Cuvée Sainte Grâce

Chartogne-Taillet

Cuvée Sainte-Anne Extra Brut Champagne Blend

Cheers to this historic bubbly from Merfy!

Chartogne-Taillet is the only grower-producer located in this tiny village, nestled into the southern slopes of the Massif de Saint-Thierry—the northernmost region of Champagne, & one of its oldest winemaking zones, with roots stretching back to Roman times.

Despite its early popularity, and historical significance, Massif de Saint-Thierry is less widely known today—It’s a hidden gem offering diverse microclimates & subsoils ranging from clay to sand over chalk.

We’re grateful Alexandre Chartogne is giving this region, and Merfy, in particular, a sensory voice, by crafting a range of terroir-driven champagnes that honor centuries of family farming and his formative mentorship working under Anselme Selosse.

Featured here is the “Cuvée Saint Anne”— a broader regional expression which blends vintages, villages, and varieties—60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 5% Meunier—from parcels in both Merfy and the grand cru village of Avize (Côte des Blancs).

In appearance, this wine is radiant gold, revealing the delicate influence of oxygen over a period of aging in neutral oak. It has a fine & persistent perlage.

On the nose are harmonious notes of poached pear, fresh apricot, apple salt water taffy, white blossom, gardenia, crusty croissant, apple crisp, cider, brioche, cinnamon sugar lefse, graham cracker pie crust, wet stones, chalk, & toasted almond.

This wine shows vitality & energy on the palate that is bone dry with lively acidity, a creamy mousse, flavors consistent with the nose, & a lingering finish.

Here’s to Chartogne-Taillet’s elegant & expressive champagnes that are deeply rooted in place.
— 2 days ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1 and Ted liked this

Chartogne-Taillet

Cuvée Sainte-Anne Brut Champagne Blend

Always seems to deliver — 19 days ago

Sarah Bignami
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Tom, Doug and 3 others liked this

Château Hostens-Picant

Cuvée des Demoiselles Sainte Foy Bordeaux Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon in blend, aged 9 months in oak, pale lemon with delicate aromas of citrus, stone fruits and floral note. On the palate flavors of apple, pear and lime citrus with notes of pepper and spice. Medium+ finish, slight cedar notes, vivid acidity and ends with herb mineral spice. Nice! — 6 months ago

Tom, Paul and 1 other liked this

Château Sainte Roseline

Lampe de Meduse Côtes de Provence Syrah Blend 2020

Garrigue, wild herbs, some lavender as well, the bottle doesn’t say, but Delectable shows a “Syrah cuvée” and a “Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée”, and this clearly seems Syrah, nicely balanced, savory, no excessive heat, this is quite nice, longish finish. [Checked my source, and this cuvée is 52% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Carignan.) — 4 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Tom, Dave and 8 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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Gotta look for this. Sounds great. And that bottle!
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Tom Casagrande, it was Garagiste, not sure if I’ve ever seen it offered before or since. They’re apparently famous for their Rose.

Catherine & Dominique Guffond

Château Le Sèpe Cuvée Initiale Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

Vintage 2016 | surprising under the radar Bordeaux. Sainte Radegonde lies in Entre Deux Mers. The fascinating bouquet got my attention. It is só joyful, combination of red fruit and minerals, utterly balanced, reminds me a bit of Saint Julien. A Point now. Gives much much pleasure. — 2 years ago

Jan, Scott@Mister and 8 others liked this

Pascal Janvier

Jasnières Cuvée Sainte Narcisse Chenin Blanc 2015

Wow! This is exciting, delicious and fascinating. Hint of RS. Great viscosity, beautiful acidity. The definition of complex. — 4 years ago

John, John and 2 others liked this