Bizeul's 2008 Cotes du Roussillon Villages La Petite Siberie represents a cooler expression of this cuvee than several I have tasted, its high alcohol somewhat less noticeable and a streak of fresh fruit vivacity accompanying its caramelized and confitured suggestions on a flatteringly creamy palate. Dark cherry, nutmeg, ginger, and black tea, all add allure to a lingering finish. This beauty should be worth following for at least a decade. (I tasted the 2002 alongside and found it comparably outstanding; only moderately warm for all of its 16.3% alcohol; and possessed of a lovely balance between sweet berry, confitured, and pungently herbal elements.)
Herve Bizeul - for more about whose ideals and perfectionism, consult my report in issue 183 - continues to supplement his by now iconic range of Clos des Fees wines with intriguing and serious experiments. (For an account of two more of Bizeul's wines from outside of the Clos des Fees portfolio, see under Domaine La Chique and Walden in this report. As Bizeul points out, he will be concurrently represented in the U.S. market by introductory level wines from three different vintages.)
Importers include Domaine Select Wine Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799; Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476; and M. S. Walker, Somerville, MA; tel. (617) 776-6700