Bollinger
Charles Heidsieck
Brut Réserve Champagne Blend
Opulent and complex. Green apple, peach, a bit pipe apple, brioche, fresh bread dough, chalk, sea shells, and hint of toasted nuts. Savory and crisp at the same time. Splendid acidity. Super energetic mousse, though lacking a bit refinement.
Base wine is 2011, disgorged 2018. This and the Bollinger Special Cuvée are two of my favorite NV Champaign from larger houses. With 40% reserved wine averaged 10 year old, the CH Brut Reserve no doubt is a better value. — 2 years ago
Domaine de Montbourgeau
Brut Crémant du Jura Chardonnay
Adore this wine! Too many Crémants seem to be bottled a day or two after their 9 months minimum but this feels like it’s had longer. Gorgeous colour with hints of gold, beautifully pure and focussed, very dry (probably Extra Brut) with lemon, green apple, hazelnut and light pastry & Parmesan notes. There’s also a light oxidative bruised apple note that adds real character to the wine. A fantastic alternative to cheap Champagne, a very grown up fizz, in my mind if Bollinger made Crémant this would be it. If you’re looking to step up from Prosecco this is probably too austere for you but if you already appreciate Crémant or Champagne you should love this!" — 3 years ago
Laurent-Perrier
La Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend
91 on its own. With my Mother’s old fashion sour cream coffee cake a 9.2
We had it with the N/V Bollinger & Laurent but, the Laurent was the better pair. Not necessarily the better Champange.
One of the best things about the coffee cake is you can enjoy it as dessert and/or with my Barista whole Milk Lattes w/ Cat N Cloud “The Answer“ beans. Something to look forward to!!!!
$18 375ml’s at Costco. Stocked up. — 2 years ago
Donelan
Genevieve's Block Devoto Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
By coincidence I had two Donelan whites on near consecutive nights. The Chard is pretty punchy. Lemon and minerals. Some brioche. Tasty. Like a flat Bollinger. — 3 years ago
Jacques Selosse
Substance Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay
Compared to a 2008 Bollinger Grand Annee, the complexity here and overall mouthfeel outdid the Bolly. I was wondering what everyone was crowding around in the back room, but quickly figured it out. Pours to a light pale straw hue. Nose of creme brulee and cashew. Entry with small bubbles. Very oxidative style and does not care what you think about that! Does not have high acid. I was getting peaches and pears, with a nice oxidative bready creaminess with a rather smooth and long tiny bubble finish. Wow. Doing WELL. — 3 years ago
Louis Roederer
Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend 2008
Happy New Year Everyone!!
Cristal for the parents and sparkling apple juice for the twins!
Cristal doesn’t hold a candle to my go to of Bollinger Le Grand Annee, but is always nice on a special occasion! Was very restrained and probably will be better in 5+yrs. — 2 years ago
Pol Roger
Sir Winston Churchill Brut Champagne 2008
A very nicely textured champagne. Nothing sticks out. Fine bubbles, more on power than length. Not as good as Cristal 08, Bollinger 08 or DP 08 but likely more a crowd pleaser — 2 years ago
Bollinger
2003 by Bollinger Brut Champagne
A curious nose of raspberries, pear, and mango. With some brioche. Interesting and different! Good acid on the attack with tart pear. Tannic mid but not overly so. Finish fades slowly mirroring palette with nothing off. Lovely Rose, though sadly I do not see sufficient complexity for $90. — 3 years ago
Neil Valenzuela
Pale straw color with small, delicate bubbles. Aromas of biscuit, (buttery-from my daughter), and funky cheese… like a Munster. Crisp and citrusy. Amazing to bring in 2022.
— 7 months ago