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To Our Discerning Clientèle,
Please join us this Saturday afternoon the 12th of October, 2013 from 12:00 NOON until 3:00 PM here at the shop when we'll offer a taste of various delicious Burgundy wines.
Then, next Thursday afternoon the 17th of October, 2013 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM here at the shop together with Alessandro Bindocci of Tenuta Il Poggione and Kelly Elder and Chris Vyenielo of Foley Family Wines, we'll offer a double-bill wine tasting of Tenuta Il Poggione wines of Montalcino and Chalk Hill Winery and Lancaster Estate wines of northern California.
Then, the following Tuesday evening the 22nd of October, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM at La Traviata Restaurant, Marion Gillcrist, Chris Allsup and crew, together with Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo will host what already looks to be a superb dinner featuring the fine Piemontese wines of Cordero di Montezemolo.
Details below and at the events page of our web site: http://www.theaustinwinemerchant.com/events.html.
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Saturday afternoon the 12th of October, 2013 from 12:00 NOON until 3:00 PM here at the shop Wine Tasting 
Divers Bourgognes 2009 Bourgogne Chardonnay FAIVELEY 2009 Bourgogne Pinot Noir FAIVELEY 2011 Pernand-Vergelesses Les Combottes RAPET Père et Fils 2010 Santenay Joseph DROUHIN 2010 Fixin Louis JADOT Gentlemen, please, no cologne or after shave; ladies, please no perfume! |
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Thursday afternoon the 17th of October, 2013 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM here at the shop Wine Tasting 
Tenuta Il Poggione 2011 Rosso di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione Riserva Vigna Paganelli Gentlemen, please, no cologne or after shave; ladies, please no perfume!~ plus ~ Foley Family Wines 
with Chris Vyenielo, General Manager of Lancaster Estate and Kelly Elder, South Central Regional Manager for Foley Family Wines 2010 Chalk Hill Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Chalk Hill Winery Chardonnay 2010 Chalk Hill Winery Estate Red 2009 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Gentlemen, please, no cologne or after shave; ladies, please no perfume! |
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Saturday afternoon the 19th of October, 2013 from 12:00 NOON until 3:00 PM here at the shop Wine Tasting Gentlemen, please, no cologne or after shave; ladies, please no perfume! |
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Tuesday evening the 22nd of October, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM at La Traviata Restaurant Cordero di Montezemolo Wine Dinner with Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo 
U10 seared scallop over sautéed greens with hazelnut and extra virgin olive oil |
It's that very special time of year, when the new vintage of Burgundy begins to grace our shores. So, here in the blessed Autumn of 2013, the 2011 vintage Burgundies have now begun to arrive in earnest. And, while the vintage is not at this point being considered among the "great" vintages, we are already getting an inkling that the vintage will be most useful for early to mid-term drinking enjoyment, while the 2009s and 2010s may be slumbering in their "awkward adolescence." Speaking of the white wines, trusted Burgundy critic Steven Tanzer notes "The better 2011 wines (and I normally limit my visits to the tip of the Burgundy quality iceberg) are elegant, fresh, soil-driven examples of white Burgundy that will give early pleasure while enjoying moderate aging potential—say, 4 to 8 years for village wines, 6 to 12 for premier crus and 8 to 18 for grand crus. They are not blockbusters but they often offer delicate, complex, mineral-driven aromatics not often provided by chardonnays made outside Burgundy..." Of the reds, "In spite of the upside-down growing season, the wines themselves are very good and frequently outstanding, though not as consistent as some early fans of the vintage would like to think. Generally speaking, the vintage has great charm. As a rule, fruit aromas are more red than black, but there are important exceptions. Textures are supple and tannins are mostly ripe and smooth. Acidity levels are average, and generally down from those of 2010, but the aromas and flavors retain good freshness. There's generally enough stable tartaric acidity to give the fruit a crunchy character. At the level of the producers I visit, the grape skins achieved good levels of phenolic maturity in 2011 and the tannins are ripe and pliant. For this reason, very few wines will really be tough in the early going, even those that have the concentration and balance for solid mid-term aging (say 8 to 12 years for village wines, 10 to 15 for premier crus and 12 to 20 or more for grand crus). As per usual, we will offer the wines of Bouchard Père et Fils, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Faiveley, William Fèvre, Louis Jadot, Domaine Leflaive and more among the fine red and white Burgundy wines we've come to follow year in and year out. (Just give a little click on the various logos below to visit the respective offerings.) Although some of the offerings may show an expiration date already passed, we still have good stocks of most of the wines remaining available. Please just give us a call at (512) 499-0512 or send us an e-Mail message should you wish to secure from among these fine Burgundy wines or should you have any question concerning the offerings or the wines. We would, as always, look forward to hearing from you. 
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Pre-Arrival Offering of 2010 Piemontese Wines of GAJA In 1961, when the young Gaja took the reins at his family winery, Italian wine was mostly cheap, often enjoyable, but rarely serious. He was at the forefront of a new generation of winemakers in Italy that both improved quality by questioning the old techniques and improved sales by convincing the world that these new Italian wines deserved respect. "Angelo’s wines have had a great impact on Italy," says Lamberto Frescobaldi, whose family has made wine in Tuscany for 700 years. "Not an impact on style, but on complexity, on wines making a statement. Wine has to make an impression on people’s minds. Angelo has given many of us that vision." - Mitch Frank, Wine Spectator, October 31, 2011 |
Offering of 2011 Vintage White Burgundies of Château de La Maltroye Jean-Pierre Cournut says the "quality of 2011 is not far from that of the 2010 vintage. The growing season was up and down but so was that of the prior vintage and it's evident how good those wines are so while I'm not prepared to say that the growing season doesn't matter anymore, it's clear that we've gotten better at our viticulture. We began picking on the 1st of September for both the chardonnay and the pinot noir and while the fruit wasn't perfect there really wasn't all that much sorting necessary. Potential alcohols for the chardonnay was between 12.2 and 13.1% and I did my normal vinification and did absolutely no lees stirring at all as the wines seemed to have more than enough richness. The 2011s are better than people believe and there many even be a few that rival their 2010 counterparts." I have mentioned this before but it's worth repeating that the wines here have become ever purer and as Cournut has done in the last several vintages, he has definitely outperformed in 2011 relative to the general quality I saw in Chassagne. Cournut noted that the whites were bottled in September, 2012. ‑ burghound.com Issue 51, Third Quarter, 2013 |
And then, from among recent arrivals, splendid values and otherwise special deals:
2011 Côtes‑du‑Rhône La Muse Papilles Montirius
From 3 hectares of relatively low yielding (30 hl/ha on average) 25 year-old, certified organically grown vines (80% Grenache/20% Syrah) planted in 'garrigue' and Helvetian sand and sandstone. The fruit is hand-harvested, destemmed, gently crushed, fermented on natural yeasts in cement vats then bottled in the spring following the vintage. Aromas redolent of freshly cracked peppercorns and taut berries with just a hint of the famous garrigue; pure and firm on the tongue with flavors of taut ripe red berries and pepper and spice that go tantalizingly long and fresh on the finish. Montirius say "ce vin éveille et fait frétiller nos papilles." We say "mais oui!"
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
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2011 Château Bellevue-Claribes Bordeaux
Produce of half each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot fruit from vineyards near Gensac in the Dordogne, southeast of Saint-Émilion; this is a gentle nod to a modern take on classic Claret with aromas suggestive of fleshy ripe berries and hints of cassis, leather and dusty loamy soil; ripe and well-rounded on the tongue, of medium weight with gentle broad tannins and a long crisp flavorful finish; and considering the very attractive price, this is surely a yeoman's job on a workingman's Claret.
$9.99 the bottle $101.88 the case
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Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot Number 59
Produced from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane primarily from vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red replicates the old Cal‑Ital field blends there. Characteristically deep ruby in color with forward Zin aromas suggesting blackberry and spiced plum; at once balanced and generous, lush and supple on the tongue with a nicely rounded and mouth‑filling finish — the same up‑front and delicious wine we've come to know and love over these last fifty‑something lots. And, true as its ever‑blue label, Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red remains steadfast in its value.
$11.99 the bottle $122.28 the case
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2012 Mas de Guiot Grenache Syrah Pays du Gard
This small château is located near the town of Saint-Gilles just west of the Rhône River some 5 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. It is owned an operated by the Cornut family — Sylvia is the oenologist, with her husband François and their two sons tending to the vineyards. The rocky soils here are reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the fruit is always picked late, ensuring deep and profound wines with soft tannins. François is meticulous in his viticultural practices and is a believer in sustainable agriculture, using no synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers on any of his vineyards or crops. Sylvia and the boys take over in the winery (the boys work a lot) where she ferments all fruit separately in stainless steel tanks by varietal and by vineyard site. This 2012 Mas de Guiot is a blend of hand-harvested Grenache and Syrah fruit; very primary aromas of fleshy ripe grapes and grape pomace (imagine that!), with suggestion of blue plum, kirsch and a good healthy winegrowing earth; just full and fruity and round on the tongue with nice crisp bright acids and supple tannins lending the gentlest astringency and keeping things refreshing and vibrant to the long and flavorful finish. At its ultra-attractive price, this is real value for those of us hard-working central Texans who enjoy really good wine but who may, from time to time, need their wine dollars to stretch on out a bit.
$8.75 the bottle $89.28 the case
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2010 Hegarty Chamans Minervois № 2
Domaine de Chamans sits surrounded by garrigue and woodlandin the south-facing foothills of the Montaigne Noire in the Minervois appellation of southwestern France. Its isolation from any surrounding vineyards allows for the domaine’s non-interventionist, organic and biodynamic-based farming practices to have a maximum positive impact on their vines. The soils here are composed of limestone, clay and schist, and are worked and treated with organic matter to ensure the land has balance and energy. The advantage of clay is that it retains moisture – somewhat essential for enduring the baking summer sun of the Languedoc. The predominating Le Cers wind also assists in keeping the vines free of any excess of moisture, reducing the need for treatments. A small flock of sheep help keep the weeds down between the vines and provide natural fertilizer when mixed with other organic matter. And yes, there is a black sheep. Yields here are kept to around 25 hl/ha, well below what the appellation allows. The fruit is all hand-harvested. Fermentation begins with yeasts that are native and natural to the vineyard and takes place in a combination of small French oak barrels, large wooden foudres and concrete tank. The wine is bottled unfiltered according to the cycles of the moon. And the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Hegarty Chamans Minervois № 2 is a most compelling blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault. Aromas redolent of ripe fruit, say crushed ripe blue berries and bramble, currants and baking spices; rich and ripe and mouthfilling; way-concentrated in flavor; warm and robust and long and oh geez this stuff is just delicious ...
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
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2010 Rosso di Montalcino Il Poggione
A younger and more accessible Tuscan red from one of our favorite producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino is produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes handpicked from younger vines on the estate — a baby Brunello, if you will. Bright ruby red in color and decidedly red-fruited on the nose with aromas suggestive of red berry, tart cherry, saddle leather, sun-drenched underbrush and dusty earth; medium-full in body (fuller still with some air), almost velvety in texture with substantial fine, crisp dusty tannins and red-fruit flavors that burst with a kind of Mediterranean warmth toward the mouthwatering finish. Baby Brunello? Sure! But this Il Poggione Rosso is in and of itself an absolutely delicious Tuscan red wine! Regularly $22.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$19.99 the bottle $229.56 the case
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2009 Bodega Tacuil Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Viñas de Dávalos
From vineyards among the highest in elevation on planet Earth at just under 8,000 feet in Salta, Argentina. Bodega Tacuil also almost uniquely eschew the use of oak in their winemaking program, relying on a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from their very special terroir to communicate the blissful and most soulful remoteness of their situation. The wine is a lovely deep classic ruby in color with highly complex deep-pitched aromas suggestive of charred cherries, spiced plum and a fine winegrowing soil; a fine equilibrium on the palate, too, with poise and power and, at once, finesse and impressive length of flavor. ¡ Salta ! Regularly $100.00 the bottle, on sale now at:
$75.00 the bottle $450.00 the case of 6/750ml bottles
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2012 Côtes‑du‑Rhône Domaine de La Becassonne Blanc André BRUNEL
Domaine de la Becassonne is a small estate located near the village of Sorgue near Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône Valley. Planted in 1978, the property is solely dedicated to the production of white wine, a rarity in these parts. But with its cool micro-climate and sandy, limestone soils the tiny property is ideal for the production of this fresh, expressive white wine, an inspired mingling of about 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 20% Clairette. The vines are pruned for low yields of around 40 hectolitres per hectare. Each varietal is harvested separately as it reaches optimal ripeness, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The wine is bottled in late winter to early Spring following the vintage. Fresh aromas suggestive of orange blossom and tropical fruits; at once vibrant and delicately mineral, round, supple and caressing on the tongue; simply superb southern Rhône Valley white wine.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
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2012 Domaine de Pouy Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne
From the land of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers comes this keen-edged little number. Noted wine critic, Robert M. Parker, Jr., has called it 'among the greatest white wine values in the world.' Vivid and fresh of aroma, hinting at citrus, say ruby-red grapefruit and peach; light on its feet and low in alcohol, crisp, chalky dry, both tantalizing and refreshing, stirring the salivary glands something wonderful. Serve this one up well-chilled for cool early fall refreshment. While supplies last:
$7.99 the bottle $81.48 the case
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2011 Sancerre La Crêle THOMAS et Fils
Jean & Ginette THOMAS craft among our most favorite of the wines of Sancerre. Lovely, limpid, pale straw in color; fresh Sauvignon Blanc aromas that suggest perfectly ripe fruit harvested at its apogee of flavor and potency with suggestion of ripe melon, citrus and fine wildflower honey on a backdrop of cool rainwater on crumbled limestone; crisp and compelling on the tongue, with an almost palpable vibrant interplay of fruit and acidity; lots and lots of clean, delicious Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc flavor that just lasts and lasts and refreshes and refreshes...
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
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2011 Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur Lie Domaine de La Quilla
Produced from some 25 hectares of vines owned by Gérard and Daniel Vinet, located in the village of La Haye-Fouassière near Nantes, within the département of the Loire-Atlantique and within the region known as Sèvre et Maine, an area that lies between these two tributaries that flow northward to the river Loire. The wine is produced entirely from the Mélon de Bourgogne grape, also known as Muscadet. The fruit is hand-harvested, generally beginning in early September. The wine is kept on its lees and bottled in the spring following harvest. Ultra fresh, cool aromas suggest fresh green grapes grown on the mineral soils of schists, mica schists, gneiss and metamorphic amphibolites and under the influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean; lively, almost pétillant on the tongue, with a most refreshing crisp almost crunchy saline mineral intensity of flavor. An ideal companion to shellfish and most all lighter fare that calls for dry white wine and a brilliant foil for our late spring to early summer heat. And all at a price that, in our estimation, places this among the very best values of them all in dry white wine.
$9.99 the bottle $101.88 the case
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Questions? Comments? Orders?
Give us a call at (512) 499-0512, send us a fax at (512) 499-0531 or send us an e-Mail message.