Artisan Wines

ULTRA PREMIUM — SINGLE VINEYARD COGNAC

Any story of great, Single Vineyard Cognac must begin...and end...in the first growth, the Grande Champagne region of Cognac. This is the region recognized world-wide as the cradle of the best Cognac. It used to be that “Grande Champagne” on the front label was all a Cognac needed. But now, being able to write the words “Grande Champagne” on the front label is only the beginning of the story.

Now there is a better grade, a higher quality available. Now there is “Single Vineyard Cognac” from the Grande Champagne region of Cognac. To create this masterpiece, we bypassed the traditional Cognac houses and the negociants — we went directly to the Artistic Masters of Cognac, and then, into their private vineyards and cellars.

We required that our Single Vineyard Cognac come from a single family estate within the Grande Champagne region, and that they be created by a Master Blender whose father, grandfather and great-grandfather were also Master Blenders, and whose family history in the creation of Great Cognacs goes back at least 100 years. Our last requirement was that their vineyards be no more than 100 acres. We sought out growers with a long tradition farming their own land, and we only accepted families with small farms, because on a small farm, every grape is important and gets the care it deserves from a family who cares, because it is their tradition to do so.

We looked….and we looked. And in all of France, we found only two producers who met all our requirements AND made great Cognac. Their brands, and their family names are, Marthe and Francois Voyer. They gave us their best — the most elite Cognacs we’ve ever tasted. They are

THE SINGLE VINEYARD COGNACS Of

The GRANDE CHAMPAGNE REGION

1st Cru, LLC imports Ultra Premium Single Vineyard Grande Champagne Cognacs and Small Estate Wines from New Zealand in addition to brokerage representation of seven wineries from California, South Africa and Australia.

Artisan n. — Craftsman. One who does skilled work with his or her hands.

New Zealand n. — Home of Artisan Wines

2004 Pinot Noir — Marlborough

This new varietal from Valley East Estate is a great ambassador for Pinot Noir. It typifies the Marlborough style with luscious fresh berryfruit, savoury notes and spicy French oak. Can be consumed now or cellared for 2-3 years.

2007 — Bronze Medal Pacific Rim Comp.

Winemaker Shayne Cox —

Shayne Cox trained at a number of New Zealand wineries before venturing overseas, where he gained extensive experience with the wines of southern France, Spain, Italy and Chile. Shayne is unashamedly ‘old world’ in approach. His years of experience in Europe have given him a love of European wines with their magnificent structural qualities. For Artisan, he successfully marries this approach with the ‘new world’ love of clean fruit driven wines.

2005 Chardonnay — Gisborne

This wine exemplifies the Gisborne Chardonnay style. This means ripe flavors and rich palate with a silky textural quality. Waiohika Chardonnay is elegant with retrained oak, succulent ripe pineapple, peach, nectarine and honeysuckle. The complex palate is from lees stirring and partial barrique fermentation.

2006—Four Stars, Winestate Magazine

2005 Gewurztraminer—Gisborne

A delicate off-dry style with the lovely spicy lychee, rose petal and citrus character typical of Gewurztraminer. This wine finishes fresh and clean.

2006 — Silver Medal Bragato Awards

2004 Syrah — Oratia

This is a wine of seamless quality from beginning to end. There is superb balance and harmony. Rich black fruits, black pepper and earthy notes combine with silky tannins for a wonderful experience. Can be drunk now or will cellar for many years.

2005—Silver Medal Bragato Awards

2007 — Silver Medal Pacific Rim Comp.

2005 Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough

Quintessential herbaceous Marlborough Sauv Blanc with an aroma that bursts from the glass. Cut grass, gooseberry, citrus, guava, fig and tropical notes all rush forth. This wine is classic Marlborough Sauv Blanc with a full rich palate.

2006 — Gold Medal Bragato Awards

2007 — Bronze Medal Pacific Rim Comp.