Benoît Lahaye

Bouzy Blanc de Noirs

9.2

Here we have the Benoit Lahaye ‘Blanc de Noirs’ – a non-vintage white bubbly made with 100% Pinot Noir, representing a blend of two parcels in Bouzy (Vaux-Bétins & Raies Tortues), each contributing a unique personality to the cuvée.

Harking back to more traditional winemaking methods, it was barrel-fermented naturally & bottled without filtration.

It has a pale gold hue w/ expressive aromas & flavors of baked red apple, cider, raspberry, fruit cake, lemon curd, cherry blossom, toast, clove, cinnamon, pastry, almond paste, and nougat next to chiseled mineral & wet stone notes.

With an ‘extra brut’ dosage (5g of sugar/L), this wine is bone dry, with a fine-beaded, creamy mousse, that is nicely balanced by a racy acidity. It has a kinetic energy & persistent finish. It’s absolutely delicious.

Who ever said you can’t sip bubbles on a Monday night?

I believe every day is worth celebrating in one form or another. Plus, this counts as studying for our WSG Champagne Masters class. Also, it’s Eiffel Tower Day!!

Cheers. — 24 days ago

with Deked1

Deked1, Ira and 15 others liked this

Bending Branch Winery

Bending Branch Estate Vineyards Tannat 2019

Francisco Perez

9.0

This wine shows that Texas is now producing fine and complex wine. The grape is Tannat used a lot in wines from Uruguay and Chile. Full bodied and beautiful crisp red velvet color. Pleasant to the nose and palate. Best when it breathes. Texas wine makers are increasingly conscious about terroir and planting grapes that fit it. Nice and well structured that complements a rib eye grilled quite nicely. — 3 years ago