Josh Morgenthau

9.3

Very tight at first, this reveals itself with still doughy apple pastry notes, green apple skins and seeds, lemon and lemon zest and a clean mineral nose with something almost reminiscent of swimming pool (not in a bad way). Palate is mineral and focused with lots of acid leading into the finish. Just starting to develop a honeyed note. Pleasurable if a little austere, will be better in 2-3 years. 2013 harvest, disgorged 2018 — 4 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

The 168 with a base of 2012 back to 1996 was rich, chiseled & precise showing a steely, mineral character with notes of citrus, green apple & pastry dough. This will be a great one to follow along with the 164 to matchup in a few years. — 7 days ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2002 Billecart-Salmon ‘"Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne (WWB, 95) which has a massive mouthfeel and glorious texture right now. This vintage is just thrilling to enjoy right now, made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay and resting for ten years on the lees. A bright beam of salinity falls over the limestone driven terroir, as Pink Lady Apple, kumquat zest and cinnamon infused sourdough bread flavors collide with minerals and the unctuous texture on the mouth. Generous, showing glorious length now at nearly the twenty year mark, this gorgeous bottling will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95 — 7 days ago

Eric S

9.3

Bennie’s best buddy. Great recommendation from @S.R.Alexander who also found a great re-up deal on it. — 4 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Tonight we tested the Riedel Vintage Sommelier flutes with the friends that gifted us our first set vs the flutes we had been using.

I wanted to do it with this champagne as I know it well. Moving back and forth between flutes, the nose was more green apple with the Somm flutes which, show more pineapple at the start.

From the Somm flutes there was green apple, lime zest, lemon, nougat, almonds, yeasty, more refined grainy minerals, volcanics, saline, yellow flowers with jasmine. The acidity is near perfect. The finish is; rich, well polished, nicely knitted and persists for minutes.

Photos of; the Champagne house of Charles Heidsieck, Stephen Leroux, director of Charles Heidsieck, one of the the best cave tasting rooms in Champange & their tasting salon — 12 days ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.1

ID 314057 (just off one digit from pi)
Golrious balance. Cork was compressed and showing age, though I stored this in my cold cellar. Nose of yellow fruits and flowers. All of a piece, though feeling a bit spendy.
Happy Mother's day to my wife, paired w almond croissants and truffled eggs. — 10 days ago

Mark Turner

9.6

Great bottle to share on our wedding anniversary. Mushroom on the nose, apricot on the palate. Lovely. — 6 days ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.7

Disgorged May 2018. A masterpiece. Aromatics are sweet citrus with a hint of tarragon. The palate is coated with white peach & crisp lemon. I’m amazed at how generous this is right from the pop. Texturally elegant and finessed. This is a great bottle of Champagne. — 4 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The Seasonal Grand Opening of the D&S Lounge. That’s going to require some BSR to celebrate.

As well, going to detail notes of this with my new Riedel Vintage Sommelier flutes, center picture. I’ve been wanting to write notes on this Champange in the new flutes as I wanted to do it one I am very well acquainted. As @Paul T- Huntington Beach & @Severn Goodwin have pointed out the many times I have posted it.

The nose is definitely more vibrant. Tangerines lead where they haven’t in my previous notes now using the new flutes. More pink rose petals, blood orange, pink grapefruit, leaner; strawberries, watermelon, warmed, creamed raspberries, apricots & cherries, liqueured marmalade, hints of scorched rhubarb, lemon/lime aid, chalky powder, delicate, grey volcanics, sweet, sea spray, bread dough, baguette crust, touch of brown sugar/molasses light, haunting, dry herbs, limestone and bouquet of; white, red, pink & orange roses.

The body is round with some gummy or gluiness. Everything about the mouthfeel is more delicate and softer. The bubbles smaller & more refined. Pink rose petals, blood orange, pink grapefruit, leaner; strawberries, watermelon, warmed, creamed raspberries, apricots & cherries, liqueured marmalade, hints of scorched rhubarb, almost a date presence on the long set, chalky powder, delicate, grey volcanics, sweet, sea spray, lighter intensity of white spices but, still has the heat & palate penetration, bread dough, baguette crust, touch of brown sugar/molasses light, haunting, dry herbs, limestone and bouquet of; white, red, pink & orange roses. The acidity is all fresh & lively with this cuvée. But, even that seems better. The finish is as always; well knitted & balanced, polished, fresh, persistent and never disappoints.

Photos of; the best room in our house for 6+ months of the year, our backyard. Aka, the D&S Lounge on Memorial Day Weekend 2020. — 11 days ago

Jan-Willem van der Hek

9.4

Friday fun! Need some time to open. after 30 minutes it's absolutely delicious! Needs food! Deg. Oct. 2018 — 5 days ago