The Latest from Cassis
The Latest from Cassis
by Anthony Lynch by Anthony Lynch
Clos Sainte Magdeleine Sampler
Clos Sainte Magdeleine Sampler
Normally $121.00 SPECIAL SAMPLER PRICE $96.00 (a 20% discount) |
This item does not take further discounts
If you’ve shopped with us at all since the late ‘70s, you have probably heard Kermit rave about Clos Sainte Magdeleine in Cassis. Looking back at old newsletter articles, it is evident that the breathtaking seaside view from the property, the invitingly crisp, sparkling cyan waters off the coast, and the local diet of fresh-caught seafood—often grilled over vine cuttings with vigneron François Sack—had become objects of his affection. He also mentions wine once or twice in those articles: a white, produced from varieties like Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc, that captures the sunshine, the sea, the stony vineyard soil, and the abundant wild herbs and flowers in beguiling fashion.
Much has changed since the ‘70s, and it’s time we fill you in on recent developments at Clos Ste. Magdeleine. The new winemaker, François’ son Jonathan, has made a point to explore the full potential of this seaside terroir, going organic in the vines and testing new techniques in the cellar that push the limits of what can be done in Cassis.
Cassis is well worth raving about, but the village is much more than a beautiful postcard or posh vacation destination: it is the source of seriously delicious whites and rosés. The recent changes at Clos Ste. Magdeleine make this property among the most exciting in southern France right now—these three sun-drenched, sea-infused new arrivals can certainly attest to that.
2018 Côtes de Provence Rosé $28
There is a brand new wine in the Clos Ste. Magdeleine portfolio! Perhaps the ultimate Mediterranean quaffer, this rosé is sourced from a parcel situated roughly halfway between Cassis and Bandol. The vineyard’s proximity to the sea lends this wine a salty finale that makes it right at home alongside the domaine’s other bottlings.
2018 Cassis Blanc $38
The 2018 vintage marks the first time the cellar has seen any wood, with two demi-muids having been introduced for fermentation and aging of the domaine’s flagship white. While it only represents a small percentage of the blend, the oak seems to contribute a lovely mid-palate weight, providing greater depth without losing any of the wine’s trademark nerve and salinity.
2017 Cassis Blanc “Bel-Arme” $55
Since 2012, Jonathan has isolated the domaine’s oldest vines—primarily Marsanne, planted on limestone terraces overlooking the Mediterranean—in the cuvée “Bel-Arme,” which is fermented and aged in concrete eggs. This unfined, unfiltered white is broad-shouldered and almost creamy in texture with a richness of terroir-driven aromatics, making it one of the most unique whites in southern France vintage after vintage. The just-released 2017 is no exception.
Normally $121.00 SPECIAL SAMPLER PRICE $96.00 (a 20% discount) |