Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale lemon color with aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, toasty vanilla oak and floral spice notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peaches, mango and lemon citrus, well balanced with acidity on a nice smooth mouthfeel. Long finish ending with spicy vanilla oak, mineral and citrus notes, will continue to age. Nice! — 12 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Medium lemon color, with Tropical and stone fruit aromas with complex spice and oak notes. On the palate flavors of ripe apple, melon and citrus, creamy, with toasty oak, fig and honey tones. Long finish ending with fruit, oak and spicy mineral character. A big wine! — a month ago

Stephen Fitzpatrick

9.0

Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish — 2 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.4

Saline, soft oak, lemon, and mineral. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
This distinguished cuvée from the esteemed family-run house (est. 1818) earns its name “Sous Bois” (“under wood”) by being fully vinified and aged in oak barrels. The blend features ~34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier—a balanced trio that brings both richness and finesse. The oak elevates its texture, resulting in a strikingly layered and structured Champagne that’s a step above the usual non-vintage Brut. 

Aromas & Flavors
Lively orchard fruit like pear, green apple, and citrus mingle with decadent notes of brioche, roasted nuts, vanilla, and a tertiary spice layer from the oak. A mineral undertone provides brightness underneath the creamy, toasty character.  

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined, with a fine and lingering mousse. The palate feels velvety and textured, balanced by bright acidity and a satisfying, mineral-driven finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Fermentation and aging are conducted entirely in oak barrels at cool temperatures. A portion of the wine includes reserve wines, which contribute depth and consistency. Lees aging ranges from 6 to 7 years. No malolactic fermentation in most lots, preserving freshness and clarity.   

Food Pairing
A versatile and luxurious Champagne—ideal with roasted poultry, creamy shellfish dishes (think lobster or scallops), and earthy mushroom preparations. Works elegantly as both an aperitif and a gastronomic accompaniment.

Verdict
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV is a masterclass in barrel-fermented Champagne. It blends textural richness with precision and finesse—bold yet balanced, complex yet harmonious. A standout choice when you want something unforgettable and elegant. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Stags’ Leap Chardonnay 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A complex and elegant Chardonnay, made with a touch of Viognier (1%), aged in a thoughtful mix of French oak (50% neutral, 25% new) and stainless steel. This approach keeps it bright and fresh, while still offering richness and depth—a classic Napa Valley balance.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose: lemon crème, white pineapple, melon, and delicate citrus blossoms and magnolia flowers.
On the palate: Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, lemon curd, with accents of vanilla, brioche toast, ginger, and an exotic lift of lychee.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and creamy, with a long, satisfying finish. The minerality adds freshness, while the oak provides subtle spice and structure.

Winemaking Notes
100% Chardonnay + 1% Viognier, aged for 4.5 months in oak & stainless steel. Native malolactic fermentation balances creaminess with acidity.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled scallops, lobster tail, or white sea delicacies. Can also elevate creamy pasta or roasted chicken with herbs.

Verdict
A gorgeous Chardonnay—rich, floral, and layered, but still refreshing. A wine that shows Napa’s finesse while keeping an approachable style. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc & 35% Semillon, pale lemon-green color with pronounce aromas of tropical and stone fruits with herb notes, 25% new oak. On the palate flavors of melon, apple and grapefruit with peppers and a touch of herbs. Medium+ length, balanced lively acidity, ending with a fruit and mineral character. Very good to drink now, will benefit from bottle aging. — a month ago

Bonnie Chu

8.9

California tasting, steel and oak — a month ago

Ed Chin

9.2

Still kicking. I just wish the oak toned down a bit. Great fruit and well made. Dail back that oak and it would be fantastic. — 2 months ago

Jan A

9.2

Oak/butter — 2 months ago