Aaron Tan

9.7

Yep, those are worms. Sago worms to be precise, and I never thought the day would arrive where I’d be pairing champagne with fried worms. But true to its reputation as the most democratic of wines, champagne and worms turned out to be a pretty wicked match.

Worm-wise, it was quite delicious deep-fried. These sago worms feed only on the pith of sago palm trees, so they come out plump, creamy, and pretty much funk-free. Earthy and slightly sweet, they kind of tasted like fried mushrooms, but with gooey texture.

As for the 16’ Les Maillons, it was truly a joy to drink. I would even be so bold to say that it was drinking at its peak. Concentrated and complex, yet so precise and energetic. Aromas of red apples, apricot, sea breeze, toasted almonds, white flowers, cream, and nutmeg. On the palate, it was textural and full-bodied. Not the most mineral champagne, but it was certainly racy and saline in the backend. Juicy red fruits, zingy lemon, creamy richness, and plenty of spices in the mouth. So delicious, and before we knew it, we bottomed out. A great success and easily one of the best champagnes this year. — 5 days ago

Carolyn patrone

9.6

Wonderful nose, toasted almond, sherry, lemon, ripe pear. Oxidation is just right- not overwhelming, but adds to complexity and character. Slightly orange color, full bodied. Would love to know actual alcohol, label says 11-14%, but tears indicated higher alcohol, but very well balanced. Disgorged 14 November 2019. — 9 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

NV. Crispy with bracing acidity. Zen-like, singular purpose. Like a perfectly weighted kitchen knife. Not for the masses or a larger party. 11.9.23. — 23 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

With New Years around the corner, grab something nice. Made with 100% Pinot Noir from 10 different "crus " (or villages), from the North & South areas of the Montagne de Reims, as well as the famous Cote de Bouzy. Deep salmon pink with full aromas of berry fruit and citrus mineral notes wrapped in a delicate fine mousse. On the palate flavors of raspberry and strawberry, bright acidity with spicy notes and orange zest. Long silky finish, ending with earthy yeasty mineral character. — 16 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.7

This was opened and we enjoyed a few glasses before recorking and reapproaching 24 hours later, at which point it was really singing. Yellow peach, pear and medley of orchard fruit, layered with pressed yellow flowers, dried persimmon, and notes of vanilla and bourbon. So delicate. Such fine bubbles. Saltwater taffy and some caramel and rock salt on the palate. Subtle tannic echo. Mesmerizing. — 21 days ago

Jess

9.1

Pale lemon color.
Aromas of lemon, mineral, nuts.
Dry. Flavors of lemon, peanut, pastry. Nutty notes are odd, but not unpleasant.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 3 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

Happy birthday Honey. 🥳🎂🎉 🌹

This is absolutely as exquisite as when we had it for Christina’s birthday March 1, 2023. The benefit tonight is time & attention to focus on it. Delicious.

Green apple, lime, lemon pineapple, stone fruits, slightly bruised golden apple and pear, leans into apple cider, cream, ginger ale, nuts w/ skin, very fine powdery chalkiness, limestone, saline, biscuit dough, sea fossils. Amazing body and acidity, fruit blossoms, jasmine, yellow florals and well; structured knitted, balanced, extremely well polished finish that lasts two-minutes. Drinking beautiful now & with time & life for 10 yrs or more. Love you Sofia.

#MaxwellThisWomansWork — a month ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

15 person Champagne tasting with friends.

We inserted what we all feeling is more or less the gold standard of n/v Rose’ to pair with duck and goat cheese on crostinis. — 12 days ago

Shay A

9.7

Drinking at the source…Les Avises restaurant at Jacques Selosse. Home for the weekend at Hoteles Avises.

Bucket list wine for me and it lived up to the hype. I love the Selosse champagnes for their oxidative profile and was curious how a rosé would drink made in that same manner…just a hint of sherry in the glass before an absolute tidal wave of flavor and power. Dried apricot, plum, cranberry and orange marmalade out of the gate. There is a sweet/savory roller coaster showing red flowers and shortbread before a pink sea salt and truffle spice arrives. Texturally, it’s commanding but so cerbreal. If you enjoy Egly Ouriet’s rosé, imagine more depth and complexity and you’ve got it. Stunning rosé and the best rosé champagne I’ve had. — 22 days ago

John Van Trijp

9.5

9 liter bottle from the 70’s — 7 days ago