Frederic Savart and Michel Sarrazin for the win
Well, last week we were talking about 90 degrees in April and sipping cool whites on the porch. And this week it feels like we’re back to our regularly scheduled crisp April program.
But, there’s hope yet! While last week’s warm weather was exciting for the 72 hours that it lasted, this week I’ve got something I’m even more excited about - a bunch of awesome allocated wines that we only get limited quantities of each year, and only if we’re nice to our importing and distributor partners. ;)
Wines like the ones we are about to discuss are tougher to get because the winemakers are only producing so many cases a year. That limited supply is then further chopped up amongst a high demand of very interested buyers and drinkers (restaurants take a lot of this stuff). But it’s not just the scarcity that makes allocated wines special – these are top notch wines made by highly sought after winemakers. But as you’ll see below, the price points can range.
So let’s get into it. This week we’ve got a very French theme (I’m not complaining though!) with some amazing Champagnes and Red Burgundy on offer: two different Premier Cru Champagnes from Fred Savart, and the long-awaited return of Michel Sarrazin’s Red Burgundies from two different appellations. Quantities are fairly limited, so you will want to grab these ASAP!
Two Premier Cru Champagnes from Frederic Savart
My number one – really only – rule for Champagne is to treat it like any other wine – drink it often and on any occasion. These are wines to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and with all sorts of food – not just to pop in celebration (ask me about Champagne and fried chicken). This week we’ve got two awesome Cru bottlings from Frederic Savart, a bonafide master winemaker and fellow wine geek.
Premier Cru, “L’Ouverture” $69
This is 100% Pinot Noir that’s got a bit of toast, but also full of apple, citrus, and a tinge of grapefruit (maybe.) This wine is young and hungry: full of bright dreamy-eyed energy that makes me want to drink this all Spring. Alas, I’ve only got 24 bottles to share with you.
Premier Cru, “L’Accomplie” $99
Roughly 80% Pinot Noir, backed up by 20% Chardonnay, this wine is built more for comfort than for speed. Packed with weighty nuttiness and richer red fruits, this wine belongs on your dinner table. Unlike the first wine, a portion of this cuvee pulls from the estate’s reserve wines, so this is the older, wiser counterpoint to the more youthful L’Overture. There are only 12 bottles of the L’Accomplie in-store.
The Return of Michel Sarrazin!
Since I’m getting a little long-winded here, I wrap it up with a brief public service announcement: the much-anticipated return of Michel Sarrazin to the shelves has occurred, and with two offerings: the 2021 Bourgogne Rouge for $35, and the 2021 Maranges for $43. If you know you know, and if you don't let's talk.
Ok, I’m still not done. If you’re into cool sh*t from the Loire Valley, I have a couple cases of Jerome Bretaudeau that just landed as well – inquire within.