A decidedly lovely clear gold with effusive perlage in the glass. Tiny, persistent bubbles and really nice creaminess. The nose is remarkable and highly expressive with some really nice citrus aromas fresh out of the gate. Kumquat and pears, marzipan and apricots. Fresh brioche bread and a welcome shock of nutmeg and cinnamon. Chamomile after around 45 minutes in the glass. A bit of red berry goodness to top things off.
Always a superstar champagne and seemingly always a notch above other vintage Grande Marque bottles. 65% Pinot Noir primarily from Aÿ and Verzenay and 35% Chardonnay mainly from Oiry and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The acidity is still present and zippy despite the dosage of 8 g/l. But the key here is that signature Bollinger power and grace which shines here beautifully. Such a vibrant and elegant champagne.
A full bodied, lush wine. Truly wonderful balance, structure, and texture. The palate follows the nose with citrus fruits for days. Fresh herbs and yeast with a backdrop of spice throughout. Green apples and cherries absolutely sing. A champagne that’s full of clarity and what it wants to be. While it is drinking so nicely right now it may be worth waiting a few years. You will be rewarded. — 3 years ago
A bright rose color with a touch of copper. Tiny, delicate bubbles that are effusive. The nose is fruity and generous with wild strawberries, cherries, and orange zest. Citrus notes come into play with grapefruits and a dash of lemon. Clearly defined rose petals accompany cinnamon and nutmeg. Over time, freshly baked vanilla brioche comes to the fore.
The gulf between Veuve’s vintage bottling and the entry level rosé is vast and deep. Harmonious, elegant, and deft. A blend of 61/34/5 PN/CH/PM with 14% of still red wine from Bouzy with a dosage of 8 g/l. Disgorged in November of 2016 so it’s mature already but has years and years to go. This is one of the more well defined rosés around and one that will easily improve over time. Restrained acidity but terrific in the mouth.
Plenty of sex and emotion here. Indubitably a Grande Marque upon tasting, there’s plenty of complexity and drama here. The palate provides chalk and pastries. Beautiful red fruits along with herbs and spices. Long finish. A stunner of a champagne. Spectacular today but what will it be tomorrow? — 3 years ago
Absolutely delicious ! 2022 vintage served with salad and quiche. Price is reasonable for such a crisp and fruity Sauvignon Blanc! — 5 months ago
I don’t know this house. They make Cordon Bleu—brut, extra brut, rosé, also a higher level called Princes, and their grand marque is Louis XV, also making a high end Vinotèque from older stock. House was founded in 1837 in Epernay. This is the only one I’ve had, a Cordon Bleu brut. And w 20 years on it, it’s pretty good juice. — 3 years ago
Founded by Cody and Marque Wright, yes that family of the great Ken Wright Pinot’s very nice small production Pinot, 11 mos French oak (40% new). Ruby with aromas of red fruits and earthy spices. On the palate youthful flavors of cherry and raspberry, cacao and licorice notes with elegant spice. Fine rich tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral notes. Good value! — 3 years ago
Le beurre pas trop de marque d'élevage.
@50Manu — 7 months ago
Off golden color with oh so many fine little bubbles. Absolutely intoxicating aromas bursting out of the glass. Fine cheese, green apples, and boysenberry immediately followed by a whiff of violets. Gingerbread and almonds with a nice shock of grapefruit. This is ridiculous, it just keeps going. A little chalk and yeast with a bit of sage.
From a selection of Grand and Premier Cru areas in the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne and aged over ten years on lees. This is a superb standard bearer of Grand Marque vintage champagne year in and year out. Almost perfect structure and balance and all is in harmony here. 60/40 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay mostly vinified in steel tanks with a small amount done in oak. Disgorged in June of 2019.
Grace and elegance with a sturdy backbone. A bit closed in initially but given some time really opens up nicely. Cherries and pineapples with honey butter. Herbs and citrus with oak. Roasted nuts on the long, powerful finish. You already know you want this so there’s not much else I can say except, you’re right. — 3 years ago
Brandon Boesch
Really like this. Better on cooler side. Some pepper, a lot of bright fruit, plum, stone, savory herbs, but good fruit forward drinking wine. More cool climate style rhone blend than most of SB county. — 2 months ago