https://www.cotenicault.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1629818837121-A49QYZJJL1P8HF3VCR40/20190706_155735.jpg Contact - Contact Please contact us if you have any questions. Merci Gilles Nicault gilles@longshadows.com Long Shadows https://longshadows.com/ vintners@longshadows.com https://www.cotenicault.com/coteriebonsvivants daily 0.75 2025-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/d0168259-1fa3-4404-a26c-560c09de8d44/paper.png Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/993a187d-760b-4c31-b0c7-6110e1deb6b7/20191121_144114.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/0500063c-4702-4aee-99a8-b1ac33ffd777/20210528_194621.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/6e9dd564-2b5f-4469-8839-db583c1d2b47/20210526_183026.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/4df0a412-6fac-437e-8756-c477eec625c3/20210501_202135.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/2b3d0ea2-b5b5-4398-a1ef-3444d4bb218b/20210707_125224.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1bc8056f-b0b4-4adf-81b4-605256c32030/20200417_162846.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/35683650-48df-4bec-b068-bbae2c1ffa65/Resized_IMG_4904.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/5233e9a6-a58b-4c32-8eaa-96346bfe636a/IMG_3511.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/718f3ed2-5ebc-49d2-bb46-51ba98ac4274/IMG_3702.jpg Côterie Bons Vivants https://www.cotenicault.com/about daily 0.75 2025-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1628123350554-CYBELBK42PTIID41T3CK/gilles%2C+CN%2C+bbl.jpg About - Bonjour, I am Gilles Born and raised in France, I was surrounded by incredible traditions. It’s just part of our lives in France. My family has a history in agriculture dating back to my grandfather’s agricultural ventures in Guinea, Africa in the 1930s. I credit my father, who introduced me to wine while growing up in the Rhône Valley. These many family experiences and traditions ultimately shaped my own respect and passion for wine and for my adventurous exploration of new things….while never forgetting my French roots. When I fell in love with wine, I decided to pursue my winemaking dreams. I trained in Provence/ Côte du Rhône and obtained a four-year degree of Winemaking and Viticulture at the University of Avignon. This area of Southern France is known predominantly for growing and making Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre based wines and often blended into what the world knows as GSM’s. However, as an explorer and with adventure as an integral part of who I am, America and the “New World” was calling for me. I decided to embark on a new challenge and explore what could come of making wine there. While California was already established and producing world class wines, there was a lot of interesting buzz about a new west coast wine region that was starting to make its mark on the world stage. I decided to come to Washington State and began in the Washington wine industry in 1994 for Woodward Canyon. I soon discovered that Washington State possessed something special and truly was an up and coming wine region that would rival other great wine regions of the world. I continued to work at Woodward Canyon until joining Long Shadows Vintners in 2003, where I am presently the Director of Winemaking and Viticulture. In 2016, I was bestowed the Washington Winemaker of the Year and our wines have been recognized across the world by leading wine experts and writers. After many successful years of making wine, I wanted to go back to my French roots and create wines that captured my love of southern France and my passion for the wine grapes of the region. In 2010, I crafted the first vintage of Côté Nicault with the goal of producing exclusive and distinctive wines that would rival great wines across the globe. While my production is very limited, I hope that you have the opportunity to experience my Côté. ~ Gilles https://www.cotenicault.com/thewines daily 0.75 2025-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/2104787d-21b3-483a-a628-00b6bfb784c5/hero2m.jpg The Wines - 2021 Côté Nicault GSM 32% Grenache ~ 33% Syrah ~ 35% Mourvèdre $85/bottle Tasting Notes: Crafted with careful attention and a deep passion for making wines that reflect the varietals and the land, this Red Mountain GSM reveals an aromatic profile that speaks to the unique terroir. Dominant notes of ripe black currant and succulent figs gracefully intertwine with delicate hints of crushed white pepper, imparting a savory depth to the bouquet. The palate mirrors this complexity, offering a harmonious balance of richness and refinement. A velvety mouthfeel delivers a symphony of flavors, with sage and plum emerging as the focal point, creating a seamless blend of fruit-forward elegance and savory umami. This Rhône-style blend unfolds with remarkable depth, its intricate layers unfolding beautifully. A lingering finish of subtle peppercorn spice adds an exquisite nuance, elevating the overall experience to a sublime crescendo. Vintage: The 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields and extreme temperatures stretching from late June to the beginning of July. The early summer heat wave was followed by ideal weather, with warm days and cool nights extending well into October. The combination of low yields and extra hang time allowed the grapes to reach full physiological maturity, resulting in a vintage marked by balanced wines with great concentration and flavor. Winemaking: A thoughtful blend of fermentation and aging techniques was employed to cultivate the layered complexity of Côté Nicault. To enhance the wine’s texture and viscosity, one-third of the grapes were whole-cluster fermented, allowing the natural essence of the fruit to shine through. The Mourvèdre was aged in a terra-cotta amphora, a nod to Old-World tradition, capturing the grape’s savory depth and enhancing its earthy character. Meanwhile, the Grenache, aged in 500L oak barrels, contributed a bouquet of delicate, perfume- like aromas. The Syrah, with its deep, dark fruit profile, was matured in a mix of new and used French oak barrels, imbuing the wine with layers of spice and complexity. After 18 months of careful cellaring, the blend was meticulously assembled, bottled, and allowed to age for an additional two years, ensuring its release at the peak of perfection. Vineyards: The 2021 GSM is a true expression of the Red Mountain AVA, embodying the rugged beauty and distinct character of this exceptional terroir. Sourced primarily from the Red Heaven Vineyard, a southwest-facing site with ideal conditions, this wine captures the essence of the land. The vineyard, perfectly suited to Rhône varieties, imparts a depth of flavor and complexity that speaks to the unique conditions of this remarkable corner of the world. Each grape reflects the boldness and elegance of Red Mountain, creating a wine that is as unforgettable as the place it comes from. Alcohol: 15.1% Production: 345 cases "On the nose this takes on layers of dark currants and scorched earth with fresh sage and Mandarin orange zest. The palate walks a tightrope between smoked meats and charcuterie alongside bright citrus zest, wild strawberry, and cran-pomegranate flavors." - 97 points, Owen Bargreen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/64133ad6-b270-4721-9c67-d4c06ae6452d/14c22be7-28b4-42e1-9c4a-dbc1f376f62f.jpg The Wines - 2020 Full Disclosure - Grenache 100% Grenache $90/bottle Tasting Notes: Displaying a deep and alluring garnet hue, this wine shows intense notes of figs and black currants with a touch of crushed black pepper. Hints of sagebrush and wild thyme add an element of intrigue, reminiscent of the distinctive Grenache varietal characteristics. Bright fruit, indicative of the area’s cool nights, provides a lively lift, ensuring balance and freshness. The subtle undertones of cocoa nibs and clove add layers of complexity while the opulent, velvety texture and vibrant character lead this wine to a long lasting, succulent finish. Vintage: The 2020 growing season was marked by low yields, a hot summer, and extended fall hang time that produced spectacular wines with outstanding flavors, texture, and vibrancy. After a typical bud break in mid-April, May temperatures were moderate. The weather cooled in June, then warmed in July and August, with a few heat spikes along the way. Just when it seemed harvest would be rushed, ripening conditions decelerated in Washington and photosynthesis slowed enough to avoid high sugar accumulation and protect the acidity in the grapes. Winemaking: The Grenache is carefully hand sorted and placed in a two-ton fermenter with 50% whole-cluster to conduct the fermentation, a technique that emphasizes the development of black olive tapenade and viscosity to the wine. After 3 weeks of skin maceration, the grapes were pressed off and then aged for 18 months in a 600-liter French Oak barrel. The use of the large format barrel gives the wine complexity and mouthfeel with a subtle impact from the oak. The influence of whole-cluster fermentation and aging in large format French oak barrels elevates the wine to a new level of artistry, providing a sensory experience that pays homage to both the land and the craft of winemaking. Vineyards: The 2020 Full Disclosure embodies the very soul of the Red Mountain AVA, capturing the rugged beauty, distinctive terroir, and bold flavors that define this remarkable corner of the world. Sourced primarily from Red Heaven Vineyard, a southwestern facing site, the vineyard is ideally suited to growing Grenache with outstanding character and flavor. Alcohol: 15.5% Production: 69 cases https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/c7449c50-f537-49a2-8532-8cb293c81574/IMG_3781.jpg The Wines - 2021 Full Disclosure -Mourvèdre 100% Mourvèdre $90/bottle Tasting Notes: The 2021 Full Disclosure showcases the remarkable varietal character of Mourvèdre, a grape typically blended with Grenache and Syrah. For this wine, it stands on its own, hence the name. In the glass, the wine is a deep, dark color, offering aromatic notes of plum, black olive and cracked peppercorn. Ripe plum and cassis unfold on the palate alongside garrigue, a French term that describes the savory character of the low-lying shrubs that grow wild in Provence. The mouthfeel is firm yet silky, with great richness and vibrant acidity. Earthy undertones and hints of hickory smoke add depth, leading to a beautiful, long finish that echoes the wine’s layered flavors and complexity. Vintage: The 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields and extreme temperatures stretching from late June to the beginning of July. The early summer heat wave was followed by ideal weather, with warm days and cool nights extending into October. The combination of low yields and extra hang time allowed the grapes to reach full physiological maturity, resulting in a vintage marked by balanced wines with great concentration and flavor. Winemaking: For the 2021 Full Disclosure, Gilles’ daughter Suzanne stomped grapes for half of the lots that underwent whole cluster fermentation in a 2-ton tank. This technique gently releases the juice and enhances the wine’s black olive tapenade character and mid-palate viscosity. The must was then held on the skins for 21 days with regular punch downs. A portion of the wine was aged in terracotta amphora, a breathable vessel more porous than concrete, allowing Mourvèdre’s savory character to shine, with the remaining wine aged in 500L large format French oak barrels for 18 months. Vineyards: Red Heaven Vineyard is a southwest-facing site perched on a Red Mountain hillside. Mourvèdre grown here loves the vineyard’s constant breeze, and the location allows grapes to achieve full physiological maturity, resulting in a wine that captures Mourvèdre’s full varietal expression. Alcohol: 15.9% Production: 84 cases https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/b4ee503f-5bfc-41b9-8a57-95b05c0f84fa/22bottle.png The Wines - 2022 Full Disclosure Grenache & Mourvèdre 52% Grenache - 48% Mourvèdre $90/bottle We are offering the 2022 Côté Nicault Full Disclosure, a co-fermentation of Grenache and Mourvèdre, solely to our Côterie Bons Vivants club members. If you're interested in obtaining this powerhouse wine, we currently have 5 spots available in the Côterie Bons Vivants club. Space is limited, and once these are filled, additional enrollments will be placed on a waiting list. To reserve your membership, please email Annika. Tasting Notes: This co-fermented Grenache and Mourvèdre from Red Mountain is a seamless union, where the ripe, seductive fruit of Grenache meets the darker, more brooding depth of Mourvèdre. The nose teases with blackberries, plums, and hints of leather, tobacco, and earth – each note playing its part in a perfectly balanced affair. On the palate, the vibrant fruit of Grenache gives way to Mourvèdre’s savory grip, with layers of dark chocolate, wild herbs, and a soft smokiness. The tannins are smooth yet firm, creating a harmonious structure that lingers with a touch of spice and minerality. This wine is the perfect marriage of fruit and earth, light and dark – an unforgettable, sensual experience. Vintage: Despite a challenging season, the 2022 vintage produced beautifully elegant wines with intense color and flavor. A cold, wet spring delayed growth until late June, when sudden warmth triggered rapid shoot development, requiring extra vineyard care, including a severe thinning of all the clusters lacking behind in maturation. By early September, cool temperatures raised ripening concerns, but record-high heat from late September through October provided the necessary hang time for full physiological maturity. Winemaking: Co-fermenting the Grenache and Mourvèdre together enhances aromatic complexity and structural integration, allowing the bright red fruit and floral tones of Grenache to intertwine seamlessly with Mourvèdre’s dark fruit, earthy undertones, and muscular tannin profile. Fermenting in 33% whole-cluster provided viscosity and black olive tapenade. Vineyards: Sourced primarily from the southwest-facing Red Heaven Vineyard, this site’s ideal conditions bring depth, intensity, and complexity to the wine. Perfectly suited for Rhône varieties, the rugged beauty and distinct character this site imparts bold structure and refined elegance, embodying the essence of this extraordinary terroir – powerful, expressive, and unforgettable. Alcohol: 15.1% Production: 71 cases https://www.cotenicault.com/home daily 1.0 2022-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1628203464351-MQZAF1OSLLECJPKND4IZ/20210701_125802.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/ed9a835f-f2c5-4bd9-879d-48e33c597b2d/IMG_0435.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1628203540265-9C88GZXLZQM0TQ51TLPF/20210621_091959.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1628203486872-QHZWGI8MCG47UV862GUN/IMG_2827.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/1628634146410-DBW55GPLH6LGUKX5LUY5/IMG_3485..jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/f22d3dce-3253-4ee1-8d1d-c63b4176b95f/IMG_0389.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/65a0a17a-4a63-444d-9da4-d7dacdadfe9e/DSCF0196.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/64b07e26-8cd9-4866-a5a9-e73f59e843b8/20190726_123507.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/b1756839-c861-4e87-b8c9-878c1c4413c2/20190714_141411.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/ce50fee4-c8c5-498d-b08e-a944540ff25f/20190719_013642.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/6c1edf6b-a49a-4691-bb8f-708c4d7fd237/20190805_195429.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/99098342-cf72-4c68-a700-12e3d8952534/20190822_090250.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/5e011cfb-e92f-4c42-a222-b2fa6aaa03c9/20190906_185314.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610b29761dcb400667784b26/482fe496-f24f-49e8-bbc4-c087498f1e25/Resized_Resized_20210823_130922.jpg Home