~ The Cahors Resurgence ~
Domaine la Calmette
Free Tasting in Store
with
Liz Carey (Vivant Selections)
August 1st
5.00—7.00pm
No booking required.
“Will, Nick, and I are thrilled to welcome Liz Carey to Le Tuffeau to introduce Domaine la Calmette.
Liz brought in the ‘Resurgences’ VDF Blanc from Maya Sallee back in May. I was simply astounded by the wine. It immediately settled as ‘the most interesting wine’ I have drunk all year, and it has not been unseated from that position. I was so enthused that I penned an effusive note. I still stand by those remarks.
I was charmed the other day, when a client visited, to find that he had actually visited Domaine la Calmette … and had shown Maya my note! Embarrassment ensued. Liz called not long after to confirm such, coincidentally, and to discuss doing a tasting. We naturally said yes.
I strongly urge you to attend to sample some of the most fascinating, complete, and kaleidoscopic wines being made in France (or anywhere) today.”
— David
—
On Tasting
Domaine la Calmette 2020 Vin de France Blanc 'Resurgences’
Domaine la Calmette 2020 Vin de France Rouge ‘Butte Rouge’
—
The note that inspired it all…
Domaine la Calmette 2020 Vin de France Blanc ‘Resurgences’
“An incredible and wild wine. A crest of VA adds tremendous lift and energy to a coruscating series of aromas: ripe yellow stone fruit, warm roofing tiles, crushed herbs, peach kernel and almond paste, ozone and petrichor, and dried apricot all vie for attention, shifting in and out of focus and leaving me a little bewildered. All of this is aromatically wrapped in aldehydic and oxidate notes, akin to some Jura and Rioja wines.
The palate is no less kaleidoscopic, almost hallucinatory. Again there is an unusual and difficult to describe structural feature to this wine that feels ‘avant-garde’ (in the manner of Chris Marker or Gerard Grisey); the flavours move in and out of focus, or come in waves of increasing intensity before tidally fading away. Distinct notes of flor and terracotta along with mossy rocks underscore a barrage of unusual and interesting flavours: dry earth, tidal wind, cut herbs, salted peach, cheese rind, dried honey. After one sip the finish is fresh with sea-spray and green apricot, bringing firm phenolics to bear. After another sip the finish feels dusty, firm with snapped chalk and sappy nuances, even some sweet & spicy tobacco (green Burmese cheroots).
This is a remarkable wine. I am fully aware it will not appeal to everyone. It is a challenge however that I have accepted and embraced. It is unlike any other wine I have tasted, especially structurally. Perhaps, given the cepage and oxidative handling, I sense a slight kinship with the whites of R. Lopez Heredia. But this is far out and I would think this wine should be taken on its own terms; seriously.”
— David
—
Free and unstructured: no bookings required!
If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.