HALOS DE JUPITER, CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, GIGONDAS, & VACQUEYRAS
RHÔNE VALLEY, FRANCE 2019
The wine world lost one of its luminaries at the end of last year: Philippe Cambie, whom Wine Spectator eulogized as "one of the most influential winemakers in the Southern Rhône Valley," and the consulting force behind the 21st century successes of Domaine Giraud, Les Cailloux, Clos St.-Jean, Domaine St.-Préfert, Vignobles Michel Gassier, and many others.
The region he knew and loved best was Châteauneuf Du Pape — he was often referred to as the Michel Rolland of the Rhône — and in tribute to this most esteemed of makers, who shaped our palates and in many ways defined our sense of the appellation, we bring you three selections from his personal label, Halos de Jupiter, where he showcased his Southern Rhône mastery: a CDP, a Vacqueryas, and a Gigondas, all from 2019, all gorgeous.
And all at a best price per bottle of 25% off market price.
Explaining Cambie's philosophy in working with clients, Gassier said, "He helped us make our wines, not his," and these wines are perfect illustrations. They speak in different tongues, and with a different point of emphasis, but they are fundamentally different expressions. If they have anything in common, beyond appellation, it is that they have so fully realized their potential.
Seamlessness was one of his calling cards, and it was evident right away in our tastings, in particular of the Châteauneuf du Pape. For this vintage, Cambie went with a mix of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre. All the grapes were destemmed and brought up in used 600-liter Burgundy barrels, giving the wine a wonderful purity and depth. Jeb Dunnuck, who has called Cambie a "superstar oenologue," gushed over it, lavishly detailing its bouquet: "lots of spiced red fruits, loamy soil, Provençal garrigue, and floral notes." In the glass, he noted "the ripe, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It’s already drinking nicely yet is capable of evolving for 10-15 years if stored correctly."
Dunnuck was equally high on the Vacqueyras, which he awarded 92-94 points. Again swooning over the bouquet ("ripe blue fruits, peppery herbs, lavender, and floral notes"), he singled out its "great mid-palate and ... structure," which should enable it to "evolve for a solid decade."
Last but not least we have the Gigondas, made from ancient, high-altitude plantings of Grenache (which makes up 90% of the blend) and Mourvèdre. In contrast to Cambie's handling of the CDP, the grapes were neither destemmed nor crushed, and it was fermented only with native yeasts and no SO2. To preserve its character, the wine was not fined or filtered. Dunnuck awarded another 92-94, noting its long-term potential, and hailing it as "classic" and "concentrated."
Three wines from one of the greats of our time. Three intense, expressive, pleasure-giving reds.
Our offer will last for one week only, so don't miss out on a great opportunity to stock your cellar with the best of Southern Rhône and celebrate the life-affirming work of a superlative craftsman and teacher.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring/Summer 2022. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, February 28, 2022.
