I apologise for the late contribution and I certainly hope this small token arrives in time for your celebration at the Golden Masque (where these will be directly delivered to your name).
On behalf of the Saint Croix family from Auvergne and the La Croix wineries, I am happy to present you a gift of three cases for your tasting pleasure:
La Croix Doule dos '96 - Grand Vin de Stomeve
Auvergne A.O.C. - Dom Alexandre '86 - Brut
M-Class - Rébellion de l'année 114 - by Charles St. Croix
With kind regards,
Catherine Delorois
La Croix Doule dos '96
Grand Vin de Stomeve
Apéllation d'Origine Stomeve Contrôlée - Château St. Croix
Mise en boteille au Château
The vineyards at the banks of the Stomeve river date back to Garoun Empire times. As a family winery, we understand that growing wine in the cradle of wine making tradition is not a privilege but a rare honour, which we strive to uphold.
Tasting notes (Bouchard, YC 113): "Ruby red, fruity nose with chocolate and berry notes. Strong, yet well-rounded tannins attest to a fair blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Hueromont Creux. A wine on the cusp of something great."
(Personal note: as you can see from the label, La Croix did not expect the environment in Lumi to take a hit as it did during the war. While unfortunate, house St. Croix remains determined that Stomeve wines' best days lay ahead and not behind. In the meantime, please enjoy this 20-year old red - Quin)
Auvergne A.O.C.
Dom Alexandre '86
Brut
Méthode Champenoise
Made according to ancient traditional methods, passed generation to generation. Carefully transforming red grapes into clear white wine, caring for retention of natural sugars and secondary fermentation result in a prestige Auvergne with unique character.
A glass of sparkling Auvergne is synonymous with cheer and celebration, of coming of age, of success, of committing to a special someone. We invite you to join in the cheer. This is the wine, the toast is yours to make.
Tasting notes (de Cortanze, YC 115): "The '86 vintage remains one of the more unusual Alexandres in the last four decades. Not as powerful as the 82 and not as focused as 90, this vintage holds its own with a seductive character and finesse that hints, but will not tell. Citrus and peaches at first, pineapple and ginger notes when aired. If you seek to subtly enhance an occasion and make it unforgettable without overpowering, this is it. No, it is not a spotlight - it is ambience light."
M-Class
Rébellion de l'année 114
by Charles St. Croix
The wayward son of the family is back with a vengeance. Recognising the three elements of winemaking: climate, terroir and wine, young Charles St. Croix set out a few years ago to prove a Grand Wine could be grown under the red glow of an M-Class sun, in regions previously shunned by traditional winemakers and, fittingly, this bottle comes from Metropolis. His rebellion succeeded; you hold the result in your hands.
Tasting notes (Ego, YC 115): "M-Class? Unexpected. Tannins should be way off the scale under a red sun but they are not, there is balance here; this should be diluted and fruity, yet shows complexity and is intense enough to hold its own. I would love to know how Charles did it - congratulations! Fruity, yes, but also chocolate and leather. And pepper, like a Syrah. 115 may be too early to declare success, but I expect great things of this vintage as it ages in years to come."