2006 RIBERACH Synthese -- Please keep the discussion on topic. Off topic posts will be moved or deleted.
Riberach
Dear Friends,
I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend - I've complied anicelist of TNs from the festivities - some surprises and way toomanydisappointments. I will post them on the web site in afewdays.
To continue the holiday spirit and to start the most celebratory month oftheyear (December), think of this as a gift of sorts (ok, it'snotfree but it's almost half of what the US price will be) from oneofthe hottest newcomers on the French block - Riberach. With onlyafew vintages under their belt, the wines have become almost impossibletofind in Europe and there's something of an SQN-like buzz tothewinery (although the wine is completely different in style and farmoreclassic). Nestled into the Pyrenees foothills (1500ft) just southwestofPerpignan - you will hear a lot about this property in the years to comeasthey are not only producing some of the most expensive wines in the southbutthe terroir and results in the bottle are nothing short ofbrilliant.
From an incredible spot that seems half ancient history and halfmodernity,this new winery (known locally as "The Snail"for theirdistinct labels) has a near-perfect set of vineyards locateddirectly in thecooling tunnel of the mountain winds. With a radiantclimate, highelevation, the Tramontane winds and vines over 100 years of agethe stage hasbeen set for success that cannot be duplicated by manmadeintervention - thisis a one of a kind spot that mother nature created and itappears craftedsolely to capture the glory of the grape.
From very old Carignan (a la Priorat), 40-60 year old Syrah and a smallamountof old-vine Grenache (5-10%), the Synthese smells of class from thevery firstwhiff - a gorgeous cacophony of dried rosemary, thyme and mineralrich fruit -it has an extra dimension of tannin and sifted rock that sets itapart, adimension that appears to be imbedded in the most perfumed deep anddenseblack fruit. The varietal flavors are very pure and full dueto thestrong solar climate but also chiseled and restrained from the coolingwindand elevation - a combination that is enviable by many oftheirneighbors. Riberach believes it is the fossilized calcium anddriedthyme resin in the soil that makes their wine unique - both elementshavemade their way through channels in the solid granite over hundreds ofyears(or thousands in the case of the fossils) and are in direct contact withthevine root structure. If you've ever seen a blanketofcreeping thyme on patio rocks, imagine the same image in full purplebloomover a 5-acre parcel of 100 year old vines - dream-like is putting itmildlybut it gives evidential credence to their theory - one of themostspectacular and unique scenes I've been fortunate to passbefore myeyes.
While I applaud their hand-made efforts and the results cannot be denied, Idonot applaud their pricing - among the highest in the south(includingCdP). It will not be uncommon to see Riberach wines sellfor$60-70+ in the US which (in my opinion) is just too high. Irealizethe market dictates what is "fair" or not but Ilike$16.84 a whole lot better and the winery has agreed with me for thisparcel. If people can't taste the wine then what is thepoint? Idoubt many of you would open a wine on a whim if it carrieda $30-40 pricetag but at our price it invites experimentation and potentialfutureallegiance to their cause - now that's the sound ofsanity.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price
This parcel has impeccable provenance, directly from the cellarsatRiberach
2006 Riberach "Synthese"CotesCatalanes (Roussillon) -
Please give us your maximum number and we will allocateaccordingly
To order: niki@garagistewine.com
This wine arrives with impeccable provenance in late 2008/early 2009 -pleasecheck OARS. It will ship during the first available shippingwindow(weather permitting).
Out of state orders will be held for free under ideal storage conditions(56degrees/70%humidity) until shipping is possible. Locals may pickupat their leisure.
For current local pick up and arrival/ship information, please see yourOARSlink below (at the bottom of this offer) - don't know how toaccessyour OARS? Simply click the link and see your account. Youcan alsopaste the link into your browser. If you are having troublewithyour link or your account, please contact:support@garagistewine.com
NO SALES TO RETAILERS OR WHOLESALERS
Thank you,
Jon Rimmerman
Garagiste
Seattle, WA
SOFR8130