Vanessa

9.2

Sandhi ‘Romance’ Chardonnay (2020) is made exclusively with grapes from the Domaine de la Côte estate vineyards, farmed organically, within the Sta Rita Hills AVA of the Central Coast region of California.

After a wild-yeast fermentation, this wine aged 10 months in neutral oak and 6 months in tank. It is textured with flinty mineral notes, next to layered aromas and flavors of toast, cream, cheese rind, white blossom, lime zest and just-ripe apple, pear, white peach, nectarine, honeydew, and starfruit. It is precise, elegant, and nuanced.

It has a freshness and vibrancy with a textured mouthfeel, bright acidity, and a delicately reductive character. At 12.8% ABV, this wine sits firmly within the medium alcohol range, speaking to the cooling coastal winds that are prevalent in the Sta Rita Hills AVA.

It’s absolutely delicious and a versatile culinary complement.

Cheers to Sandhi and beautiful, terroir-driven California Chardonnays! — 2 months ago

with Deked1

Willie Carter

9.0

Light, light pink. Practically translucent. More like the faded memory of pink chiffon. It’s such a visually lovely wine. Lovely effervescence as well, with plenty of tiny bubbles that go on and on. The nose is lithe and fresh with cherries and lavender. Raspberry crème and pomegranates come together with some mild spice. Sultry rose petals remind you that this whole show is really about romance.

A brilliant Oeil de Perdrix rosé from Vesselle that has breadth and depth. 100# Pinot Noir from Bouzy with Brut dosage. Very nice structure throughout plus most importantly, this champagne has a soul. Personality and character. Robust yet refined, this is nice and long with deep. The palate blooms with more luscious red fruits and buoyant citrus. A real treat, one I’ll be having again soon. — 2 years ago

Samuli Jokipaltio

9.3

Chianti romance, barnyard, everything that makes a good wine. Grazie. — 3 years ago

Kelsey

9.0

Very sweet — 9 months ago

Willie Carter

9.0

You already know what it is. There’s not much to even say about it because you already know it’s delicious. Quite delicious. Romance in a bottle? Absolutely. Pale copper with salmon accents and energetic effervescence. The nose features sumptuous cranberries and raspberries, as well as baked apple tarts. Some wild strawberry notes to go with the brioche aromas.

This is no hidden gem of a wine, you’ve all tasted it before and you know how good and reliable it is. A benchmark and always impressive. Pleasing, not racy, acidity and that hard to describe essence of quality. 40/30/30 CH/PN/PM and those red grapes truly shine here. The palate references the nose with more sparkling red berries and autolytic notes. Impressively long finish of pure elegance. Flabbergastingly lovely. — 2 years ago

Tara Dinsmore

9.0

Very sweet like a dessert wine. — 3 years ago

Alan Weinberg

9.2

a brief romance a year or so ago with 96 Cuvée Angeline and I was hooked on Lassalle. 2012 Special Club recently was way too young and it was recommended I try 2008. It tastes younger than 2012.

A faceful of citrus, it’s a very brash wine that hasn’t even reached adolescence. The fruit is clean and bright, the wine complex and long, but put it away for a decade. — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

An exceedingly pretty old gold color in the glass with shy green tinges. A dearth of fine, pristine bubbles. The nose here is so alluring, so delectable. Lemon curd and honey brioche bread. Vanilla custard and orange shavings. There’s a nice element of smoke that begins to permeate after it warms up. Whiffs of red fruits appear after even more time. Really really nice.

Prestige cuvées are always so fun to open, and it’s not just about the champagne. It’s about the occasion, the drama, the mood, the romance, and everything else. 60/40 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Cuvée Louise is so indicative of the Pommery style. The dosage a bit higher than what many of us are now accustomed to but the wine still shows signs of tension because of the impeccable structure and balance.

This is a warm champagne, one that provides comfort. But it also manages to thrill. Full bodied and showing it’s maturity in a very good way. Caramel and soft butter in the mouth along with candied apples and butterscotch. Biscuits, toffee, and melon. The finish is long and rich. Delightful. — 2 years ago

Willie Carter

9.5

This superstar 2012 vintage just doesn’t seem to miss. Especially not when paired with the elegance of Bollinger.

A gorgeous rose copper color in the glass. Plenty of fine bubbles that seem to just go on and on. The approachability of these outstanding 12’s is immediate. Wild strawberries and herbs shine on the nose. Red currant, raspberries, and stewed plums. Some exquisite spice notes along with white flowers. Tangerines and watermelons play a part.

The vitality and sheer energy of this is amazing. 67% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Verzenay. 33% Chardonnay from Oiry and Le Mesnil sur Oger with 5% still red wine from Bollinger’s legendary Côte aux Enfants vineyard. Terrific youthful tension and balance. Zippy acidity with 8 g/l of sugar. Disgorged in August of 2019 and already showing some maturity.

Pure romance on the tongue. Silky smooth and elegant with fresh red berries and more spice on the palate. Saffron and honey with oak complimenting. The Lehmann Jamesse Grand Blanc provided more floral notes, while the Riedel Dom Perignon showed more ripe fruit and minerality. Both wonderful. Yes this will obviously develop over time and become so much more special but you deserve this now. So do I. Enjoy.
— 3 years ago

James Bouloukos

9.3

Very nice, smooth and flavorful. Would definitely buy it again. — 4 years ago