Clemence
Launois Père et Fils
Veuve Clémence Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay
The widow Clemence remains one of my favorite go to champagnes. Clean, crisp & refreshing green apples, citrus, citrus blossoms, touch of honey, ripe pineapple, light flintiness, nice acidity, small bubbles and sea breeze style finish. So good. — 9 years ago
Vincent Pinard
Clemence Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2012
2012 13% sublime — 12 years ago
McClean X Vineyards
Clemence Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc
Glenn brought this from birthday wine Steve bought. Very nice. — 11 years ago
Lelarge-Pugeot
Les Meuniers de Clemence Extra Brut Vrigny 1er Cru Champagne Blend
Red fruit, lees, fine mousse. Lovely texture, nice minerality. — 11 years ago
Gilbert Jacquesson
Cuvée Clémence Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne Blend
@Delectable Wine this is the Cuvee Clemence Blanc de Blanc.
Damn, this is solid. A cross between L'eclapart and Pierre Peters? — 3 years ago
Dow's
Silver Jubilee Vintage Port 1977
Allen Brothers Lava Cakes/Soufflé & 1977 Port. Pinch me!
Whenever I have wine this old, I always ask the people I share it with, what were you doing in 1977?
The beautiful thing about really old Port is how it softens all the edges & the elevated ABV. Smooth as silk.
This was a 375ml and farther along than a 750ml. The color was more Tawny than Port at this point. Wine on the leaner side. The fruits were; Thompson raisins, dates, figs, prunes, and some dried blackberries. Caramel, molasses, melted brown sugar, Cognac & Brandy presence, subtle wood shaving, nuts, butterscotch, graham cracker, dark withering flowers with beautiful acidity. The long finish was; rich, polished, well balanced, smooth and persistent for minerals.
If we had gone out for this dinner, it would have been $2500 plus tip & it wouldn’t have been this good which, is why we choose to cook rather than go out.
Cheese Course $25 pp
Salad $18 pp
Allen Brothers 6oz Ribcap $85 pp
Carrots $9 pp
Crispy Potato Wedges $12 pp
Soufflé $20 pp
Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs N/V Champagne $150
Glass of 2017 Pierre Boisson Bourgogne Blanc $25 pp
2018 Enderle & Moll Pinot Rose $75
1967 Bertani Valpolicella Amarone $625
2003 Chateau Lascombes $325
1977 Dow Port 375ml $275
Glass of Ruinart N/V Rose $35 pp
$2591 plus tax and gratuity
7 Hour Dinner
Nor would the music & ambiance been as good.
Interesting exercise penciling it all out.
Photos of; the boats used to transport Port from Douro to Oporto called a “Barcas”, grape stomping in a Lagare and our Allen Brothers Lava Cake/Soufflé. — 6 years ago
In '77 I was soiling cloth diapers.
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
It has been a while since I’ve opened a Clemence. A favorite of mine & Sofia once upon a time. Still drink it, just not as often as I have moved to mostly Extra Brut. This is a Brut at 8g. Excellent Champagne & value at $44.99.
I believe there are only two resellers you can acquire it, one east coast & one west-K&L. You have to buy it pretty quickly once they get their container. It took several yrs building that relationship as Launois is careful about who they let resell their cuvées. In fact, it is even difficult to get in France. K&L has standing orders from some French citizens they ship back to France once they receive it. Kinda crazy.
The palate has nice mousse with lively acidity and micro oxygenation. Lime/lemon pulp w/ zest, stone fruits-white dominant, grapefruit w/ pith, bruised red/golden apples, Bosc pear, caramel, vanillin, some yeast, baguette crust, white spice, gritty, grey volcanics, chalky bits, limestone marl, oyster shells, yellow flowers/lilies, spring flowers with a little greens mixed in, very good acidy, well; made/balanced/tensioned with a smartly polished, elegant finish that lasts minutes and land on excellent minerality.
If you get to Champagne, visit. They have a huge museum of champagne/wine artifacts that date back to BC. My two pics do not show its enormity. They are about 35-40 minutes south of Reims.
They are the only producer I know of that places a rubber casket attached to the bottom of their corks. So, next to never do their cuvées have cork taint.
Enjoying it with the Jasper Hill Farms - Willoughby, buttery washed soft white cheese. Try with Rainbow Crisp crackers or warm baguette. Also, on apples with and w/o honey. — 4 months ago