Ulysse Collin
Les Maillons Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Champagne Pinot Noir
Champagne, France
Yep, those are worms. Sago worms to be precise, and I never thought the day would arrive where I’d be pairing champagne with fried worms. But true to its reputation as the most democratic of wines, champagne and worms turned out to be a pretty wicked match.
Worm-wise, it was quite delicious deep-fried. These sago worms feed only on the pith of sago palm trees, so they come out plump, creamy, and pretty much funk-free. Earthy and slightly sweet, they kind of tasted like fried mushrooms, but with gooey texture.
As for the 16’ Les Maillons, it was truly a joy to drink. I would even be so bold to say that it was drinking at its peak. Concentrated and complex, yet so precise and energetic. Aromas of red apples, apricot, sea breeze, toasted almonds, white flowers, cream, and nutmeg. On the palate, it was textural and full-bodied. Not the most mineral champagne, but it was certainly racy and saline in the backend. Juicy red fruits, zingy lemon, creamy richness, and plenty of spices in the mouth. So delicious, and before we knew it, we bottomed out. A great success and easily one of the best champagnes this year.
Yep, those are worms. Sago worms to be precise, and I never thought the day would arrive where I’d be pairing champagne with fried worms. But true to its reputation as the most democratic of wines, champagne and worms turned out to be a pretty wicked match.
Worm-wise, it was quite delicious deep-fried. These sago worms feed only on the pith of sago palm trees, so they come out plump, creamy, and pretty much funk-free. Earthy and slightly sweet, they kind of tasted like fried mushrooms, but with gooey texture.
As for the 16’ Les Maillons, it was truly a joy to drink. I would even be so bold to say that it was drinking at its peak. Concentrated and complex, yet so precise and energetic. Aromas of red apples, apricot, sea breeze, toasted almonds, white flowers, cream, and nutmeg. On the palate, it was textural and full-bodied. Not the most mineral champagne, but it was certainly racy and saline in the backend. Juicy red fruits, zingy lemon, creamy richness, and plenty of spices in the mouth. So delicious, and before we knew it, we bottomed out. A great success and easily one of the best champagnes this year.
2015 base! Always a treat and particularly delicious with some age!
2015 base! Always a treat and particularly delicious with some age!
Nov 12th, 2023
Pretty and fragrant. Light strawberry and minerality. Very good
Pretty and fragrant. Light strawberry and minerality. Very good
Nov 5th, 2022I remember the days when Maillons BdN could be found btg! That ship has certainly sailed and the UC band wagon is officially full, but rightfully so. 2015 base with 60% reserve wines from 2014 and 3/19 disgorgement is ripping tonight, and simply complete with a seamless combination of freshness and oxidative complexity with layered aromatics of rich yellow orchard fruit, wildflower honey and toasted almonds. The palate is electric, particularly so for the warm vintage, with racy acids, textural elegance, killer concentration and multidimensional depth of fruit which give way to a long, vibrant and mineral inflicted finale. The wines of Olivier Collin are hard to beat.
I remember the days when Maillons BdN could be found btg! That ship has certainly sailed and the UC band wagon is officially full, but rightfully so. 2015 base with 60% reserve wines from 2014 and 3/19 disgorgement is ripping tonight, and simply complete with a seamless combination of freshness and oxidative complexity with layered aromatics of rich yellow orchard fruit, wildflower honey and toasted almonds. The palate is electric, particularly so for the warm vintage, with racy acids, textural elegance, killer concentration and multidimensional depth of fruit which give way to a long, vibrant and mineral inflicted finale. The wines of Olivier Collin are hard to beat.
Oct 9th, 2022
Excellent grower Champange in the NV (2008) amber in color-rich, deeply concentrated flavors of roasted French Coffee, cardamom and cream.
Excellent grower Champange in the NV (2008) amber in color-rich, deeply concentrated flavors of roasted French Coffee, cardamom and cream.
Nov 12th, 2019
Love this wine. In the same style of Egly-Ouriet and Selosse. Really had some great barrel char going on. Singular but defined.
Love this wine. In the same style of Egly-Ouriet and Selosse. Really had some great barrel char going on. Singular but defined.
Sep 2nd, 2019Delightful EB. One of the best growers I’ve had recently at one of my favourite wine bars.
Delightful EB. One of the best growers I’ve had recently at one of my favourite wine bars.
Aug 17th, 2019