Two Rare & Unique Rosés - from Marie Courtin & Bryan Deleu
04/08/2024
I am pleased to offer two special and very unique wines, perfect for the summer:
Bryan Deleu, the rising star of St Joseph, bought a tiny plot of old vine St Joseph planted in 1954.
In this plot he discovered to his disbelief that two row's of Merlot had been planted. He decided to make a rosé with these old vines of Merlot, before replanting them with Syrah. These two row's made a tiny production of 600 bottles, and the wine is a phenomenally complex, fresh and uniquely flavoured rosé. We bought as much as we could after trying it, and Bryan quite regretted replanting those Merlot vines, and having drank up his last bottles he even asked to buy some bottles back from us!
Bryan Deleu Aparte Rose 2022
£120 per case of 6 bt In Bond (min. order 2 cases)No tasting note
Dominique Moreau, of Marie Courtin, made her first vintage of rose in 2009.
The wine - named 'Indulgence' - sat for eleven years on it's lees, before being disgorged in 2020. There was very little sulphur added, and this is evident in the deep red fruit profile, which is pure griotte cherries. It undoubtably has the essence of Pinot Noir and is similar to a red Burgundy with bubbles. It's authentic, fascinating to taste and is in a perfect spot to drink now. If you enjoy mature rosé Champagne, then you will love this.
£450 per case of 6 bt In Bond
93/100 Antonio Galloni:
'The 2009 Extra Brut Rosé Indulgence, a library release, is showing beautifully today. Candied red cherry, cedar, tobacco, cinnamon, mint, licorice and earthy notes are all signs of a Champagne that is now fully mature. The 2009 has aged beautifully, but at eleven years of age, it is now definitely ready to drink. I would not push my luck on aging, both because the 2009 is so expressive now and because it won't improve. Readers who want to know what saignée Rosé tastes like with age will find a fabulous example here.'