Josh Raynolds first made us aware of Eddie Feraud’s elegant, Burgundian-styled Chateauneuf, made from a tiny five hectare holding. The wine is little known in the US, as Feraud produces about 700 cases annually and sells most of it locally. Josh tasted the wine at his Chateauneuf tasting last year. Speaking to the Burgundian nature of this gorgeous old vine blend, he wrote, “Deep red. Striking red berry, spice and floral aromas suggest a top-notch Vosne-Romanee.” He rated the wine 93-96 points.

We read the review but really passed over it, not imagining that such a small producer (less than 700 cases per year) could possibly provide us with enough wine to satisfy even our best customers. But then, the call came in. It seems that Feraud must know some of the other producers who have been featured in past months on our website (La Barroche, Milliere, Grand Tinel, Giraud). Not surprising. Only about 2000 people live in Chateauneuf and there aren’t that many cafes to choose from. Apparently Eddie called one producer who called another. Eventually he found us.

Why are the 2005 Chateauneufs So Good?
The 2005 vintage in Chateauneuf is being compared to the best vintages of the last 50 years. It was the third consecutive drought year, but in 2005 (unlike 2003), rain fell almost on cue, providing just enough moisture to keep plants healthy. After the rain came, the Mistral kept the vineyards dry and disease free. Nights remained cool throughout the summer, offering a longer, slower ripening season, allowing grapes to reach near perfect physiological maturity. The 2005 Chateauneufs are stylistically as different as the personalities of the village’s winemakers but there’s a common thread to 2005 — power and fruit intensity that often camouflages the natural alcohol level of the wines.

Tasting Note
“Deep red. Striking red berry, spice and floral aromas suggest a top-notch Vosne-Romanee. Pure, silky and sweet, with deep, sharply focused raspberry and strawberry flavors, dusty tannins and a finishing mineral note. This offers superb clarity and length, and has the structure to age.”
93-96 points–Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar