Paul T- Huntington Beach

9.4

Thought it was a nice bottle especially for $60.00,
K&L notes,


Absolutely incredible opportunity on this creamy, supple Blanc de Blancs that still has great focus and precision and superior, long, mineral finish. Like all of the Thienot vintage wines, this bottling is entirely estate grown from the family's nearly 70 acres of vines. From the winery: "In 1985 Alain Thiénot launched his eponymous Champagne House, driven by his experience as a courtier and close-knit relationships with Champagne growers. This was quite a challenge in a sector where the greatest names began their existence as early as the 18th century. Never willing to compromise on quality or expertise, Alain Thiénot has transformed this vision into one of his key strengths. From this point forwards, using a strategy targeting the gastronomy sector, he has successfully conquered markets in France and abroad. He has passed on this passion and vision to his children, Garance and Stanislas, who decided to join the family business in 2003. With its resolutely modern philosophy, the most recently established, privately owned and family-run Champagne House continues its expansion." — 6 days ago

Chris McClellan

9.2

Stunning NV champagne...slight brioche, baked apple and acid so well preserved...full of life and extremely balanced champagne...i need more — a day ago

Jay Quarantello

9.3

COVID-19 Diary Week Three: This Blanc de Blancs champagne from Pierre Paillard is 100% Chardonnay and excellent. It has the aroma of honey and wet grass, and tastes of yellow apple and lemon. This is an off-dry champagne that is appropriately balanced in its sweetness and earthiness. There is a lingering acidity on the tongue and a great finish accentuating thus well-balanced champagne. This quality NV champagne from the Grand Cru town of Bouzy is one that I highly recommend, celebration or not. — 3 days ago

Carrie Bowden

9.2

70% 2016 and 30% perpetual reserve 1986
Bottled May 2017, disgorged Jan 2019 — 2 days ago

Matt Lasater

9.6

This is gorgeous. Kicked the rating up a notch after tasting on day two. Rich, vinous, old-school minded with its oxidative upbringing. Apparently a cool site with his oldest vines, this has tremendous grace give the ripeness of the vintage. — 4 days ago

Severn Goodwin

9.2

It's been a long week of work for both my wife and me, only thing needed to help us ease our way into the weekend, is Champagne.

Prior notes still apply, wonderful bottle! Even better than earlier bottles, Gabriel Glas or a little more age, the world will never know.

Decanted ~2 hours, just perfect tonight. — 3 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.2

More mineral/savoury than it is fruity, this wine has pickled lemons, sourdough, seashells and even faint hints of smoke and something umami. Maybe soysauce?
Crisp and young (L.437?), well-balanced, long and persistent aftertaste.
Quite rich and broad for a BdB..., which I like!
Thank you, PZ.
— 9 days ago

Aravind Asok

9.2

From the same batch as my previous btl. On the nose: lovely richness: lemon/lime, dark roasted nuts, a hint of vanilla, stones. On the palate, great acidity, lemon peel, vanilla, loads of stoney minerality, fantastic density, dark nuts. — 3 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I’ve had this cuvée a few times before, mostly at a reception before a dinner. I’ve never had the opportunity or time to really pick it apart. Well...as Phil Collins sang, “Tonight’s the Night!”

The nose reveals; a nice splash of sea spray immediately as you put your nose to the glass. Oysters shells, grey volcanics, profound but, subtle, soft, chalkiness, lemon meringue, grapefruit, lime pulp with skin, slightly, liqueur lemons, ripe pineapple, stone fruits, vanillin, melted caramel, bread dough, some yeastiness, cream to cream soda, butterscotch, ginger notes, nougat with almonds, yellow flowers/lilies framed in a field of spring flowers.

The body is in the rich realm. Mouthfeel is beautiful, rich & round. It’s an easy sipper with micro-oxygenation & gentle acidity. Lemon meringue, grapefruit, slightly, liqueur lemons, ripe pineapple, pear, green & golden apple, lime zest to candy, ripe, green melon, stone fruits, vanillin, melted caramel, bread dough, yeastiness, cream to cream soda, understated butterscotch notes, ginger notes, nougat with almonds, oysters shells, grey volcanics with a sharp edge, profound but, subtle, soft, chalkiness, a touch of white spice, yellow flowers/lilies framed in a field of spring flowers. The rich, polished, well balanced finish is delicious & persists nicely with some lightly heated spice on the long set.

Excellent Champagne & value for just under $35. Just misses 9.2.

Photos of; their Grand Cru Vineyard on the slopes of Avize...amazing perspective of the soil structure. All that chalkiness & sea fossils that were left when the sea level receded a long time ago. Iconic signage that visitors stand behind & get their picture taken, Owner/Winemaker-Olivier Bonville and the Champagne House of Franck Bonville.

Producer note; The House of Bonville was started in the early 1900’s just after Phylloxera had ravaged Europe. It’s been passed on in the same family for three plus Generations. — 24 days ago

Shane Rische

9.1

My first Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs to celebrate a promotion. Absolutely loved it of course. I now tend to prefer Blanc de Noir though this did set the standard for what Blanc de Blancs can taste like. — 2 days ago