2010 Pre-Arrival Offer Domaine A-F Gros

Domaine A-F Gros is one of the first to provide us with pricing for the 2010 vintage. I tasted the wines in barrel in November 2011 and was delighted with the quality. The wines are fresh and balanced and will cellar very nicely.

The domaine has been receiving great praise of late with Clive Coates scoring the 2008 Richebourg 20/20 (alongside La Romanee-Conti and above La Tache) and Burghound awarding the 2009 Richebourg 93-96 Points and 2009 Echezeaux 92-94 Points (both were included in his “42 Don’t Miss Wines” in issue 42).

Production at the domaine in 2010 is down 30%-50%. Despite the reduced volumes I have a good quantity of wines to offer.

However, to obtain the Grand Crus I must purchase the equivalent value in Premier Cru and Villages wines. So I must ask my clients to do the same. This is not so bad as the domaine produces a delightful range of terrific Vosne- Romanee lieu-dits as well as numerous interesting Villages wines.

Our Pre-Arrival Prices represent a saving of around 15% on all wines. The wines will be bottled early spring (our time) and will be shipped as soon as possible after that.

This is a new Domaine for us and we also have some 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 wines available at Pre-Arrival prices. These are listed at the end of this offer. They will be shipped in March 2012. A Little Background

Anne-Francoise is the daughter of Jean and Jeanine Gros (Domaine Jean Gros) and when the family domaine was split upon her father’s retirement in 1996, Anne-Francoise, along with her brothers Michel and Bernard, received some tremendous parcels of land. All three have their own domaines and run independently. Another Gros, Anne (in Vosne-Romanee), is a cousin.

Anne-Francois married Francois Parent who had inherited vineyards in Pommard. Today, after the purchase of more vineyards, the husband and wife domaines work alongside each other and present a treasure of appellations from both the Cote du Nuits and Cote du Beaune. 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Richebourg Usual Price $595.00 Pre-Arrival Price $505.00

One of the top wines of the vintage in recent years. From two parcels totalling just 0.60 ha - 0.34 ha in Les Richebourgs and 0.26 ha in Les Veroilles.

The 2010 screams Richebourg. The wine is red-black and very complex on the nose with berries, violets and spice. Tremendous length on the palate. It embodies the iron first in a velvet glove. It is all about power without weight.

Jancis Robinson: This has the extra something you look for from grand crus – a matchless level of complexity in the flavour. Very drinkable now. Eloquent. Refreshing, perfumed, sophisticated. 19+ Points

David Allen MW: Notes of leather and cocoa combine with intense, ripe red fruits on a wonderfully complex nose. The wine displays lovely freshness, fine tannins and extremely ripe red-fruit notes that are quite high toned. For all its richness the wine is the only one of the line-up to seem slightly closed at present. The alcohol is in balance with the fruit and the finish is long and harmonious, but this clearly has much more to offer as it matures. 94-96+ Points

The 2009 scored 93-96 in Burghound and along with the Lucien Le Moine were the only two Richebourg featured in Burghound’s “Don’t Miss” List in issue 42. Destined to be a classic in 2010.

2010 Domaine A-F Gros Echezeaux Usual Price $265.00 Pre-Arrival Price $225.00

The domaine owns 0.26 ha in the climat of Champs-Traversins. Here the vines are planted counter to the slope on shallow topsoil over fractured bedrock. The wines are more elegant than most Echezeaux with finer tannins.

This is quite an elegant Echezeaux with lovely feel and superb fine tannins. It is very limited and I suggest early consideration to secure some of this wine. The 2009 was one of Burghound’s top four from the appellation and sold out before we became agents for A-F Gros.

Jancis Robinson: Great clarity of fruit here, complete and brilliant. Very little complexity to speak of now, but you can be sure it's coming. This has preening, self-assured potential. 17.5+ Points

David Allen MW: The ripe fruit aromas have a lovely fresh leafy edge. The palate has a nice concentration of fine tannins that are initially supple, but give good grip at the finish tannins and ripe red fruit flavours. The palate has a mouth-watering freshness at first that then gives way to an attractive richness, ripeness and warmth on the long finish. 94-96 Points

2010 Domaine A-F Gros Pommard 1er Cru Les Chanlins Usual Price $149.00 Pre-Arrival Price $126.00

Located on the border with Volnay, adjoining the Volnay vineyard with the same name. The slope here is steep and the soil includes more chalk than most of the clay-based sites in Pommard. The result is a finer wine with more acidity. Blackcurrants, blackberry and musk over firm but fine tannins. 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Pommard 1er Cru Les Pezerolles Usual Price $149.00 Pre-Arrival Price $126.00

Pezerolles is just above Epenots. The slope includes white marl and produces a Pommard of more finesse than usual.

Deep garnet. Firm but fine tannins. Mineral and persistant with delightful balance. Fine for Pommard without the meaty notes that dominate some of the vineyards where there is more clay in the soil. You can see the merits of 2010 here. Very stylish.

Jancis Robinson: Some leatheriness on the nose, and a really mouthfilling fruit. Fine tannins, great structure and a long, forceful finish. 17.5 Points

David Allen MW: Hints of smoky bacon enrich the delicate red fruits on the nose. The plate displays lovely sweet ripe, supple soft red fruit character that finishes with good grip from lovely fine tannins. There is a good weight of fruit on the persistent, fresh finish which persists well. 92-93 Points

2010 Domaine A-F Gros Beaune 1er Cru Les Boucherottes Usual Price $105.00 Pre-Arrival Price $89.00

Boucherottes is located near the Pommard border but surprisingly produces a fruity style of wine without hard tannins. The earth here is supple, very fine and quite red in color. The yield from the old vines here is very small. The regularity of this cru is quite remarkable.

Red-blue pinot fruit of serious style and body. A very smart wine from Beaune, a commune that is starting to produce some very exciting wines at reasonable prices. Like all good reds from Beaune this merits some time in the cellar.

Jancis Robinson: Wonderful red fruit clarity with that Burgundy savouriness and the perfect dose of oak. Debonair, classy and poised. 17.5 Points

David Allen MW: This is a slightly chunkier and more four-square wine than any of its predecessors. The nose adds cocoa and chocolate aromas to the vibrant aromas of soft red fruits typical of A-F Gros wines. The palate is silky smooth at first then gains bite at the finish. The fine yet firm tannins surround a core of deep rich red fruits. The alcohol is balanced to warm and the finish is very long. 93 Points 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Beaune 1er Cru Les Montrevenots BLANC Usual Price $105.00 Pre-Arrival Price $89.00

Montrevenots is located high on the slope above the famous Beaune Clos des Mouches vineyard on the Pommard border. The soil is very stony and produces floral, elegant wines. 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Chambolle-Musigny Usual Price $105.00 Pre-Arrival Price $89.00

From vineyards totalling 39 ares, divided into several parcels with different localities: Frémières, Le Pas de Chat, Derrière le Four, Les Athets. The parcels are fermented together.

Lovely depth of colour. An aromatic nose leads to a rich, softer, rounder palate typical of the appellation (when compared to Pommard or Beaune). Still retains the minerality that makes 2010 so special. A really lovely example of what Chambolle should produce.

Jancis Robinson: Juicy red fruit, quite primary and juvenile. Enjoyable. 16.5+ Points

David Allen MW: Lovely fresh red fruits aromas have a pleasant, lifted green note. The palate is delicious, a typical Chambolle Musigny with delicate red fruit flavours, superbly fine rounded tannins, lovely balance and good intensity and length. The finish has surprisingly good grip. 95-96 Points

2010 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Clos de la Fontaine Monopole Usual Price $109.00 Pre-Arrival Price $92.50

From a parcel of 35 ares.

One of the strengths of the A-F Gros range are the three Vosne-Romanee Lieu-dits.

Clos de la Fontaine is a beautifully balanced wine with all the spice you would expect from Vosne-Romanee. Not a big wine but one that expresses the style and class of Vosne-Romanee with its bright, mineral infused flavours of berry and earth.

Jancis Robinson: Syrupy red cherry fruit, gentle tannins, bit of forest floor, supple and light with charming daintiness. 17 Points

David Allen MW: This is a typical Vosne Romanée, combining richness with suppleness, power and elegance. Ripe, juicy red fruits on the palate and supple, fine tannins are given a bite by leafy notes on the finish. The wine has lovely poise, its acidity is fresh and the alcohol in balance with the mid weight fruit. The finish has good length and definition. 94-95 Points 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Aux Reas Usual Price $109.00 Pre-Arrival Price $92.50

The extension of the Premier Cru Clos des Reas (a monopole of the brother Michel). It gives a wine of structure and powerful aromas. A charmer, round and velvety with lots of character.

A little darker and deeper than the Clos de la Fontaine. On the plate this is fuller and richer with lots of berries and some terrific spice notes. Mid weight palate with great finishing acidity. Will blossom with a little time in the cellar.

Jancis Robinson: Toasty, almost charred nose and then a surprisingly vivacious fruitiness on the palate. Sour cherry, sap, perhaps a bit of stalkiness. Fine tannins. 17.5 Points

David Allen MW: A restrained red fruit nose leads to a palate of divine, supple, silky-soft tannins, vibrant red fruit flavours and mouth-watering freshness that lingers superbly on a long finish. This wine has effortless poise. 95-96 Points

2010 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Aux Maizieres Usual Price $109.00 Pre-Arrival Price $92.50

This village appellation vineyard is located at the foot of the Grands- Echezeaux, close to Clos-Vougeot. A wine of velvety elegance and finesse that ages harmoniously.

The most exotic of the three Vosnes. This wine always displays cassis, soy, plum, hoisin and red berry notes. Sound like some other Vosne-Romanee/Flagey-Echezeaux wines you know that sell for quite a deal more? Mineral and fine on the finish. Buy some, you will be happy!

Jancis Robinson: Earthy nose with a ripe redcurrant fruit and quietly confident tannic line. Moderate concentration, fresh acid. Backward - definitely needs time. 17+ Points

David Allen MW: Delicious and ethereal from the outset with fine aromas, fresh acidity, balanced alcohol, lovely depth and superb balance. 93-94 Points

2010 Domaine A-F Gros Savigny-le-Beaune 1er Cru Les Clos des Guettes Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $80.50

Jasper Morris says A-F Gros is an excellent source for this wine on the upper slope facing south.

Superb freshness on the nose and palate. I always find Savigny attractive as it displays great minerality and acidity. This is no exception. Lovely vibrant palate with fine tannins and excellent length. This appellation has received Burghound’s Sweet Spot award for the last five vintages. I am sure this will make it six in a row.

Jancis Robinson: Minty, herbal notes and a really attractive grip on the finish. Nutmeg spice, redcurrant – all sorts going on in here. Ably shows Pinot's breadth. 17 Points 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Usual Price $46.50 Pre-Arrival Price $39.50

From a parcel located on a very well exposed small hill with the forest behind, which protects it from strong winds. The vines are planted so they follow the slope and contours of the small hill. This layout permits vines to be planted on steep slopes without the risk of erosion of the soil. Generous and robust, full-bodied and round, it combines engaging berry aromas with real strength.

This is a lovely wine and a good step up from most regular Bourgogne.

Jancis Robinson: Meat juice, bit of blood, whip-smart acid. Great fruit, but not quite so complex as the basic Bourgogne rouge. 16 Points 2010 Domaine A-F Gros Bourgogne Pinot Noir Usual Price $43.50 Pre-Arrival Price $36.95

An attractive Bourgogne of finesse. Aromas of raspberries, strawberries and a little earth. Fine tannins. Chambolle in style.

Jancis Robinson: Classy mineral and smoke nose, packs a good punch for a Bourgogne. Finely-ground tannins, light body, great complexity for drinking now – fine red fruit and lengthy smoke and vegetal aromas too.

David Allen MW: The wine has a vibrant medium to pale ruby colour, with perfumed red soft fruits and slightly smoky aromas on the nose. The palate is ethereal – it has light to mid weight with sweet red fruit flavours and a lovely soft supple texture. The wine manages to be both mouth-wateringly fresh and possess surprising richness. There is a delightful balance between the wine’s alcohol, fruit and fresh acidity. There is a long clean finish. This wine sets the tone superbly for the whole A–F Gros range. 91-92+ Points Other A-F Gros Vintages also Available: Includes the lovely 2009’s and an array of Richebourg!

2008 Domaine A-F Gros Richebourg. Burghound 91-94. Usual Price $499.00 Pre-Arrival Price $424.00 2007 Domaine A-F Gros Richebourg. Burghound no note. Usual Price $469.00 Pre-Arrival Price $399.00 2006 Domaine A-F Gros Richebourg. Burghound 91-93. Usual Price $469.00 Pre-Arrival Price $399.00 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Echezeaux. Burghound 91-93. Usual Price $225.00 Pre-Arrival Price $190.00 2007 Domaine A-F Gros Echezeaux. Burghound no note. Usual Price $225.00 Pre-Arrival Price $190.00 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles. Burghound no note. Usual Price $149.00 Pre- Arrival Price $126.00 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles. Burghound no note. Usual Price $120.00 Pre- Arrival Price $102.00 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Beaune 1er Cru Boucherottes. Burghound no note. Usual Price $105.00 Pre- Arrival Price $89.00 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Chambolle-Musigny. Burghound 89-91. Usual Price $105.00 Pre-Arrival Price $89.00 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Beaune 1er Cru Boucherottes. Burghound no note. Usual Price $85.00 Pre- Arrival Price $72.00 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Clos de la Fontaine Monopole. Burghound 87-89. Usual Price $109.00 Pre-Arrival Price $92.50 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Clos de la Fontaine Monopole. Burghound 87-89. Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $80.50 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Aux Reas. Burghound 89-91 Sweet-Spot Wine. Usual Price $109.00 Pre-Arrival Price $92.50 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Aux Reas. Burghound 87-89. Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $80.50 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Aux Maizieres. Burghound 88-91. Usual Price $109.00 Pre- Arrival Price $92.50 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Vosne-Romanee Aux Maizieres. Burghound 86-89. Usual Price $95.00 Pre- Arrival Price $80.50 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Clos des Guettes. Burghound 89-92 Sweet-Spot Wine. Usual Price $95.00 Pre-Arrival Price $80.50 2008 Domaine A-F Gros Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Clos des Guettes. Burghound 89-91 Sweet-Spot Wine. Usual Price $85.00 Pre-Arrival Price $72.00 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits. Burghound 86-88. Usual Price $46.50 Pre- Arrival Price $39.50 2009 Domaine A-F Gros Bourgogne Pinot Noir. Burghound 86-88. Usual Price $43.50 Pre-Arrival Price $36.95

Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au [email protected]