Fattoria Rodáno
Bottesola Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2016
Mario had this a month ago
Pol Roger
Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut Champagne 2012
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! — 2 months ago
Pierre Péters
Cuvée de Réserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay
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. — 2 months ago
The Setting
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2026
Mario had this 7 days ago
Marc Hébrart
Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes Mareuil Sur Ay Champagne Blend
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! — 2 months ago
Ninolucci
Riserva Predappio di Predappio Sangiovese 2019
Mario had this 10 days ago
Laherte Frères
Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature Champagne Pinot Meunier Pinot Noir
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! — 2 months ago
Mario Zillner
Mario had this 4 days ago