Benoît Lahaye

Bouzy Blanc de Noirs

9.2

Here we have the Benoit Lahaye ‘Blanc de Noirs’ – a non-vintage white bubbly made with 100% Pinot Noir, representing a blend of two parcels in Bouzy (Vaux-Bétins & Raies Tortues), each contributing a unique personality to the cuvée.

Harking back to more traditional winemaking methods, it was barrel-fermented naturally & bottled without filtration.

It has a pale gold hue w/ expressive aromas & flavors of baked red apple, cider, raspberry, fruit cake, lemon curd, cherry blossom, toast, clove, cinnamon, pastry, almond paste, and nougat next to chiseled mineral & wet stone notes.

With an ‘extra brut’ dosage (5g of sugar/L), this wine is bone dry, with a fine-beaded, creamy mousse, that is nicely balanced by a racy acidity. It has a kinetic energy & persistent finish. It’s absolutely delicious.

Who ever said you can’t sip bubbles on a Monday night?

I believe every day is worth celebrating in one form or another. Plus, this counts as studying for our WSG Champagne Masters class. Also, it’s Eiffel Tower Day!!

Cheers. — a month ago

with Deked1

Deked1, Ira and 15 others liked this

Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin

Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay 2013

Bob McDonald

9.6

Pale to mid Yellow. Ripe citrus on nose and palate ( Lemon). Oak is nearly invisible. A beautiful Chablis from a great vineyard as in Les Clos. One can see why it is a Grand Cru. On the light to medium weight palate, with air, Lemon and Honey and a touch of Oyster Shell. Intensity without weight. A perfect match with fresh Pacific Oysters. — 8 months ago

Ira, Ray and 19 others liked this