2250 Central St., Dock F - Richmond, CA 94801 - ph 510.234.EURO (3876) - fax 510.234.3875 - sales@europeanwineresource.com
BROWSE OUR WINES
Please select one of the three options below.
2000 Calon-Segur
Offered at $96 per bottle.
Old connoisseurs know that well made bottles of Calon Segur can offer up some of the most profound and enjoyable wines in the world. Robert Parker has given this wine a 94 points, it’s second highest score for Calon Segur. Only the 1928 and 1947 were rated higher at 96 points. He describes this wine, “ As a dense, traditionally crafted wine, that rivals the estate's finest wines of the last two decades, the 1995, 1988, and 1982. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc exhibits an opaque plum/purple color along with gorgeous aromas of creosote intermixed with black cherries, cassis, licorice, and stony, liquid minerals. Full-bodied and opulent, it possesses abundant tannin, but it is well-concealed by the wealth of fruit, glycerin, and intensity.” Our own comparison is to the 1955. Although these are extremely rare bottles, examples of the 1955 are still lush and fruity reminiscent of rose oil as it pours from the decanter.
Our stock arrived in May, 2003 has been maintained in original wooden cases in impeccable temperature and humidity-controlled cellars. We will be offering a limited portion at this price.
1995 Sammarco - Castello di Rampola
Offered at $52 per bottle.
Super Tuscan wines are Tuscan red wines that do not adhere to traditional blending laws for the region. They often use foreign varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, thus making them ineligible for DOC(G) classification. Interestingly, many of these wines such as Sassicaia, Tignanello and Solaia have become the most prized and sought after wines of Italy and have reached cult status among collectors in the USA.
Sammarco, produced by Castello dei Rampola, is a Super Tuscan super star that is still somewhat undiscovered. From vintage-to-vintage Sammarco can boast anywhere from a 70% to 95% Cabernet and the remaining percentages are polished with Sangiovese. By having a greater percentage of Cabernet than many other popular Super Tuscans, Sammarco is even more extraordinary and unique to the palate, often rivaling the famed Sassicaia in complexity.
Castello dei Rampola’s Sammarco is continuously recognized by Robert Parker and earned 92 points in a fine review in the Wine Advocate #124. This vintage, in particular, is mature enough to drink now, but is well suited for aging and can be enjoyed for the next two decades. Drink 2003 - 2020+
NEWS
Sauternes…
On the left bank of the Garrone, and just to the south of the great estates of Chateau Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion (also known for their great white wines), lie the five villages in Graves that make the exquisite sweet white wines known collectively as Sauternes. They include Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Fargues, and Bommes.
This region is located near a small cold water spring called the Cérons, which meets the warmer waters of the Garrone to create the misty conditions, that help breed the “noble rot” that separates these wines from those of the rest of the world. It’s a fungus that ruptures the grape skins in the late summer, predisposing the grapes to desiccation. Thus, the wines are viscous or honey-like, often with hints of apricots and pineapples. These delicious wines are also high in alcohol and acid, allowing them to age almost indefinitely. Sauternes are primarily made with the Semillon grape, along with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
It is difficult to make Sauternes. The rot must be of just the right level, and only the most affected grapes can be picked, thus the yield for the wine from Sauternes is reduced substantially. Considered the most prestigious Chateau, Chateau D’Yquem, actually harvests one berry at a time, and only after they have reached ultimate perfection. While most Bordeaux vineyards claim to produce one bottle per vine, Chateau D’Yquem is reputed to produce one glass per vine, and perhaps even less in a dry year.
French Sauternes will always be considered one of the great treasures of the earth and understandably expensive. Chateau D’Yquem, considered the First “Great Growth” (from the Bordeaux Classification of 1855), is the benchmark for French Sauternes, and is frequently offered at the pre-release price of $200-300 per bottle.
Other producers, however, have become increasingly competitive both in quality and price. Within the 1885 Classification, there are a significant number of First Growths (Premiers Crus), which are also notable and prized, but trade at one quarter the price of Chateau D’Yquem. These include Chateau Climens, Rieussec (owned by Chateau Lafite Rothschilds), Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Gilette and several others. The leading production at Chateau Gilette or the “Gilette Crème de Tete,” is particularly unusual in that it is kept “en reserve” for roughly 20 years prior to its release.
Lastly, there are a large number of Sauternes that are from the “petite” Chateau or surrounding regions, for example Mascaron par Ginestet, which can fit any man’s budget and always provide a memorable experience.
Cin-Cin!!!
On the left bank of the Garrone, and just to the south of the great estates of Chateau Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion (also known for their great white wines), lie the five villages in Graves that make the exquisite sweet white wines known collectively as Sauternes. They include Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Fargues, and Bommes.
This region is located near a small cold water spring called the Cérons, which meets the warmer waters of the Garrone to create the misty conditions, that help breed the “noble rot” that separates these wines from those of the rest of the world. It’s a fungus that ruptures the grape skins in the late summer, predisposing the grapes to desiccation. Thus, the wines are viscous or honey-like, often with hints of apricots and pineapples. These delicious wines are also high in alcohol and acid, allowing them to age almost indefinitely. Sauternes are primarily made with the Semillon grape, along with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
It is difficult to make Sauternes. The rot must be of just the right level, and only the most affected grapes can be picked, thus the yield for the wine from Sauternes is reduced substantially. Considered the most prestigious Chateau, Chateau D’Yquem, actually harvests one berry at a time, and only after they have reached ultimate perfection. While most Bordeaux vineyards claim to produce one bottle per vine, Chateau D’Yquem is reputed to produce one glass per vine, and perhaps even less in a dry year.
French Sauternes will always be considered one of the great treasures of the earth and understandably expensive. Chateau D’Yquem, considered the First “Great Growth” (from the Bordeaux Classification of 1855), is the benchmark for French Sauternes, and is frequently offered at the pre-release price of $200-300 per bottle.
Other producers, however, have become increasingly competitive both in quality and price. Within the 1885 Classification, there are a significant number of First Growths (Premiers Crus), which are also notable and prized, but trade at one quarter the price of Chateau D’Yquem. These include Chateau Climens, Rieussec (owned by Chateau Lafite Rothschilds), Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Gilette and several others. The leading production at Chateau Gilette or the “Gilette Crème de Tete,” is particularly unusual in that it is kept “en reserve” for roughly 20 years prior to its release.
Lastly, there are a large number of Sauternes that are from the “petite” Chateau or surrounding regions, for example Mascaron par Ginestet, which can fit any man’s budget and always provide a memorable experience.
Cin-Cin!!!