Shay A

9.2

As a lover of Solera/perpetual reserve wines, this intrigued me…as far as I know, this is the first Solera champagne I’ve had where the perpetual reserve is coming from the red wine (Pinot noir), not the base wine.

50 chard/ 35 Pinot noir/ 15 Pinot meunièr; 7g/l dosage

Faint copper hue in the glass (not a deep vinous style rosé). Initial reaction is this reminds me a bit of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Rosé (which I love), but just a touch less layered. Very “big-house” in style. Plenty of toasted croissant, strawberries, and even some sweet spices. More red fruit on the palate but there’s also some apricot. With air, oxidized apple type notes show. The finish has a strawberry shortbread vibe alongside a classical mineral/chalk profile. I’m sure this would still be tasty if you cut the dosage in half, but it works for this wine (and the texture/broad feel on the palate from the dosage show nicely). — a month ago

Ryan Forsyth

9.1

Really enjoyed at Joel Palmer House — 6 years ago

Ali Watson

9.6

At parents house liked it! — 7 years ago

Kaustav Purkay

9.4

Jo loved it at the bull house east Belfast — a year ago

Scott Soren

9.4

Wow. Killer second label. Chateau Palmer in the house. Muted nose, not unexpected, deep rich black fruit with cassis and currant. Whistle pepper rounds out this awesome Bordeaux. Tannins present and still need time Medium acidity and robust finish. Just amazing — 4 years ago

Cynthia Van Frank

9.3

Joanie brought this delicious wine to my house. — 6 years ago

Nancy

8.9

Great complement to Palmer House mushroom dinner. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.2

I picked up 6 of these and 6 of the Palmer BdB last Fall and just polished off my last one of the Brut Reserve, as these come across as more accessible and less complex than their BdB sibling.

These champagnes are fairly new to the US (though not new across the pond), so I’m starting to see them more and more. This champagne reminds me of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve “lite”. It pours golden in the glass with plenty of toasty/yeasty notes, alongside truffle honeycomb and sea salt. The palate trends more towards the rich side yet finishes lighter than expected. Some nougat, golden delicious apple, caramel and lemon pastry. Not the most complex champagne, but it’s enjoyable on its own and has been a solid everyday/house champagne the last 6-8 months. — 4 years ago

Sean Driscoll

9.2

First wine with first resto dinner in months @ Joel Palmer. Young and needed air and time, but great acid, meyer lemon, light apple, some minerality. — 5 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Second wine of Margaux from a very good vintage. Still an adolescent. This would fool many blind. Very young, ripe, fresh and unresolved with loads of baking spices. At this stage, it seems more new world than old world. It going to take 10 years plus to show it’s Margaux elegance. Even after four hours in decanter. Dark currants. Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, strawberries pull up the rear, deep spice, clove, nutmeg, light vanilla, violets, red florals, tannins still big and fairly chewy. Cedar, tobacco, graphite, dry river stones, dark moist turned earth, leather, dry herbs/bay leaf, black licorice, caramel, dry stems, cherry cola, red licorice, fresh dark florals with violets, good acidity, big structure, tension, length but well balanced. The finish is still big, fruit driven with with strong dark rich earthy backside. @Charlie Palmer disappointing steak house — 7 years ago