Nick Dobson Wines Vaud

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.

Saint Saphorin 2008 La Maison du Lézard Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4121005

St. Saphorin was reputedly Freddie Mercury's favourite wine.

This St. Saphorin comes from a 5 hectare vineyard just outside the village and which is situated directly on Lake Geneva, with full southerly exposure. The soil type is principally gravel/chalk, on which Chasselas thrives. A pale yellow with green tinges, on the nose there are subtle perfumes of white flowers, with good fruit on the palate, rich and pure, with good persistence. Limited quantity.

Price: £21.41 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Quantity:

Saint Saphorin Cuvée Louis 2003 Domaine Louis Bovard La Maison Rose, Cully
Ref: 4120013

* *

A blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Gamay.
TN in preparation. Limited stock.

Price: £22.17 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Quantity:

Saint Saphorin Cuvée Louis 2003 Domaine Louis Bovard La Maison Rose, Cully

Chardonne AOC 2004 Le Chardonneret Association Vinicole de Corseaux
Ref: 4120003

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.

Price: £14.10 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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.

SOLD OUT

Price: £14.10 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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

SOLD OUT

Price: £17.21 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Dézaley Clos des Abbayes 2008 Ville de Lausanne
Ref: 4120017

* * *

Available now. Limited quantity.

Price: £33.95 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Quantity:

Dézaley Clos des Abbayes 2008 Ville de Lausanne

Grand Cru Dézaley AOC 2003 Médinette Domaine Louis Bovard La Maison Rose, Cully
Ref: 412008

* *

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.

Click on MORE for a tasting note by Tom Cannavan.

Price: £18.95 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Quantity:

Dézaley L'Eveque AOC 2008 70cl Patrick Fonjallaz
Ref: 4121006

* * *

Available now. Limited quantity. Note the bottle size is 70cl.

Price: £28.35 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Quantity:

Dézaley L'Eveque AOC 2008 70cl Patrick Fonjallaz