Leslie

9.1

Med to full body Grenache, Syrah Mourvèdre. This wine has a little spice with tangy lush red fruit. A crisp Pepperyness on the finish. — a year ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I’ve had this cuvée a few times before, mostly at a reception before a dinner. I’ve never had the opportunity or time to really pick it apart. Well...as Phil Collins sang, “Tonight’s the Night!”

The nose reveals; a nice splash of sea spray immediately as you put your nose to the glass. Oysters shells, grey volcanics, profound but, subtle, soft, chalkiness, lemon meringue, grapefruit, lime pulp with skin, slightly, liqueur lemons, ripe pineapple, stone fruits, vanillin, melted caramel, bread dough, some yeastiness, cream to cream soda, butterscotch, ginger notes, nougat with almonds, yellow flowers/lilies framed in a field of spring flowers.

The body is in the rich realm. Mouthfeel is beautiful, rich & round. It’s an easy sipper with micro-oxygenation & gentle acidity. Lemon meringue, grapefruit, slightly, liqueur lemons, ripe pineapple, pear, green & golden apple, lime zest to candy, ripe, green melon, stone fruits, vanillin, melted caramel, bread dough, yeastiness, cream to cream soda, understated butterscotch notes, ginger notes, nougat with almonds, oysters shells, grey volcanics with a sharp edge, profound but, subtle, soft, chalkiness, a touch of white spice, yellow flowers/lilies framed in a field of spring flowers. The rich, polished, well balanced finish is delicious & persists nicely with some lightly heated spice on the long set.

Excellent Champagne & value for just under $35. Just misses 9.2.

Photos of; their Grand Cru Vineyard on the slopes of Avize...amazing perspective of the soil structure. All that chalkiness & sea fossils that were left when the sea level receded a long time ago. Iconic signage that visitors stand behind & get their picture taken, Owner/Winemaker-Olivier Bonville and the Champagne House of Franck Bonville.

Producer note; The House of Bonville was started in the early 1900’s just after Phylloxera had ravaged Europe. It’s been passed on in the same family for three plus Generations. — 5 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Vibrant salmon pink. Abundant nose of ripe peach and tangerine. Toasted brioche added to these in the lush, medium palate. Lingering red fruit finish. Fruity without being "fruity" is a great description of this. The rosé from Franck Bonville's second label is a great starter and an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of cuisines. Drink it when you buy it, of course. — 2 years ago

Sean Herriott

9.0

These '15s are my jam! — 7 years ago

Elise Nagahashi

9.0

Blackberry, high tannin, medium body, leather — 3 years ago

with Matt, Garrick and 1 other

Dennis Michael

8.9

Not bad full bodied rose, had with Black Forest ham. — 5 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.5

What a comparison... 2009 reserve vin clair vs 2009 Champagne! Thanks Olivier for making one of the most complete wines from this vintage! — 8 years ago