Willem Booij

9.5

Paaslunch op huis tuin en keukenniveau

Soms klopt alles. Gisteren was zo’n wijnmoment, vandaag was het weer zo’n moment waarop smaken, gezelschap en een glas uitzonderlijke champagne perfect samenkwamen.

In het glas: Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François 2008, een champagne met klasse, precisie en diepgang. Rijp en gelaagd, met tonen van geroosterde noten, citruszeste en subtiele brioche.

De mousse verfijnd, de afdronk eindeloos. Voor mij is deze champagne geen aperitief maar dit is een hoofdrolspeler.

De pairing?
Oesters, puur, zilt en perfect in balans met de frisheid.

Tartaar van wortel, sjalot, cornichon en kappertjes met sriracha-mayo, spannend en licht pikant, prachtig gedragen door de structuur van de wijn

Asperges met mousseline, gerookte zalm en Hollandaise, romig, rijk en precies waar deze champagne zijn diepte laat zien

Een paaslunch die nog wel even blijft hangen. De chef van de Kwalitaria was in vorm 😉

— 9 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

M. Chapoutier “Monier de la Sizeranne” Hermitage Rouge 2020, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Hermitage Syrah sourced from several parcels including Les Bessards, Le Méal, and Les Greffieux. The vineyards combine granite and clay soils that give the wine both structure and richness.

Aromas & Flavors
Raspberry, blackberry, and cassis are complemented by black pepper, licorice, and subtle smoky notes.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet structured with concentrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Venison, roasted beef, duck, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A refined Hermitage Syrah that captures the balance of power and elegance characteristic of the appellation.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully structured Hermitage Syrah that showcases the depth and elegance of the appellation with impressive balance and complexity. — a month ago

Ericsson

9.5

Bucket list wine. Always wanted to try the red but it is elusive. Some say it’s the Grand Cru of Provence. Found it at Grand Barrail in Bordeaux FR. It is decadent, I’d have it again any day. — a month ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.5

Still fresh as day. Incredible. — 16 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

M. Chapoutier “Le Pavillon” Ermitage Rouge 2011, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A legendary single-parcel Hermitage Syrah from the Le Pavillon vineyard, planted on granite soils with vines averaging more than 65 years old. Production is extremely limited, with only a few thousand bottles produced.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, raspberry, smoke, licorice, and dark chocolate with subtle notes of spice and tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Deep, powerful, and velvety with extraordinary structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings
Game meats, lamb, venison, or slow-braised beef.

Verdict
One of the most iconic Syrah expressions of Hermitage, combining power, precision, and immense aging potential.

🍷 Personal Pick
An incredibly subtle yet deeply structured Syrah that reminded me why tasting great wines is such a joyful experience. Sophisticated, intense, and beautifully balanced without ever becoming overwhelming. The aging potential is extraordinary.
— a month ago

Meredith Moody

9.7

I love champagne, but the only thing I love more than champagne is free champagne. Was this great because it’s great, or was it great because it was free and unlimited? Does it matter? Super rich and toasty, but still maintains a bright acidity and freshness. I definitely get the classic brioche note, along with apple and citrus. Feels more complex and has more depth than some other champagnes I have tasted. Super crisp and refreshing, but has a richness that makes it feel indulgent. — 22 days ago

Juan Pablo Perez

9.1

Cereza y guineo — 13 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

M. Chapoutier “De L’Orée” Ermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
One of Chapoutier’s most celebrated single-vineyard Marsanne wines, sourced from very old vines (60–70 years) in the Les Murets parcel. The ancient alluvial soils contribute immense concentration and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Intensely aromatic with citrus, acacia, caramel, ripe orchard fruit, and floral undertones, layered with toasted nuts and subtle spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, powerful, and incredibly complex with remarkable length and precision.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, foie gras, roasted poultry, or rich cream-based dishes.

Verdict
A monumental expression of Hermitage Blanc that demonstrates the extraordinary potential of old-vine Marsanne.

🍷 Personal Pick
My absolute favorite of the lineup. This single-vineyard Hermitage shows the firepower of old vines with stunning depth and complexity, easily among the best Marsanne ever tasted. Phenomenal.
— a month ago

Ericsson

9.3

Special edition. At the estate in Tour sur Marne FR. — a month ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on April 29, 2026 at Pastis in Nashville with Michael]

— 6 years ago