Nick Dobson Wines  
  [ Home ] [ Up ] [ Online Shop ] [ Terms & Conditions, Contact Details ] [ Search ] [ View Cart ] [ Checkout ] [ Send us an E-mail ]  

Introduction
£50 6-bottle and £99 12-bottle Cases
Special Offers
French Wines
Swiss Wines
Austrian Wines
German Wines
New Zealand
ASDW Cases
special
Bin Ends
Other Mixed Cases
Wines of the Month


 





Online Catalogue  >  Swiss Wines  >  Vaud - Lavaux

Lavaux (Vaud)
 
The Lavaux is a narrow strip of terrain stretching for about 30km along the northern shores of Lake Geneva from the Chateau de Chillon, just south of Montreux, to the eastern suberbs of the city of Lausanne.  It includes some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery of any winegrowing district in Switzerland, and possibly in the world, with steep terraced vineyards - sometimes with terraces only 3 or 4 rows of vines wide - plunging down from the villages on the hillside above the lake right to the water's edge. This is the heart of the Vaud, and is a region rich in culture, tradition, and history, with the origins of many of these man-made vineyards, hewn from the hillside over the centuries, directly traceable to the holdings of the great Cistercian Monasteries of the middle ages. The vast majority of the production here is of Chasselas-based whites; the chalky limestone soils, with underlying alkaline earth, are ideal for the Chasselas. The climate too is benevolent - the mean temperature is the mildest in Switzerland, influenced by the moderating effects of the lake, and heat reflected from the lake and radiated by the stone walls of the terraces. These ideal growing conditions produce, especially in the communes of Chardonne, Dézaley, St. Saphorin, and Épesses, superb wines which reflect the zenith of quality possible from Chasselas. Lavaux whites vary in style from commune to commune, but in general will be floral, dry, with a smoky nose of gunpowder and flint. Some growers experiment also with other white varieties including Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, and a small amount of Lavaux red wine is also made from varieties such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah. 
Vertiginous vineyards between St. Saphorin and Dézelay.
Lake Geneva seen from Chardonne, Lavaux. In St. Saphorin village... Dézelay
 Geneva  Valais  Vaud (Lavaux)  Vaud (Chablais)  Vaud (La Côte)  Ticino  Graubunden  Other Swiss Sampler Cases 

The Great Lavaux Hailstorm of July 2005

On the 18th July 2005, a catastrophic hailstorm hit the vineyards of the Lavaux district, with devastating effects to a significant percentage of the vines. The worst of the damage was to the vineyards of St. Saphorin, but also affected were Chardonne, Corseaux, and some other nearby wine villages. Many growers have simply not bothered trying to make their full ranges of wine in 2005 as the damage was so serious, whilst others have soldiered on and have made much-reduced quantities where there were sufficient undamaged vines. Some growers are buying grapes from elsewhere in the region and are making a substitute wine (not carrying the normal AOC) in 2005.The net effect is that a much-reduced quantity of 2005 vintage wines from AOC St. Saphorin, Chardonne, and Corseaux will be available. Where it is sold, inevitably scarcity means that prices will rise. This effect is being seen also for earlier vintages, where demand has increased due to the lack of a normal 2005 crop.

What have we done? To ensure ongoing availability for our customers, we have bought additional supplies of the excellent 2004 wines as these are still generally available, albeit at slightly higher prices. Some growers, such as Bovard, would not in any case release their 2005 wines this year, so the effects on their ranges will not be seen just yet. Whether we will offer any 2005 wines from the affected communes in 2006 remains to be seen, although it seems unlikely as I write this in March 2006.

So you can still enjoy wines from the Lavaux - and we encourage you to look also at our ranges from the Valais and other regions such as Chablais - where 2005 wines were made quite normally and will be available in due course.

St. Saphorin - White

Saint Saphorin AOC 2004
Association Vinicole de Corseaux
 Ref: 412000
£
This wine is made from Chasselas grapes grown at the very centre of the Saint-Saphorin appellation, in the commune of Chexbres, on sandy-limestone soils. A pale yellow with golden tinges, this wine has an aromatic smoky earthy nose. On the palate it is full-bodied and rich, typical of the appellation. Keeps 4 years; drink at 10-12°C with cheese and fish dishes.

Click on MORE for a tasting note by Tom Cannavan

THIS WINE NOT BEING MADE IN 2005

Tiny stock remains.

 



Price:  £13.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Saint Saphorin AOC 2004<BR>Association Vinicole de Corseaux

Quantity:


Saint Saphorin AOC 2003
L'Archevesque
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412001
*
This wine is from terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva, with shale, sediment, and gravel soils, with an average slope of 30°; everything is done manually. Vine density 12,000/ha, yield 1.2 kg/vine. Alcoholic + malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, then spends 8-10 months in oak.

A very pale green-yellow, with a nose of complex tropical fruits, white flowers, peardrops, and hints of smoke and spice. On the palate it has a creamy texture, with good body and both fruit (dominant) and minerals; slightly herbal, honey and almonds yet very dry, and with some smokiness. Good length, very dry mineral finish. Drink around 12°-13°, accompanies freshwater fish and fresh cheeses well.

LIMITED STOCK - and to make matters worse there will be no 2005 vintage of this wine, as the Archevesque vineyard was severely damaged by a terrible hailstorm in July 2005. We were unable to obtain any 2004 - which was sold out - and the next vintage is 2006, not available until some time in 2007. 



Price:  £17.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Saint Saphorin AOC 2003<BR>L'Archevesque<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:


Saint Saphorin Fumé 2003
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412015
* *
A pale golden yellow, reflecting the late harvesting of these grapes. The nose has flint, toast and woodsmoke. On the palate there is masses of juicy sappy friuit, slightly off-dry, and with flavours of honey, peardrops, gooseberry, and grapefruit. Long, bright finish. Only about 5,000 bottles made each year. Spends 9-10 months in oak. Complex and powerful, a really lovely wine.
 



Price:  £19.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Saint Saphorin Fumé 2003<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:


St. Saphorin - Red

Saint Saphorin Cuvée Louis 2003
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412013
* *


A blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Gamay.

TN in preparation.

Now in stock. 



Price:  £21.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Saint Saphorin Cuvée Louis 2003<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:


Chardonne - White

Chardonne AOC 2004
La Chapelle
Association Vinicole de Corseaux
 Ref: 412002
£
A Chasselas from grapes grown in the commune of Corseaux, in an area known as "Sous La Chapelle", on shallow sandy limestone soils, and with full exposure to the sun.

A bright golden yellow, with a complex spicy mineral nose, with a nose of cracked peapods, freshly ground white pepper, hints of citrus, and peardrops. On the palate it is racy, dry and fruity, with hints of citrus and a creamy texture, with peardrops, smoke, and gravel. Long earthy dry mineral finish. Keeps up to 4 years, but improves during the first year in bottle. Chill and drink on its own or with meats, cheeses, and freshwater fish. Goes brilliantly with filets de perche du lac, if you can get them!!.

THIS WINE NOT BEING MADE IN 2005  



Price:  £12.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Chardonne AOC 2004<BR>La Chapelle<BR>Association Vinicole de Corseaux

Quantity:


Chardonne AOC 2004
Le Chardonneret
Association Vinicole de Corseaux
 Ref: 412003
£
Chasselas AOC Chardonne, from grapes grown in a 3 ha vineyard straddling the communes of Corseaux and Chardonne on deep sandy-limestone soils with full exposure to the sun.

A light golden yellow with a clean bright fruity nose with smoke and gunflint, and hints of honey and minerals. On the palate it is juicy and sappy, yet dry and with mineral flavours, a creamy texture, and hints of lime-blossom. Slightly pétillant, with a dry smokey mineral peppery finish. Very refreshing, slips down a treat - very more-ish. Very typical Chardonne Chasselas. Serve at 10°C as an apéritif, with cheese or freshwater fish dishes. Makes a lovely summer wine.

Click on MORE for a tasting note by Tom Cannavan.

THIS WINE NOT BEING MADE IN 2005

 



Price:  £12.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Chardonne AOC 2004<BR>Le Chardonneret<BR>Association Vinicole de Corseaux

Quantity:


Chardonne AOC 2004
Clos de Châtonneyre
Association Vinicole de Corseaux
 Ref: 412010
*

A Chasselas from a single 4 ha vineyard in the commune of Corseaux, on deep sandy chalky soils, with southern exposure.

Late harvesting, around the end of September, gives this golden-yellow wine more depth of colour than the other Chardonne Chasselas wines above. The nose is fruity and floral, with hints of white flowers and banana. A dry creamy texture, dry, and with smoky mineral flavours and hints of burnt stone. Very dry finish with an exquisite hint of bitterness; good length. Keeps up to 4 years; chill to 10°C & drink with cheeses or lake fish. More of a wine for food. Accolades: Silver Trophy at the Vinavenir contest 2003, finished in 2nd place out of 54 Chasselas entered; 96/100 points at the Dégustations OVV-Guillon 2003; 95/100 points at the Dégustations OVV-Guillon 2004. Listed in Guide Hachette 2005.

THIS WINE NOT BEING MADE IN 2005

SOLD OUT 



Price:  £13.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Chardonne AOC 2004<BR>Clos de Châtonneyre<BR>Association Vinicole de Corseaux


Chardonne - Red

Pinot Noir Fût de Chêne
AOC Chardonne (Corseaux) 2004
Le Corsalin
Association Vinicole de Corseaux
 Ref: 412017

Technically a Chardonne wine but in fact made from grapes grown in the village of Corseaux, slightly lower down the hillside nearer the lake. This is a lovely oaked Pinot Noir made in extremely small quantities - typically some 2700 bottles per year. There is a 22-day maceration followed by 8-9 months in oak, and minimal intervention in the cellar, with only very light filtration. The wine has tremendous depth of colour, and a spicy nose with hints of toast. On the palate are cooked red fruit flavours, with good body, spicy, with smooth earthy tannins and vanilla. Excellent length. This is a really nice wine which combines power and finesse well. Keeps up to 10 years; serve at 16°C with liver terrine, meat dishes in a sauce, roasted poultry, and cheeses. Accolades: 91/100 points at the Dégustations OVV-Guillon 2004; Vinea d'Or at the Mondial du Pinot-Noir competition 2004.

THIS WINE NOT BEING MADE IN 2005  



Price:  £17.00 Including VAT at 17.5%
Pinot Noir Fût de Chêne<BR>AOC Chardonne (Corseaux) 2004<BR>Le Corsalin<BR>Association Vinicole de Corseaux

Quantity:


Épesses - White

Épesses AOC 2004
Terre à Boire
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412014
*

TN in preparation.

In stock now. 



Price:  £17.00 Including VAT at 17.5%
Épesses AOC 2004<BR>Terre à Boire<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:


Calamin - White

Calamin Grand Cru AOC 2002
Cuvée Spéciale
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412005
*

From Chasselas vines grown on terraced vertiginous slopes with gradient of up to 50° along Lake Geneva. Alcoholic fermentation only, i.e. no malolactic, and aged 11 months in oak. Pale green-yellow, with fresh youthful fragrance of Chasselas;principally mineral on the palate, good length. Excellent with cold starters like zucchini galantine, sundried tomato tapenade.  



Price:  £18.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Calamin Grand Cru AOC 2002<BR>Cuvée Spéciale<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:


Villette - White

Villette "Buxus" 2004 (Sauvignon Blanc)
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412016
* *


TN in preparation.

Now in stock. 



Price:  £24.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Villette "Buxus" 2004 (Sauvignon Blanc)<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:


Dézaley - White

Grand Cru Dézaley AOC 2004
Médinette
Domaine Louis Bovard
La Maison Rose, Cully
 Ref: 412012
* *

Médinette is a Dézaley from steep terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva, with an average slope of 33°. All work is done manually. Soil types are shale/limestone and gravel. The wine undergoes both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, before spending some 8-10 months in barrel. Slightly later than average harvesting (23 October to 4 November in 2003) gives a pale gold colour, with a moderate nose of honey and peardrops. On the palate it is really quite intense, with flavours of peach, wisteria, honey, and pears. As this wine ages (it will keep up to 10 years), these will evolve into more mineral flavours. Ideal with shelfish, saltwater fish, and cheese dishes.

The delightful label design depicts Médinette, the God of vineyards in Luxor, Egypt, and dates back over a century.

Now in stock. Limited quantity remaining.

 



Price:  £19.95 Including VAT at 17.5%
Grand Cru Dézaley AOC 2004<BR>Médinette<BR>Domaine Louis Bovard<BR>La Maison Rose, Cully

Quantity:

Online Catalogue  >  Swiss Wines  >  Vaud - Lavaux


There is NO Minimum Order quantity - but buying a whole case is more economical in terms of carriage charges.
 
Click here to join our mailing list for news and details of
new product launches and special offers by e-mail

Click here to see
Carriage Costs

Click here to join our mailing list; you can unsubscribe at any time and your e-mail address will not be passed to any third party

IT IS AN OFFENCE TO PURCHASE OR TO ATTEMPT TO PURCHASE ALCOHOL IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
(SECTION 149 LICENSING ACT 2003)

Consume alcohol in moderation. For more information about alcohol and health, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk