Pale gold in the glass with medium effervescence. The nose is superb with a bit of mint and white flowers initially. Lemon and lime with slightly roasted almonds. The citrus aromas and minerality are fresh and lovely here.
A Blanc de Blancs with power, purity, and poise. Delamotte always provides such a pleasant pour but their vintage offerings are a step above. Though this is young and has many, many years to go, it’s still generous and inviting. The acidity is just right, as is the precision. The complexity is there but will evolve over time.
Stately and regal in the mouth. Plenty of tension and drama. The citrus notes take charge on the palate along with apples. A little yeast and wet stone. Salt and butter. A fine, young champagne. Elegance and deliciousness abound and it’s just going to get better from here. — a month ago
A little tired, a little past her peak, but the lady can still sing.
A ruddy crimson with a touch of bricking. The nose is a bit reticent but eventually you’ll get some nice earthy tones. Bell pepper and a little mushroom. The fruit mainly presents on the palate with cranberries and cherries. A bit simple and tired but there’s still something here. And that shouldn’t be overlooked. — 2 months ago
What a lovely little Alsatian! A mild lemon color with infinitesimally tiny green flecks. White flowers and fragrant herbs are prevalent on the nose, along with citrus fruits. Nice intensity and body here. A little on the sweeter side of things but not distractingly so. Off dry with plenty of vim and vigor on the attack. Lychee fruit, peaches, ginger, and more herbs on the palate. Exactly what I needed and that’s probably true for you too. — 3 months ago
This champagne house just continues to grow on me, bottle by bottle. A decidedly pretty copper salmon hue in the glass with perfectly precise perlage. The aromatics are evolved and complex starting with fresh strawberries and orange zest. There’s a nice element of tea and raspberry jam that presents after some time and air.
Dominated by Chardonnay with only a smidgeon of Pinot Noir. A bit ethereal and lithe throughout. Even so, there’s a power and clarity here that you don’t find in many rosé champagnes. Zero dosage so the acidity is pure and electric. Refined and gorgeous, this is an iron fist in a velvet glove.
More vivacious red fruit on the palate. Cherries, strawberries, and more raspberry jam. A touch of mint, a dash of citrus. Dry but approachable with plenty of tension and style. A lovely, lovely champagne. — 12 days ago
The lighter side of Cab Franc. Rustic but oh so pretty. The nose is quite herbal immediately. Quite earthy and showing some funk on the nose. Very fruit forward with raspberry, blueberry, and a touch of wild strawberry.
Showing plenty of youthful vivacity, there’s an abundance of energy and life here. So fresh, so clean, so pure. This wine almost bounces on the tongue. Pepper and jam on the palate. More vivid fruits to go with the overarching earthiness. The finish is spicy and lingers for a bit, as a reminder of how fun this is. — a month ago
What a treat. A gorgeous, crystalline blonde in the glass with persistent perlage. This nose is incredible with aromas of white flowers and lemon zest initially. Apricots and peaches. Herbs and beautiful streaks of honey. The citrus notes are intoxicating and I could just sit and smell this all day long. There’s a bit of warm brioche just for good measure.
A pure and elegant expression of Chardonnay. Creamy and well balanced, this is just such a delightful champagne. Never heavy, this floats in the air. Incredibly fresh and alive. Very accessible at this point despite being so young. The palate is smooth, yet energetic with more citrus and yellow apples. More honey and minerality. The finish is long and oh so delicate. A shining star. — a month ago
A medium gold color in the glass with a slight touch of green flecks. The nose is restrained and standoffish at first whiff. Give it some time and it will start to show aromas of lemon custard and brioche. A good bit of smoky oak and apples. Such nice minerality happening here with wet rocks and salinity.
Coteaux Champenois is always so much fun, especially when it’s something rare like 100% Pinot Meunier. There’s plenty of vim and vigor here. This is not just a non fizzy champagne, it’s a still wine that can stand on its own. Deft and graceful throughout. Energetic and lively on the tongue. Gains depth and balance on the second day. Easily one of the most pleasant and fun wines I’ve had all year. — 23 days ago
Love in a bottle. A distinctive pink salmon hue in the glass. Vivacious and luxurious perlage. At first the nose is shy but after a few moments it begins to blossom. Fresh red fruits are dominant throughout with a touch of nectarine. Rose petals, peaches, and blood oranges. There’s a really nice mint note here, as well.
Composed of 62/38 PN/CH with a dosage of 8 g/l. This is a magnificent champagne. Sexy and romantic, it’s a clear cut above. Nice acidity and terrific structure. Plenty of character and indicative of the house. Finesse and refinement for days.
Silky smooth and enthralling on the tongue. Candied apples and chalk with peaches and pears on the palate. Plenty of citrus and a small touch of mint. The finish is long and gorgeous. A beautiful rosé. — a month ago
A rather distinctive rose gold hue in the glass. Plenty of bubbles that just don’t stop. The introduction to this champagne is stellar with a blossoming of orchard fruits and floral aromatics. Green apples and raspberries for days. After some time you’ll find a really pleasant touch of lemon and butter.
A producer that I’m absolutely falling for. Well crafted stupendous champagnes made with obvious care. 100% Pinot Noir from Villers-Allerand. Zero dosage and disgorged in late 2022. Thrilling acidity with tension and drama for days. Obviously so very young but also so ready now.
Complex and deep, this is a wine with personality. Power and so much sense of place here. Apples, lemon zest, and orange peel on the tongue. Brioche and cherries shine here. The finish is long and lingering. A beautiful, beautiful champagne. — 2 months ago
Willie Carter
Now this is fun. A really pretty peach color in the glass. This is light and fanciful from the beginning. Fresh melon aromas are dominant with citrus and white tea. There’s a nice underlying floral element running throughout.
A Trousseau Gris from Sonoma Gris from one of my favorite labels. Evocative and unique, it’s a delicious wine. This manages to do so many different things well. Light but substantial, fun but with depth, sweet as summer but with savory elements. Funky and eccentric with more melons of various types on the palate. Dried herbs and a hint of minerality. Utterly delightful. — 12 days ago