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                                              April 1st 2010 (this is no joke)      

 Vins de Vienne on Artisan Vineyards  
Rich golden Saint Joseph tempts you
  • Wonderful Roussanne/Marsanne blend from the Northern Rhone by the renowned talents of Pierre Gaillard, Francois Villa, Yves Cuilleron, and Francois Villard 
  • Remarkable 2006 vintage; nice fruit, density, good balance
  • Combines a rich complexity of fruit and texture, a fresh structure to brace its weight and a rare, impressive intensity
  • This bin end feature on a limited parcel of cases is the last opportunity to buy this highly regarded Saint Joseph blanc 
Our tasting note:
 
Les Vins de Vienne 2006 l'Elouede, Saint Joseph Blanc
 
If apples, pears, jicama and honeysuckle were amplified to ten times their natural scent you might be nearer the nerving scent of Roussanne that blows up from the glass. A peach flesh texture both rich and round works over every tooth and gum and yet the acidity is integral in a way that reminds me of a perfectly ripened apricot -tangy, bright and sweetly fragrant, the flavors of orchard fruits and a bouquet of fruit tree clippings carry on and on along a lovely, uplifting finish.
The score: 
 
91 points Wine Spectator
 
LES VINS DE VIENNE St.-Joseph White L'Élouède 2006
Release Price: $36, Country: France, Region: Northern Rhône
 
Very rich up front, with dried melon, tangerine, clementine and blanched almond notes laid over an almost oily frame, but then mouthwatering acidity and a bright minerality come in to help define and extend the finish. Marsanne and Roussanne. -JM
The winemakers:
 
The men of the land behind this golden gem
Les Vins de Vienne
 
Gaillard, Villa, Cuilleron, and Villard were household names each for their own inspiring wine making long before they joined forces to resurrect the northern most vine lands of the Northern Rhone.  Their noble cause is to lift the region's long forgotten wonders to their proper place among the finest in the Rhone.  In his time, Pliny the Elder wrote praises for vineyards that for centuries after lay neglected until this group of four vignerons once again breathed life into them.
 
Our wine of the week embodies a similar tale.  In the 16th century, Saint Joseph graced the royal tables of France but over the years shifting fashions brought other wines into vogue leaving Saint Joseph a memory but Les Vins de Vienne recognized the glories of Saint Joseph.  Here you find ideal soils of gneiss and schist atop granitic bedrock.  Saint Joseph vines ripen their fruit so well because of the southeasterly slopes that seem to face the sun as if it were a conscious decision.  The featured wine takes its name from a meteorological phenomenon: during the summer, the hillsides become arid and crave the rain needed for the grapes and terroir to express themselves. The often-violent August storms are preceded by a great deal of lightning, known locally as Les élouèdes.  2006 enjoyed a calm autumn with no rain in September yielding the intensity and quality found in the glass.
SAVE
 OVER 
20%
 
    
Vins de Vienne on Artisan Vineyards 
  • A sound value at Artisan Vineyards' full price of $30 a bottle (listed for $36 elsewhere), this 91pt Saint Joseph is $23 a bottle for the coming week or while supplies last.
  • Buyl'Elouede 2006 Saint Joseph blanc saving $7 on every bottle using promo code 040110 at checkout online;  and secure your Spring white today!
  • Share the love of friendship and family by sending l'Elouede 2006 Saint Joseph Blanc to those you hold dear.  Wines may be shipped wherever permitted by law and if you have ever received wine through the post you know the excitement it stirs.  Go on then!
Offer runs only while supplies last.  9 cases and counting.  Claim yours while you can!

Artisan Vineyards,  Saint Paul, MN 55103  

 

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