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The Form of Chardonnay

Murphy's Wine Shop - Thursday, November 29, 2012
Plato argued that the true essence of physical objects is their Form– the non-physical concept of that particular thing’s ideal.  In short, it’s really tough to actually make a perfect circle in the physical world, but we all know what a perfect circle should be – we understand it’s form.  I think certain wines can have a Form in Plato’s sense of the word.  Some perfect ideal of what they should be . . . where the fruit, acid, earth, and oak (if appropriate) exist in perfect harmony for that specific grape, and for that specific region.  In some respects, I think this is how we all evaluate wine – holding up each sip to some ideal experience that we somehow comprehend, but only exists somewhere in the ether.  For me thisForm is especially strong for the Chardonnay grape, and it’s particular incarnation found in the heart of Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune.  I can’t proclaim that today’s offer is a perfect Chardonnay, but it must be close to some archetype for modern,reasonably-priced Meursault, hinting at the universal, ethereal,Platonic Form.  This is a stunning Meursault from it’s own walled vineyard site, brand new to the Georgia market, and there are only a few cases available so please reply-to-reserve yours now.  I love this wine!

Chateau Genot-Boulanger Meursault
Clos Du Cromin 2009


Bottle Price: $69.99/bottle

Case Price: $59.82/bottle!!

You white Burgundy fans will rejoice at how delicious this wine is, and will appreciate that this is actually a great value. Toasted brioche, and hints of baked apple with a beautiful mineral character. Like most great Meursault, there is a richness set around a firm, acidic core that holds this tight on your palate, and hints at this wine’s longevity.  There’s a whiff of something not too different than the aroma of bird seed that sits gently alongside the oak character, lending complexity.  The finish is long, but in a clean, sophisticated way that makes each sip feel complete.  Like the satisfaction of finishing a jigsaw puzzle, but then all you want to do is start another one.  Drinkable now, but I would love to see how this evolves over the next decade.

There is very little of this wine made, and there’s only a few cases available in Georgia.  The wine will be here Friday, so pleasereply-to-reserve yours now.  This would be a great gift for wine nerds, or any Chardonnay fans on your shopping list (yourself included!) who want to experience what Burgundy is all about.

Please email me if you're interested in any of this beautiful Meursault!

Michael Kunz
Wine Consultant
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[email protected]
shop: (404)872-0904
twitter: @murphyswine

Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving Wine Pair? Try our 4-Packs

Murphy's Wine Shop - Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thanksgiving dinner can be a tad tricky for wine pairing.  From salty stuffing, to lean turkey breast, maybe some pig, cranberry sauce!, and whatever that weird dish only your family makes is, it's tough to pick a wine that covers them all . . . which is why picked 4!  And no, there's no Cabernet on the menu 'cause Cab doesn't really go too well with the standard Turkey Day fare!

We've hand selected TWO different 4-Packs this year - one at $89.99, and one at $49.99 to fit into everyone's budget. These are also incredible values with around $30 in savings for the higher end offer!

If you're interested in either of these, please email Michael, or call the wine shop (404)872-0904 to reserve yours! Pickups are scheduled to coincide with Murphy's Thanksgiving To Go pickup Wednesday, November 21st, the day BEFORE Thanksgiving.  However, special arrangements can be made for early pickup if necessary.

No substitutions please, but all wines are available individually and by the case - prices included below.

Here are the 4-Packs!

 **$89.99 THANKSGIVING 4-PACK**
($120 Value)

For a slightly more discerning crowd, this 4-Pack features some of our best-pairing house favorites.  2 dry whites (one a Murphy's Exclusive!), 1 medium body red, and 1 full-bodied red.
Best Value - Save 25%!!

1) Kuentz-Bas Pinot Gris 2009 - Alsace, France (**Murphy’s Exclusive!**)
Bottle Price: $23.99/bottle
Case Price: $20.50/bottle!!
I love Alsatian whites with Turkey dinner, and this is an incredible example of Alsatian Pinot Gris.  Focused, clean, refreshing, and loaded with Turkey-friendly mineral.  This laser beam will turn some heads!
2) Domaine Cherrier Sancerre 2011 – Loire Valley, France
Bottle Price: $29.99/bottle
Case Price: $25.63/bottle!!
Sancerre is one of the great homes of Sauvignon Blanc, and this is quintessential Sancerre!  Bright citrus, straw, honey, vibrant with flinty mineral and chalk.  This will perfectly cleanse the palate and keep you coming back for more. 
3) The Four Graces Pinot Noir 2010 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
Bottle Price: $28.99/bottle
Case Price: $24.78/bottle!!
91 Points Wine Spectator. Darker berries, toasty oak, vanilla, dried green herbs, meaty mineral, licorice, and a long, focused finish.  Beautiful, and just on the richer side of classy!
4) JC Cellars “The Impostor” – California 2009
Bottle Price: $36.99/bottle
Case Price: $31.62/bottle!!
This wine is all about Thanksgiving!  An amazing, juicy, intense blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier.  Still not sure I’ve tasted anyone on this wine yet who wasn’t blown away - 91 Points Wine Spectator: “Exotic and altogether distinctive, with aromas of smoky black cherry and Asian spice that lead to rich, lush flavors of huckleberry and date bread.”
 **$49.99 THANKSGIVING 4-PACK**
($60 Value)

An incredible value, this 4-Pack offers a wide variety of flavors for a tiny price tag.  Sweet Riesling (one of my family’s Thanksgiving staples), a vibrant, dry Alsatian white, a unique Italian treat from one of Southeastern Italy’s best producers, and one of the greatest value American reds we’ve seen all year.

1) Kiona Riesling 2011 – Washington
Bottle Price: $13.99/bottle
Case Price: $11.96/bottle!!
Kiona has been making Riesling in Washington for over 30 years!  Light, approachable, with a touch of sweetness.
2) Kuentz-Bas Alsace Blanc 2010 - Alsace, France
Bottle Price: $14.99/bottle
Case Price: $12.81/bottle!!
60% Sylvaner, 15% Pinot Auxerrois, 15% Chasselas, 10% Muscat.  This amazing blend offers the flavors of Alsace in an affordable package. This “little brother” to their Pinot Gris shows an enticing nose of citrus, smoke, and a great amount of acidity to keep your palate clean. 
3) La Quercia Aglianico 2011 – Puglia, Italy
Bottle Price: $15.99/bottle
Case Price: $13.67/bottle!!
This is a rare example of an Aglianico made in a fresh, immediate style.  A stunning wine we pre-ordered specifically for Thanksgiving. Intriguing plum and white pepper on an approachable, yet structured frame.  Just a beautiful wine from the master of Montepulciano.
4) House of Independent Producers Bacchus Vineyard Merlot 2010 – Columbia Valley, Washington
Bottle Price: $15.99/bottle
Case Price: $13.67/bottle!!
Single vineyard Merlot!  From the sustainably-farmed Bacchus vineyard.  Seriously, one of the best values in American merlot!  Focused herbed red fruit, coffee, chocolate, graphite, and earth.