I’m between 92-93 here. I bought this at the same time as the Marguet Shaman 17 I opened two weeks ago and wanted to try them fairly close together for comparison sake (both are grower, zero dosage), and the V&S wins (more body/richness).
Jan’21 disgorgement. Gold in the glass. I’m not a fan of decanting champagne, but I do love drinking champagne from wider bowl glasses to air them out gently, which this benefitted from. Doesn’t have that really brisk Carmex aromatic I get with many lean grower champagnes. It sports a gently oxidative flair with golden pear, red apple, and honey roasted cashews. The palate has a distinct bakers yeast note along with classical chalky limestone too. It was a match made in Heaven with lobster corndogs! Will purchase again. — a year ago
A surprising lighter style Pauillac for an 05 but @ £90+ it’s in a nice place, but a touch disappointing compared to others such as the amazing 2000 😁
🏵 92-93 points
🍇 64% Cab S, 29% Mer, 6% Cab F, and 1% Pet V
🍷 Blackened ruby
👃 Warm oak, soggy earthy leaves, gravel, minerals, pencil lead through dark berries & plum w/ mocha
👄 Med body of smooth rich blackcurrant, damson & red/black currants w/ a mineral mocha & mineral undertone
🎯 Med red & dark berry kick w/ touch dry minerals, light mocha & liquorice
— 6 years ago
complex leaves you wanting to learn more about its maker — 2 months ago
It’s Friday night, time for Champagne. It’s been a number of weeks since we had one of our very favorite N/V Rosé Champange’s.
One of the last nights in the D&S Lounge before we close it up for the season. It’s getting into the 50’s at night with fog hovering. But, it’s 75-77 degrees inside our propane fray. Rainy season is coming as well. 😞
Plate & Bottle dinner tomorrow night. 😋
Have great weekend everyone! Cheers! 🍾🥂
Numerous previous notes apply.
Photos of; the sunset over one of Billecart’s Grand Cru vineyards, inside the House of Billecart and the beautiful manicured grounds of the Billecart Estate. — 4 years ago
One of my favorites in the in Bourguignon-style of Beaujolais are those of Thibault Liger-Belair. What I adore about Thibault’s approach is that his winemaking philosophy seems to suit M-à-V so well. Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2016 “Moulin-à-Vent VV” is full of the undeniable dark fruit and structure and yet, incorporates a funky charm that seems to bridge Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaujolais perfectly. To my palate, these 2016 VV’s are just entering the early part of their drinking window. I still think this is developing and it will take another few years before the secondary characteristics begin to show and that’s when the magic really starts to show with these wines. All of the pieces and parts are there…all that is required at this point s a little more patience. Good now but better with a little patience and after 2026. Should be awesome well through 2036 — 7 months ago
Another go to n/v Rosé Champange because of quality & availability in 375’s. Although, most people think their recent price increases are unwarranted. In large part, I agree. They just haven’t passed my threshold.
Lots of strawberries, black cherries, blood orange, uncooked rhubarb, blackberries, peach, Rainer cherries, loads of white spice w/ heat, sea fossils, dry yeast, some bread dough, weighed, crispy, crunchy minerals, excellent, powdery chalkiness, red flowers & both pink & red rose, lively, crisp acidity, great length and balance with polished, ripe fruits and falling onto pronounced minerality on the long set.
The bottom photos tell you all you need to know as to why the region of Champange is so excellent. Not many places in the world have that kind of chalk & for me, that’s what makes them special. — 3 years ago
The Venge (ven-ghee) family has farmed grapes in Napa Valley for nearly a half-century, beginning when Knud Venge migrated from Denmark to the United States in the early 1900’s. Aged in French oak, 65% new, for 18 mos. A big wine, decant for an hour! Deep ruby with aromas of fresh blue and black fruits. On the palate blackberry and blueberry flavors, well balanced, good structure, full body, firm tannins, medium+ length ending. Will age well. — 6 years ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits and floral scents. On the palate flavors of apple, peach and pear with hints of citrus. Medium finish, fine mousse, creamy mouthfeel, light bubble flow, ending with fruit and slight mineral notes. Drink now! — 2 months ago