Jay Kline

9.7

Real talk: I’m a little embarrassed to admit that this is my first experience with the wines of Domaine Champet. When I consider that their approach to winemaking is philosophically aligned with my own preferences, how did this meeting not happen before now? Maybe it’s because they only make 1000 cases of wine a year? Maybe it’s because I live in Nebraska. Whatever the reason, it no longer matters because I have now experienced what cannot be undone. For a bit of reference, the family has a rather rich, (Romain and Maxime are 4th generation), history working with vines in the “La Viallière” lieu-dit in the Côte Brune. “La Viallière” was made famous thanks to Dervieux (yes, as in Gentaz-Dervieux). The land is…improbable to farm…with some slopes close to 60°. Everything is performed by hand. This bottling, “Les Fils à Jo” focuses on the old vines from their holdings in “La Viallière”.

Popped and poured; consumed over 5 days, best on days 3-5 and the following notes reflect such. The wine pours a deep ruby with a near opaque core and pretty significant staining of the tears. Medium+ viscosity and every so slightly turbid. On the nose, blue and black fruits with bacon fat, lavender, kalamata olive, a whisper of baking spices…some white pepper, some tobacco…wild and beguiling. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium++ tannin and medium+ acid. Incredible texture. Confirming the fruit set and other aforementioned characteristics. There’s blueberry scone and an iron-ore kind of thing going "On and on and on, on and on and on; Checka checka it out, to the breaka breaka dawn". The finish is long…as in forever…and absolutely, positively divine. If tonight is any indication, this wine will drink well past 2040. Between the Levet’s and Champet’s, there are very few in Côte Rôtie making wines like this anymore. What is certain, is that this was one of those experiences where there was a time before, and a time after Champet. Certainly one of those I won’t ever forget. — 8 days ago

Daron Watson

9.5

lillies and other white flowers dominate the nose ~ followed by hints of burnt rubber, roasted marshmallow, vanilla and shea butter

lime, orange marmalade, yellow plum ~ well integrated oak leans to a nuttiness like almond butter ~ incredible focused length — 4 days ago

Alan Weinberg

9.2

super wine. Lovely acids, still some fruit, sous bois. Elegant. — 16 days ago

Shay A

9.2

A producer I’m not familiar with. Les Combettes combines the intensity of Puligny with the generosity of the Meursault Charmes, which it borders.

I slow ox’ed this for an hour or so before enjoying half the bottle, then re-corked the second half for the next day. Definitely no pre-mox here, thankfully. Day one sported a mellow profile…medium bodied with honeysuckle, lemon oil dripped over limestone, and a high acid quick finish. Day two showed really nice improvement…channeled a bit of a Mersault flair with its richer/more rounded texture showing lemon-honey and sea salt popcorn. I’d hold this 3-5 more years. — 7 days ago

Matt

9.4

Always find this cuvée Just a joy of a BdB from Gimmonet and the 2014 is no different. Incredibly fragrant, supple and rich fruit backed by an immediately vibrant acidity and mineral core. Creamy, postured, fun. Satsuma, ripe pear, a kiss of something yellow and plummy, crushed chalk, jasmine, citrus peel. 58 Cramant/Chouilly 42 Cuis/Vertus; 5g/l dosage; 12/2020 disgorgement — 7 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Loads of crushed limestone minerality intermingles with spicy, ripe cherry. Nice texture in the mouth. It’s got some tannic structure and acids to age a bit more but is drinking well now, particularly with food. Bone dry but with good intensity in the mouth. Little bit of animal fur comes in, with tons of crushed rock in the lead and some nice cherry fruit in the passenger seat. — a month ago

Mario Vaillancourt

9.2

Fruits blancs, pommes, très frais, bulles fines, un petite touche crémeuse, délicieux. 92-93
Gorgeous Champagne, creamy, tight bubble, fresh and classy. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

“Gentil” blend of Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat and Sylvanner. Light silvery/gold color. Beautiful aromas of ripe pear, white flowers, and wet stones. Bold lemon and green apple on the pallet. Quite tangy. Touch of fizz. Medium bodied. Fresh and bright with a very fruit forward and slightly spicy finish. Lean and refreshing. Great value! — 19 hours ago

Mario Vaillancourt

9.2

Floral et fruits blancs au nez, une bouche équilibrée toute en finesse, classe et élégance, sans être riche, possède une très belle texture, super bon en ce moment.92-93

Some floral and white fruit hints in the nose, very balanced wine with classe and elegance, finesse rather then weight but still has enough richness, very good right now. — 5 days ago

Michael B

8.9

Well made Pinot. Notes of raspberry, and strawberries, followed by hints of stewed apples, vanilla, dark chocolate. “Springy” acidity and good structure. Medium/light depth. Not overtly complex, yet enough going on to keep you interested. — 7 days ago