Jay Kline

9.2

Maurice Vesselle is a récoltant whose small estate of maybe 15 acres, is in Bouzy and Tours sur Marnes. Most of their vineyards, all Grand Cru, are dedicated to Pinot Noir with the balance, Chardonnay. They are a strict no-malo, all INOX producer. One other note, the corks on these bottles are so stubborn. I had one hell of a time getting it extracted in an elegant fashion. We had people over and I was multitasking, making the risotto which, of course, needed my undivided attention. Ultimately, I ended up grabbing the Wüsthof and sabering that mf’er.

So, sabered and poured. The wine is a straw color with medium- viscosity and a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of strawberry, light brioche, lemons, marzipan and limestone minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, mineral driven and zippy! This needs a ton of air at this stage but if you allow it, what a treat! Better after 2025 through 2043. The Millésimé is typically 80/20, Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Dosage 4g/l (and seems it). Disgorged June 2023. — 11 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Récoltant manipulant, look for these 2 words on a Champagne Label. A grower who makes and markets Champagne under their own label, grapes exclusively sourced from their own vineyards and processed on premises. One look at the intense color would lead you to believe it would be fruit dominate, but only has 8% Pinot Noir!! A gem, stone and light berry fruit scents, biscuit notes. Black cherry and sweet plum, crisp and fresh with fine mousse, good bubble flow, acidity and balance ending with mineral notes — 7 years ago

Angelo Rita

9.0

La structure et l'elegance du Pinot Noir — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Récoltant is an expression of a single grape from a small region manifested through the hands of great farmers and an incredible winemaker. Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruit, spice, floral and vanilla notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with cedar and cacao. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and sweet spicy mineral notes. Good value! Approachable now pair with rib eye! — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

One of my Fav’s! Look for these 2 words on a Champagne Label-Récoltant Manipulant, Grower makes & markets Champagne under their own label, from grapes exclusively sourced from their own vineyards and processed on premises. Fruit/floral bouquet, w/chalky minerals. Fine bubbles, nice mousse, showing quality. Outstanding rich flavors of peach, lemon and honey, well balanced, good structure, creamy. Finish with toasty oak & mineral notes that lingered. Very consistent quality. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Récoltant manipulant, look for these 2 words on a Champagne Label. A grower who makes and markets Champagne under their own label, from grapes exclusively sourced from their own vineyards and processed on their own premises. Classic over 70% of the grapes come from the village of Avize, the rest from Oger. Nice mousse and fine bubble flow. Apple and crisp pear with lemon zest and toasty biscuit flavors. Lingering finish, tangy notes, great balance with mineral ending. Tasting great. — 7 years ago

Blanc Emilie, Paris, France

9.5

Très bon rosé, dégusté avec des huîtres puis un poisson. Petit récoltant et belle histoire. Je le recommande. — 9 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Geoffroy is a récoltant-manipulant that has been keeping it real in Cumières (Vallée de la Marne) since the 1950’s when they started to bottle their own champagne. “Empriente” is a Blanc de Noirs of 100% Pinot Noir. Popped and poured, the 2015 pours a brilliant golden color with persistent mousse. On the nose, gorgeous raspberries, lemons, brioche, and chalky minerals. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with great acidity despite the warmth of the 2015 vintage. The notes from the nose are confirmed and the finish has lovely chalky minerals. There is a richness to the texture that is palpable. A very delicious champagne indeed! Disgorged December 2021. — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Récoltant manipulant, look for these 2 words on a Champagne Label. Grower makes & markets Champagne under their own label, from grapes exclusively sourced from their own vineyards and processed on premises. Fruit/floral bouquet, w/chalky minerals. Fine bubbles, nice mousse, showing quality. Outstanding rich flavors of peach, lemon and honey, well balanced, good structure, creamy. Finish with toasty oak & mineral notes that lingered. Very consistent quality. A Fav! — 7 years ago

Brent Mayeaux

Production Burn Cottage Vineyard

9.1

Quartz Reef Zero Dosage Brut NV. So delicious. Tons of acidity but plenty of the ripe Otago fruit to keep it balanced. Achieves a balance that reminds me of zero dosage sparklers from récoltant manipulant in the the Aube. Fresh and juicy lemon/lime, white flowers/orange blossom, slight oxidative and autolytic character. Good finish. — 8 years ago