Jay Kline

9.2

Yes, that Christophe Baron (Cayuse, Horsepower, etc). This project has him going back to his family’s roots and focusing on Meunier. “Les Alouettes” is a tiny vineyard in Charly-sur-Marne, bottled at zero dosage and only available in magnum.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Even better on Day 2. The 2019 pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of raspberries, Gala apple, almond, a touch of lightly toasted brioche and chalky minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. I found this a touch reticent on the pop and pour but this opened dramatically by Day 2. Relative youth and the format surely played a role. Yummy stuff. Drink now with patience through 2039. Disgorged May 2023. Only 1358 magnums made. — 3 days ago

Brian S

9.1

Biodynamic, 80 year old vines. Red apple skin, lovely red fruit, lots of red cherry in mouth, red and blue flowers, black soil. — 3 months ago

hideaki nakagawa

9.4

Charly Chardonnay Pétillant
Vinifié par Junko
Sarl Joubert
Bulles Naturells
輸入者ディオニー株式会社 — 7 months ago

Miyuki Yoshino

9.3

smooth aroma — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Jérôme Lefevre, Elaine Delalot’s son, falls into the category of noninterventionist; at least by Champagne’s standards. No pesticides. No weeding. No tilling. The dude doesn’t even prune. “Impressions” comes from a single small vineyard in Charly-sur-Marne called “Les Boulards”, planted exclusively to Meunier. The soils in Les Boulards are largely sand! The wine is aged in new, medium+ toasted, 300L barrels. The results are stunning.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. “Impressions” pours a slightly bronzed color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of bright tropical fruits, raspberries, citrus, some varnish, and minerals. Natural. Soulful. Stunning. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is creamy. A totally “wow” wine and one of the more singular Champagnes I’ve had since my visit with Clément Perseval last fall. Disgorged November 2023. Bottle No. 562/1590 — 2 days ago

Jan de Weerd

9.4

While we ‘were’ in Burgundy, we hopped on over to Champagne and experienced Christophe Baron’s Champagne. Made from Pinot Meunier. A blanc de noir Champaign. Everything was in sync from the fine persistent bubbles lifting flavors of crisp stone fruit to the finishing notes of lightly toasted bread. Loved it!! And, amazingly, this magnum bottle kept its tension and sass for four days since first opened!! — 3 months ago

with Chris, RoAnne and 1 other

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2022 vintage. Last tasted 06.26.24 (9.5). Pretty drinkable now and flashing quite a smile. Try to resist the temptation for another 2-3 years if you can. 05.28.25. — 10 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

If you like Ca Chardonnay with firm wood-warmer climate backbone structure, this probably isn’t for you. It is closer to white burgundy, which is why I buy it occasionally. It reminds me of the a leaner, less viscous, 2014/16 Domaine de la Bongran Viré-Clessé Cuvée E.J. Thevenet.

The palate is perfectly ripe; green apple, lemon/lime juicy pulp w/ zest, grapefruit with pith, tropical melon, white stone fruit, marmalade as it warms & opens up, Bosc pear w/ skin & lychees. Honey notes, but less than Viré-Clessé Cuvée E.J. Thevenet, caramel, milk froth, vanillin, dry limestone powered, toast crust, some white spice, grey volcanics, saline notes, yellow lilies, white flowers, jasmine blossoms, mixed in greens, very pleasant acidity, well; knitted, balanced, good tension, medium structure and a smarty polished 90 second finish that settles on spice and minerals. — 18 days ago

Chip Habegger

9.1

Very good but heavier and denser than anticipated—but definitely not in a cab way. Mild tannins for such a deep fruited wine. Veers into earthy territory. Moderate plus acidity. — 3 months ago

Ian Hamel

9.0

2024 spring / summer. Yellow gold color. Round, fleshy, lots of sweet citrus and some stone fruit, a touch of residual sugar and no oak - this is my first time with Thevenet-Quintaine but understand this is the typical style. An interesting change of pace — 2 years ago