoverVin and one of the company's directors Helen Underhill.

It tells the story of our company and lists some of Helen's current favourite wines and places to eat.

Its a very nice read and can be found here.