Charlie Evans

9.6

This was part of one of the more incredible things I’ve been apart of doing my job. A Bollinger R.D. Master Class with the chef de cave of the winery. Strictly Bolly R.D. designed to show the intricacies of champagne. Two ‘96 vintages, one disgorged 6 months prior, another disgorged 6 years prior. 3 different 2002 vintage R.D.’s with 3 different dosages, 2 of which were made specially for this class. One zero dosage, one at 3 g/l, and another at 8 g/l. 2004 vintage poured 15 mins apart to showcase how the wine shows differently when exposed to just a bit of air. Finally another 2004 bottled in magnum to show how the bottle size can affect the wine. A truly eye opening experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just stellar. — 5 days ago

Conrad Green

9.8

Wow- a soft peachy gold in color. A powerful and seductive nose of orange, caramel, soft lemon, white peach. On the palate gorgeously open and precise. All secondary notes that match the nose but very fresh still with minerality and a little electric current of acidity and huge length and complexity. Still an active mousse... small bubbles. This is almost exotic and a gorgeous example of aged Dom. — 7 days ago

with Howard, Walker and 3 others

Shawn R

9.7

Wine Nerd Heard early arrival gathering was greeted with this 1988 Cristal Rosé. Such a gorgeous and lively wine despite its age. Fine bubbles, balanced fruit and acid. Special bottle. — 6 days ago

with Mike, David and 2 others

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

On the nose; lemon shortbread, lime, cream, toast, touch of ginger, marzipan, beautiful nice chalkiness, sea spray and verbena.

The body is soft and rich. Lively mouthfeel. The palate is lemon sorbet, lime zest, pineapple, some green apple, light spice that brings some palate heat, touch of dark currants, toast, hints of ginger, marzipan, silvered almond, beautiful nice chalkiness, sea spray, grey volcanic minerals that penetrate into your palate, yellow lilies, fruit blossoms and verbena. The acidy is very nice...well executed, the long, rich, balanced finish is quite enjoyable.

Photos of, The House of Laurent-Perrier, their tasting bar, shop and one of their many vineyards.

Very good for the $. 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meinier. — 8 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Happy birthday to my wife Sofia! She wanted to go have a birthday lunch in Big Sur at Nepenthe. With these views, who wouldn’t want to go celebrate there? Great vistas, good food and an even better wine list. Krug by the glass and so much more! Good warm up for lunch.

It’s a combination of reductive and oxidized style on the nose. Bruised apple, bruised Bosc pear, well overripe pineapple, marmalade, touch of caramel, creamed cider, understated honey notes, chalkiness, seashells, some oysters, volcanic minerals w/ fruit blossoms & withering yellow lilies.

The palate shows more reductive style than oxidized. Less pronounced bruised apple, bruised Bosc pear, well overripe pineapple, white citrus, marmalade, touch caramel, creamed soda, apple cider, understated honey notes, chalkiness, seashells, some oysters, volcanic minerals with fruit blossoms & withering yellow lilies. The acidy is quite nice. Very good; structure, length & balance. The long, beautiful, rich, finish is just what you’d expect from Krug.

Photos of, the outdoor bar with that view, whew, Nepenthe pumpkin, with the cell tower signal so bad & no wi-fi, they need a antique phone booth and the outdoor lounge/waiting area, complete with a ping pong table.

@Nepenthe Big Sur — 15 days ago

Willem Jan Withagen

8.9

This was in my cellar for already quite some time (6+Year) but still fresh apples a bit of toast and yeast. Slightly matured tones. But a great glass for a celebration. — 8 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

It’s been a few weeks and I sure did miss starting the night with my baby 375ml. Ahhhh! Several notes previously and all would still apply!

Cheers and best wishes to the people affected by the CA fires. As well, to all the fire fighters.

The smoke is in the town I live in and that’s pretty far from where they started. I hate to think what it’s like there!!! — 18 hours ago

Shawn R

9.6

As we kept the Champagne evening going we shared this. Slight oxidized on the nose yet supremely balanced on the palate. Small bright bubble, nice acid on the back side. Nice feel on the palate-honey, fine roast coffee and street side hazelnut. Not an overpowering Champagne, shows grace and elegance. — 6 days ago

with Mike, David and 2 others

Ken Z

8.9

Drank 11/8/18. Tasting pour.

Nose of pears and lemon pastry. Palate with green apple liquer, and lemon drop. Not overly sweet with a crisp, refreshing finish.

3/21/7/4/3 +50 =89 pts.

Save for dessert, or those who prefer a sweet, but well balanced wine — 9 days ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Golden in color with a fine gentle mousse. A tawny, peachy, dried orange nose. On the palate, delicate and plush and open. All secondary stuff with warm citrus and faded edges. Very pretty — 5 days ago

with Lindsay, Howard and 4 others