Mario Zillner

9.2

Mario had this 6 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.3

50/50 Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier (BdN) …so much less of the notes we typically look for via Chardonnay heavy / BdB offerings, but they aren’t really missed here! SUPER bone dry; tons of energy in the glass, highly expressive, but still somewhat elegant on the palette via finish. Less of a pillowy finish than other offerings from this grower. Zero dosage / 0g and that is evident (Brut Nature); June 2024 disgorgement (+6 months); 12.5% ABV. Delicious, but may not be a strong repeat for us, given our love of the light / crisp / citrus characteristics of white grapes. Cheers! — 18 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.3

Interesting and unique; made of golden rice grown in Gimpo. Subtle sweetness and much smoother / creamier than expected on the texture. Paired incredibly well with the monkfish and black banana course (i.e., sweetness and acidity) at ATOMIX. Great QPR and would pick this up for short-term cellaring to chart development. — 20 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.4

Mario had this 20 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.9

Yes.
Its exact composition is a “closely-guarded” family secret, but would assume 60-75% Pinot Noir / 25-40% Chardonnay. 2012 is in a great spot now (+13 years), but it could clearly be set aside for another 5-10+ years to develop even more. Dense, medium+/full-bodied, complex, layered, and simply damn delicious. The SWC will likely always remain my absolute favorite (particularly in strong vintages such as this 2012). Cheers to 2025! — 17 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.5

June 2024 disgorgement; would’ve preferred to pop this +12 months (vs. 6), as it would certainly benefit from some time. A grower BdB favorite; of course made from 100% Chardonnay, coming from several Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs. The Cuvée de Réserve is a blend of more than twenty vintages, dating back to 1988 (via the solera method)! Peters considers this their “flagship” champ, even at the NV price point.

Firm upfront with a rather long finish. Sharp acidity; strong lemon, pale stone fruit, orange zest, and young tangerine notes. Medium body with pillows to carry you through. Steel vs. wood. 12% ABV. Simply delicious. — 19 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.4

Mario had this 20 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.5

Another grower favorite; 75% Pinot Noir / 25% Chardonnay, mostly from 2015 (50%) along with 2014 and 2013 (50%). April 2021 disgorgement (+45 months), which is very evident; 12.5% ABV. High dosage of 6.5g; medium+ body and quite round; crisp on and through finish. Tons of green apple, tangerine, and pear, with an aggressive flower bouquet on the nose. Shows much brighter than the strong Pinot Noir tilt would imply. Delicious …and an absurd value; crowd pleaser. Cheers! — 17 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.3

Delicious. Would’ve preferred a bit more age on this, to balance out the sweetness… but ~7 years is enough to make it interesting. Paired incredibly well with the Golden Eye Snapper course at ATOMIX. I look forward to trying a 15-years old vintage; great QPR. — 20 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.6

Delicious. Replacement for the Château d'Yquem Sauternes previously on the Reserve Tasting Menu; not mad at this South African straw wine, however, as the 2022 vintage was served as the finale for our meal at Da Terra in London as well. Top marks! — 20 days ago