December 29th, 2018
Frédéric Savart: Le Mont Des Chrétiens 2013
Temperature: 12.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 3 g/l
Color: Light Golden-Golden
Bubbles: Fine, Medium volume
Nose: Perfumed flowers, citrus, saline
Palate: Full mouthfeel, citrus with balanced acidity, then “buttery”
Finish: Bitter citrus, chalk, medium length
This barrel vinified cuvee was tasted “en magnum”.
December 16, 2018
Perceval-Farge: C. de Pinots Brut Premier Cru
Temperature 8.3 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (55%), Pinot Meunier (45%)
Disgorged: 03/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Full Golden with coppery pink tinge, Moderate, fine bubbles
Nose: Perfumed red fruit, spice, brioche
Palate: Complex with immediate citrus and minerality and then spiced fruits with minerality returning
Finish: Palate continues, winey, long length and ends with minerality
This interesting cuvée has 40% reserve wines and about 30% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation which accounts for its mature nature.
November 19, 2018
José Dhondt: Rosé Saignée Brut
Temperature: 9.5 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Color: Light copper-pink
Bubbles: Many fine-medium
Nose: Red fruits, especially raspberry with dried flowers
Palate: Red fruits continue with balanced brightness and minerality and spice
Finish: Winey with red fruits mostly strawberry and minerality
October 20, 2018
Frederic Savart L’Accomplie Extra Brut
Temperature: 10.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (20%), Pinot Noir (80%)
Disgorged: 6/17
Dosage: 5 g/L
Color: Light Golden, Many fine bubbles
Nose: Perfumed fruit, toast
Palate: Lemon rind, brightness, focused
Finish: Palate continues, winey, short to medium length
October 06, 2018
Geoffroy Expression Brut
Temperature 10.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (10%), Pinot Noir (40%), Pinot Meunier (50%)
Disgorged: 12/16
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Light Golden, Many fine bubbles
Nose: Citrus, brioche, later yellow fruit
Palate: Lemon rind, brightness, focused
Finish: Palate continues, winey, short to medium length
September 22, 2018
Ayala: Perle D’Ayala Nature Millésimé 2002
Temperature: 10.7 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (80%), Pinot Noir (20%)
Disgorged: 01/16
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Golden, Many fine bubbles
Nose: Perfumed- fig, citrus, minerals at the end
Palate: Fresh, full mouth feel with brightness, lemon and minerality towards the finish
Finish: The palate continues, winey, long with minerality which continues to the end
September 14, 2018
Lallier: Blanc de Blanc Brut
Temperature: 8.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 05/17
Dosage: 9 g/L
Color: Light-medium golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Yeast, brioche, lemon
Palate: Lemon is forward with a full mouth feel, balanced acidity and minerality
Finish: Long, winey with slight lemon rind minerality at the end
This wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. It is a blend from grand cru villages and 12% reserve wine.
September 10, 2018
Champagne Pierre Gerbais: Grains de Celles, Extra Brut
Temperature: 10.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Blanc (25%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Light to medium golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate-many
Nose: Exuberant floral, with white fruits
Palate: Nose continues with balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: The palate continues medium length with minerality
September 10, 2018
Champagne AR Lenoble: Blanc de Blancs Chouilly
Temperature: 12.7 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 09/13
Dosage: < 5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate-many
Nose: Full floral, with oak
Palate: Nose continues with balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: Winey, medium length with minerality
September 10, 2018
Champagne Marie-Courtin: Blanc de Noirs Résonance, Extra Brut
Temperature: 13.7 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 09/13
Dosage: < 5 g/L
Color: Golden with pink tinge
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Perfumed red fruit
Palate: Red fruit continues but with tartness and minerality
Finish: Winey, medium length with minerality
September 10, 2018
Champagne René Geoffroy: Rosé de Saignée
Temperature: 16.8 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 05/14
Color: Dark pink
Bubbles: Fine, moderate-many
Nose: Oak, dark raspberry
Palate: Red fruit continues with balanced brightness and minerality and tanins
Finish: Palate continues, long length
September 10, 2018
Champagne Louis Roederer: Rosé 2010
Temperature: 15.6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (38%), Pinot Noir (62%0
Disgorged: 09/13
Dosage: < 5 g/L
Color: Salmon
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Oak, red fruit
Palate: Red fruit continues, becomes winey with balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: Palate continues, medium length with minerality
September 10, 2018
Champagne Marguet: Côteaux Champenois Rouge 2015
Temperature: 15.1 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Color: Dark ruby red
Bubbles: Still
Nose: Earth, woods, dark red fruit
Palate: Nose continues with tannic tightness
Finish: Palate continues, medium length
August 31, 2018
Ulysse Collin: Blanc De Noir Les Maillons Extra Brut
Temperature: 8.1 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 2/17
Dosage: 3.5 g/L
Color: Light to medium golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Oak, resin, candied red fruits, marzipan
Palate: Red fruits continue with moderately full mouth feel, balanced brightness and chalky minerality
Finish: Medium-long where the palate continues
Les Maillons is a lieu-dit (A named parcel) totaling 6 hectares of Pinot Noir 40+ year old vines
August 27, 2018
Pierre Gimonnet: Special Club Grands Terroirs De Chardonnay 2009
Temperature: 10.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 7/15
Dosage: 3.5 g/L
Color: Light to medium golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate-many
Nose: Floral, apples, red fruit
Palate: Apple continues, Bosque pear, with balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: The palate continues, but surprisingly short to medium length
The Special Club or Club Trésors de Champagne as it is known in France is a group of 28 wine growers who have the shared goal of producing excellent Champagne. The group convenes yearly for tastings to decide if a Special Club cuvée can even be produced. It must past rigorous tastings from two panels in order to be produced.
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Le Cran Millésime 2010
Temperature: 15.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (50%)
Disgorged: 12/17
Dosage: 3.5 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Yellow fruits, expressive
Palate: Fresh, moderately full mouth feel, creamy, balanced brightness and minerality, subtle end
Finish: Medium-long, winey
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Reflet D’Antan
Temperature: 15.7 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir (35%), Pinot Meunier (35%)
Disgorged: 12/17
Dosage: 6 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Expressive, perfumy, fresh, full
Palate: Apple, citrus, minerality with full mouth feel
Finish: Long, winey, minerality and brightness
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Brut Réserve
Temperature: 14.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (35%), Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (35%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light golden, slight pink tinge
Bubbles: Fine moderate
Nose: Apricot, biscuit, almond
Palate: Moderate-full mouth feel, textured, winey, balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: Medium, palate continues
This cuvée is composetd of 35% reserve wines.
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Campania Remensis Millésime 2014 Rosé
Grapes: Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir (60%), Pinot Meunier (5%), Coteaux Champenois Rouge (5%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Light-medium copper
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Cherry, rose, red fruits
Palate: Currant, strawberry, minerality
Finish: Medium, slight spice
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Bérêche: Les Beaux Regards
Temperature: 16.9 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Yellow fruits, expressive nose
Palate: Fresh, winey, chalky
Finish: Medium, palate continues with significant minerality, modest brightness
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Rive Gauche
Temperature: 14.4 C
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (100%)
Disgorged: 11/17
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Yellow fruit, red fruit, toast, some smoke
Palate: Light balanced salinity and minerality, moderate brightness
Finish: Medium, winey
June 22, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Coteaux Champenois Les Monts Fournois
Temperature: 12.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: None, still wine
Nose: Mild
Palate: Winey, minerality and some brightness
Finish: Medium
This still wine uses base wine from 2015. The grapes come from vines planted in the early 1960s. It is created using 80% barrel aged wine and 20% tank aged wine.
June 22, 2018
Trudon: Monochrome
Temperature: 8.9 C
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (100%)
Disgorged: 2/18
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Yellow fruit, some citrus, expressive, apple, spice
Palate: Balanced brightness and minerality, citrus predominates
Finish: Medium, winey, brightness and minerality
The grape vines for this cuvée are over 40 years old. It undergoes 30% malolactic fermentation.
June 22, 2018
Trudon: Roséphile
Temperature: 10.4 C
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 9 g/L
Color: Medium pink-copper
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Red flowers, rose initially turns to cherry/raspberry and spice
Palate: Dark cherry, moderate brightness balanced with minerality and spice later
Finish: Medium, palate continues, well balanced moderate mouth feel
This cuvée uses a base wine from 2014.
June 22, 2018
Trudon: Emblématis
Temperature: 8.4 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (70%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, citrus, red fruits, mirabelle
Palate: Moderate mouth feel, nose fruits continues with minerality
Finish: Medium, palate continues, light, easy drinking, balanced brightness and minerality
This cuvée uses base wine from 2014 as well as 40-45% reserve wine.
June 22, 2018
Maurice Lassalle: Brut Tradition
Temperature: 4.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (40%)
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus, red fruits follow
Palate: Well balanced, focused with citrus
Finish: Medium, clean, smooth, balanced brightness and minerality
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Cuvée Compte de Marne Millésimé Grand Cru 2012
Dosage: 7.5 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Delicate, apricot, dried fruit
Palate: Floral, Cherry, minerality
Finish: Long, balanced brightness and minerality
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Cuvée Compte de Marne Rosé Grande Cru
Temperature: 11.9 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (70%), Pinot Noir (30%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light copper-golden copper
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Strong mature red fruit, citrus
Palate: Powerful, dark red fruits dominate, full mouth feel
Finish: Medium-long, winey, palate continues with balanced brightness and minerality
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Cuvée Compte de Marne Brut Grand Cru
Temperature: 11.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (70%), Pinot Noir (30%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: White flowers, yellow fruits, red fruits
Palate: Nose continues, moderate-full mouth feel
Finish: Long, winey, balanced brightness and minerality
This cuvée uses a base wine from 2012 and is aged for four years.
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Premier Cru Rose Brut Premium Reserve
Temperature: 11.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (75%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Light-medium pink, slight copper
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Dark cherry
Palate: Cherry continues with moderate mouth feel, modest rightness, slightly more minerality
Finish: Medium, palate continues
This rosé is made using assemblage with Bouzy Rouge.
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Premier Cru Brut Premium Reserve
Temperature: 11.2 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (75%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus, red fruits
Palate: Moderate mouth feel, focused, balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: Medium, winey, moderate minerality
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Blanc de Noirs Brut
Temperature: 11 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (70%), Pinot Meunier (30%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 8.5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Beautiful fruity nose, red fruits
Palate: Powerful, much fruit continues with balanced brightness and minerality
Finish: Medium-long, balanced brightness and minerality
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Premium Reserve Brut
Temperature: 8.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (20%), Pinot Meunier (55%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 9 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: White flowers, citrus, yellow flowers, red fruits
Palate: Well balanced, citrus, yellow fruit, red fruit, minerality
Finish: Medium-long, palate continues with brightness and minerality
June 22, 2018
Charles Mignon: Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Temperature: 9 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 12/17
Dosage: 4 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Expressive, white flowers, citrus
Palate: Nose continues with balanced brightness and minerality, citrus, apple
Finish: Medium-long, winey, focused with minerality
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: Romance Rosé de Saignée Millésime 2014
Temperature: 19.7 C
Disgorged: 01/18
Dosage: 12 g/L
Color: Medium Red
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Mature red fruit
Palate: Red fruit continues with mild minerality, balanced with sweetness
Finish: Medium, smooth, fruit continues
This rosé is created by maceration for one day. It uses a base wine from 2014.
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: 4 Nuits Rose de Saignée Millésime 2013
Temperature: 10.3 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 1/17
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Ruby red
Bubbles: Medium, many
Nose: Mature red fruits, spice
Palate: Deep red fruits, balanced minerality, dark cherry
Finish: Medium, smooth, fruit continues
This rosé is made using maceration for four days.
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: La Pelle Blanc de Noir Millésime 2012
Temperature: 8.8 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 1/17
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Full nose, perfumed, mature red fruits
Palate: Red fruit continues, balanced brightness, modest minerality
Finish: Medium-long, palate continues
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: Cuvée Des Sires Millésime 2013
Temperature: 12.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (75%)
Disgorged: 2/18
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Palate: Fresh, full mouth feel
Finish: Medium, balanced minerality and brightness
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: Grande Cru Brut Réserve
Temperature: 6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (15%), Pinot Noir (85%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 10 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Much red fruit
Palate: Nose continues, full mouth feel, opulant
Finish: Medium, palate continues with balanced minerality and brightness
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: Grande Réserve Sec
Temperature: 6.2 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Meunier (25%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 20 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus, red fruits
Palate: Brightness, minerality, nose continues
Finish: Palate continues, fresh
June 21st, 2018
Roger Brun: Grande Réserve
Temperature: 4.7 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Meunier (25%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 10g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus, red fruits
Palate: Nose continues, balanced minerality and brightness
Finish: Medium, palate continues
This cuvée uses base wine from 2015.
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Exigence No. 9 Brut Nature
Temperature: 14.2 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (50%)
Disgorged: 11/17
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus, pear
Palate: Citrus, apple, moderate mouth feel, balanced minerality and brightness, focused
Finish: Medium, lemon-lime, palate continues, balanced minerality and brightness
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Exigence No. 9
Temperature: 13.7 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (50%)
Disgorged: 11/17
Dosage: 7.5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus
Palate: Citrus, balanced minerality and brightness, apple
Finish: Short-medium, palate continues
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Les Sillons 2012
Temperature: 13.9 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 4/16
Dosage: 6.5 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus, yellow fruit, mild oak
Palate: Textured mouth feel, balanced, moderate brightness and minerality
Finish: Medium, winey, citrus continues with brightness and minerality
This cuvée was aged for 8 months in oak.
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2011
Temperature: 12.6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 4/18
Dosage: 6.75 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus, Brioche
Palate: Citrus, lime
Finish: Medium, moderate minerality, brightness, very fresh, lime continues
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Blanc de Blancs Brut
Temperature: 14 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White fruits, white flowers, marzapan
Palate: Moderate mouth feel, fruits continue, citrus
Finish: Medium, winey
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Temperature: 15.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 2.5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, pleasant
Palate: Winey, nose continues
Finish: Medium, fresh, balanced minerality and brightness
This cuvée uses base wine from 2012.
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Rosé
Temperature: 14.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (25%), Pinot Meunier (25%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 6.9 g/L
Color: Medium orange
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Red fruits
Palate: Red fruits, ginger, balanced minerality and brightness
Finish: Medium, minerality and brightness continues, dry, ginger
This cuvée uses base wine from 2013.
June 21st, 2018
Legras & Haas: Tradition
Temperature: 12.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (25%), Pinot Meunier (25%)
Disgorged: 4/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: White flowers, red fruit, grapefruit
Palate: Full textured, well balanced, minerality, quince
Finish: Medium, balanced brightness and minerality
This cuvée uses base wine from 2014.
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Demi-Sec Grand Cru
Temperature: 11.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 32 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Floral
Palate: Well balanced
This cuvée is made using reserve wines and pure cane sugar.
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Brut Rosé Grand Cru
Temperature: 12.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (43%), Bouzy Rouge (17%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 9 g/L
Color: Dark pink
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Ripe red fruit with sweetness
Palate: Nose continues with ripe red fruits, very clean
Finish: Medium-long, balanced minerality and brightness
This cuvée is composed of base 2012 and 2013 wines.
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Brut Millésimé 2006 Grand Cru
Temperature: 8.6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (50%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 8.2 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Toasty, brioche, smokey, red fruit, marzapanne
Palate: Light textured, well balanced, citrus
Finish: Medium
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Brut Tradition Grand Cru
Temperature: 9.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 8.4 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Expressive red fruits, flowers, citrus
Palate: Nose continues with citrus, red fruit, balanced minerality
Finish: Medium-long, balanced minerality and brightness
This cuvée is made using base wines from 2013 and 2014.
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Temperature: 8.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 7.8 g/L
Color: Very light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, orange blossom
Palate: Nose continues with brightness and minerality, well balanced
Finish: Medium-long, citrus continues with minerality
This cuvée is done exclusively in stainless steel tanks, without malolactic fermentation using a base 2013 wine.
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Brut Réserve Grand Cru
Temperature: 11.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 7.8 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus
Palate: Citrus continues, balanced minerality
Finish: Medium, palate continues with minerality
June 21st, 2018
Delavenne Père & Fils: Nature Grand Cru
Temperature: 7.6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Disgorged: 01/18
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, much citrus
Palate: Nose continues, clean and fresh
Finish: Medium, palate continues, well balanced.
This cuvée is done in stainless steel tanks without malolactic fermentation. It uses base wines from 2012 and 2013.
June 20th, 2018
Diebolt-Vallois: Fleur de Passion 2008
Temperature: 14.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged:
Dosage:
Color: Light golen
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: White flowers, brioche, mirabele, slight oak
Palate: Slight oak, balanced, full mouth feel, creamy
Finish: Long, Palate continues, balanced minerality and brightness
This cuvée is vinified in oak barrels only without malolactic fermenation.
June 20th, 2018
Diebolt-Vallois: Blanc de Blancs 2010
Temperature: 13.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 11/17
Dosage: 6 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus, fresh pear
Palate: Citrus, honey, nugget, pastry, grapefruit
Finish: Medium, palate continues with balanced minerality
June 20th, 2018
Diebolt-Vallois: Prestige Brut
Temperature: 14 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 12/17
Dosage: 6 g/L
Color: Light golden
Nose: White flowers, citrus, slight oak
Palate: Balanced minerality, apple
Finish: Medium-long, smooth, balanced minerality and brightness.
This cuvée has a base of 2015 and is done 80% in stainless steel tanks and 10% in barrels for two years.
June 20th, 2018
Diebolt-Vallois: Blanc de Blancs
Temperature: 11.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 3/18
Dosage: 6 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers
Palate: White flowers continue, balanced minerality and brightness
Finish: Medium, clean and fresh, balanced minerality and brightness
This is a light and easy drinking cuvée with base wines form 2013, 2014, and 2015.
June 20th, 2018
Diebolt-Vallois: Brut Rosé
Temperature: 12.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (50%), Bouzy Rouge (10%)
Disgorged: 12/17
Dosage: 6 g/L
Color: Medium copper
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Red fruits
Palate: Red fruit continues with minerality and brightness
Finish: Medium, palate continues
Bouzy Rouge is an esquisite still wine that is produced in Bouzy, about 20 km Northeast of Cramant. Diebolt-Vallois actually buys the Bouzy Rouge for their rosé from another house we visited: Delavenne Pere & Fils! This cuvée has base wines from 2013, 2014, and 2015.
June 20th, 2018
Diebolt-Vallois: Tradition
Temperature: 11 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus, red fruits
Palate: Citrus, moderate mouth feel, apple, moderate brightness and minerality
Finish: Short-medium, palate continues, smooth, easy drinking, balanced minerality and brightness
This cuvée has base wines from 2011, 2012, and 2013.
June 20th, 2018
Vannier-Fanniere: St. Denis Grand Cru
Temperature: 9.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, yellow fruits, some hazelnut
Palate: Full bodied, moderate minerality, citrus
Finish: Long, smooth, modest minerality
June 20th, 2018
Vannier-Fanniere: Brut Grand Cru
Temperature: 12.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 10 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, citrus
Palate: Nose continues
Finish: Medium-long, nice minerality
June 20th, 2018
Vannier-Fanniere: Rosé Zéro Grand Cru
Temperature: 10.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (90%), Pinot Noir (10%)
Dosage: 0
Color: Medium pink
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Powerful, raspberry
Palate: Red fruit continues
Finish: Medium, brightness, brightness, minerality, pleasant, smooth, not tanic
June 20th, 2018
Vannier-Fanniere: Brut Zéro Grand Cru
Temperature: 10.6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 0
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus
Palate: Citrus continues
Finish: Short-medium, palate continues
June 20th, 2018
Beaugrand: Rosé Brut
Temperature: 12.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Noir (40%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light copper
Bubbles: fine, moderate
Nose: Red fruit, strawberry, currant, rhubarb
Palate: Red fruit continues
Finish: Medium, palate continues, modest minerality
This rosé is created by blending 15% Pinot Noir and has base wines from 2013 and 2014.
June 20th, 2018
Beaugrand: Cuvée Tradition Brut
Temperature: 10.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Noir (40%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light-golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Yellow fruit, red fruit
Palate: Nose continues, balanced modest minerality, brightness, full mouth feel
Finish: Palate continues, medium
June 20th, 2018
Beaugrand: Réserve Brut
Temperature: 9.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color:Light golden-golden
Nose: Yellow fruits, perfumy, slight oak, white flowers
Palate: Nose continues, full, balanced
Finish: Medium-long, palate continues
Two percent of this cuvée is vinified in oak, to give it the subtle oak on the nose and balanced palate. It has base wines from 2008 and 2009.
June 20th, 2018
Beaugrand: Carte Blanche Brut
Temperature: 8.4 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: fine-medium, many
Nose: White flowers, citrus, brioche
Palate: More expressive with fruits, modest minerality
Finish: Medium, palate continues with minerality
This is an easy drinking cuvée with base wines from 2012 and 2013.
June 20th, 2018
Beaugrand: Carte Blanche Non Dose
Temperature: 7.6 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Expressive, perfumy, pineapple
Palate: Turns to apple with minerality
Finish: Short-medium, palate continues
This wine uses base years 2010 and 2011.
June 19th, 2018
Pierre Gerbais: Rosé de Saignée 2013
Temperature: 16.3 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Color: Dark pink-copper
Nose: Expressive black cherry, spice
Palate: Red fruits continue with minerality
Finish: Medium, minerality
This rosé is created using maceration for 24 hours.
June 19th, 2018
Pierre Gerbais: L’Audace
Temperature: 15.1
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 12/17
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Full golden yellow
Nose: Restrained red fruits
Palate: Red fruits continue, well balanced
Finish: Medium, minerality
June 19th, 2018
Pierre Gerbais: L’Originale 2013
Temperature: 16.2 C
Grapes: Pinot Blanc (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Finish: Long, smooth
June 19th, 2018
Pierre Gerbais: L’Osmose 2013
Temperature: 13.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 7/17
Dosage: 2 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: White flowers, citrus, yellow fruits
Palate: Winey, very balanced, very smooth, citrus
Finish: Long, moderate minerality
This cuvée spent 3 years on the lees.
June 19th, 2018
Pierre Gerbais: Grains de Celles Rosé 2014
Temperature: 12.4 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (95%), Cocteau (5%)
Disgorged: 11/16
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Medium pink
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Red fruit, strawberry
Palate: Red fruit continues, full bodied
Finish: Medium-long, palate continues with minerality
June 19th, 2018
Pierre Gerbais: Grains de Celles 2014
Temperature: 10.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Blanc (25%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 3 g/L
Color: Light golden-golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White fruits, white flowers
Palate: Nose continues, textured, moderate minerality balanced with brightness
Finish: Medium-long, some roundness with minerality
June 19th, 2018
Gautherot: Rosé
Temperature: 16.1 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 12 g/L
Color: Dark pink-red
Bubbles: Fine, moderate-many
Nose: Much red fruit, raspberry
Palate: Nose fruits continues
Finish: Medium, balanced fruit and minerality, some brightness
This rosé is created using maceration for 2-3 days.
June 19th, 2018
Gautherot: Notes Blanches Extra Brut
Temperature: 13.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (20%), Pinot Blanc (80%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, citrus
Palate: nose continues, well balanced, textured
Finish: Medium
This cuvée contains grapes from 60 year old vines. You will also notice that it has 80% Pinot Blanc – one of the ancient grape varieties.
June 19th, 2018
Gautherot: Exception
Temperature: 10.3 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Blanc (50%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: White flowers, peach
Palate: well balanced, minerality, nose continues
Finish: Medium-long, modest brightness, moderate minerality
This cuvée spent 5 years on the lees.
June 19th, 2018
Gautherot: Millésime 2011
Temperature: 11.9 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir (70%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 8 g/L
Color: Very light golden
Bubbles: Fine, medium-many
Palate: Full mouth feel, balanced modest minerality
Finish: Medium, very clean, easy to drink
This cuvée spent 6 years on the lees.
June 19th, 2018
Gautherot: Grand Réserve Brut
Temperature: 11.9 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (20%), Pinot Noir (75%), Pinot Blanc (5%)
Disgorged: 1/18
Dosage: 11 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Medium, many
Nose: Citrus
Palate: Nose continues with minerality
Finish: Medium, brightness, moderate minerality
June 19th, 2018
Fleury: Rosé De Saignée
Temperature: 11.8 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 7/17
Dosage: 6 g/L
Color: Medium pink-copper
Nose: Red fruits, spice, currants
Palate: Moderate full mouth feel, controlled minerality, brightness, spice
Finish: Medium-long, spice
This cuvée would be great with a meal.
June 19th, 2018
Fleury: Sonate Extra Brut 2011
Temperature: 12.6 C
Grapes: Chardonna (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 1.7 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, few
Nose: Yellow fruits, mild oak
Palate: Citrus, minerality dominates, with some brightness
Finish: Medium, tartness, minerality
This cuvée is created without sulfites.
June 19th, 2018
Fleury: Notes Blanches Brut Nature 2011
Temperature: 10.8 C
Grapes: Pinot Blanc (100%)
Disgorged: 10/17
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, few
Nose: Perfumy, yellow fruits, some oak, later citrus
Palate: Full mouth feel, round against minerality
Finish: Medium, palate continues with minerality
This cuvée is done in 100% oak barrels.
June 19th, 2018
Fleury: Brut Nature Fleur De L’Europe
Temperature: 11.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (15%), Pinot Noir (85%)
Disgorged: 4/18
Dosage: 0 g/l
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Mild, citrus
Palate: Citrus continues, moderate minerality dominates
Finish: Short-medium, winey
June 19th, 2018
Fleury: Blanc de Noir Brut
Temperature: 11.8 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 11/17
Dosage: 5.7 g/L
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, few-moderate
Nose: Expressive, winey, white flowers, red fruit
Palate: Modest brightness, moderate mouth feel, nose continues
Finish: Short-medium, wine like
June 18, 2018
Dosnon: Alliae
Temperature: 16.1 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (50%)
Disgorged: 5/2017
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Perfumed, red fruits, licorice, oak
Palate: Bright with minerality, vanilla
Finish: Short-medium length, winey, brightness, minerality
This cuvée is composed of a base 2009 wine with 10% demi-muids.
June 18, 2018
Dosnon: Ephémère
Temperature: 14.6 C
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (100%)
Disgorged: 5/2017
Dosage: g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: burst with white fruit and white flowers
Palate: Nose continues with brightness and minerality
Finish:Short-medium length, brightness, minerality
This cuvée is composed of a base 2010 wine with some reserve 2009.
June 18, 2018
Dosnon: Récolte Noire
Temperature: 15.6 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 9/2017
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate to many
Nose: Red fruits, slight oak, toast, nuts
Palate: Red fruits, mellow with some apple and hint of pear
Finish: Short-medium length, slight minerality, brightness
This cuvée is vinified in all oak barrels using a base of 2014 with reserve wines from 2012 and 2014.
June 18, 2018
Danielle Billette: Rosé
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Medium pink
Bubbles: Medium, moderate
Nose: Red fruits
Palate: Red fruits, spice
Finish: Medium length, refreshing
June 18, 2018
Danielle Billette: Brut
Temperature 10.6 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (90%), Pinot Meunier (10%)
Dosage: 12 g/L
Color: Very light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Mild, red fruits.
Palate: Nose continues with minerality
Finish: Short-medium length, brightness, minerality
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Grande Sendrée Rosé 2010
Temperature: 12.4
Grapes: Chardonnay (7%), Pinot Noir (93%)
Dosage: 5 g/L
Color: Medium copper
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Red fruits, especially cherry, spice
Palate: Red fruits, cherry continues, minerals
Finish: Medium length, minerality, very clean
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Grande Sendrée, Brut 2008
Temperature: 13.8 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (45%), Pinot Noir (55%)
Dosage: 5 g/L
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: mature citrus and yellow fruits, toast
Palate: Complex, full mouth feel, nose continues with pear, brightness with a hint of vanilla
Finish: modest minerality, moderate
This is a complex cuvée that would be excellent with food.
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Millésime Exception 2013
Temperature 15.2 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (60%)
Dosage: 5 g/L
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: citrus, red fruits, pear/pineapple, vanilla
Palate: Clean, approachable, tart
Finish: Medium length, modest minerality, citrus mostly, very winey
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Charles de Gaulle
Temperature 10.2 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (20%), Pinot Noir (80%)
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Citrus, apple, toast
Palate: Significant minerality
Finish: Winey, minerality continues, moderate length
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Blanc de Blancs
Grapes: Chardonnay (95%), Blanc Vrai (5%)
Disgorged: 3/2018
Dosage: 7 g/L
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, few
Nose: White flowers followed by citrus and later hazelnut
Palate: Fresh with balanced brightness and minerality, citrus continues, then yellow fruits
Finish: Medium length, palate continues
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Carte D’Or
Temperature: 11.3 C
Grapes: Chardonnay (15%), Pinot Noir (80%), Pinot Meunier (5%)
Disgorged: 9/2017
Dosage: 6.5 g/L
Color: Light Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: White peach, some citrus, hint of oak
Palate: Minerality, moderately fresh, complex, fruits continue
Finish: Medium length, minerality, grapefruit, spice
June 18, 2018
Drappier: Rosé Nature
Temperature: 11.8 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 1/2018
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Light Copper
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Much red fruit, oak
Palate: Nose continues
Finish: Medium length, palate continues with minerality
June 18, 2018 
Drappier: Brut Nature
Temperature: 8.4 C
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 5/2018
Dosage: 0 g/L
Color: Very light golden
Bubbles: Fine, many
Nose: Citrus, red fruits, biscuit, oak, subtle smoke
Palate: Red fruits with minerality
Finish: Medium-Long length, clean, fresh, appealing, minerality
May 15, 2018
Gonet-Medeville: Tradition Premier Cru Brut
Grapes: Chardonnay (70%), Pinot Noir (25%), Pinot Meunier (5%)
Disgorged: 4/2017
Dosage: 6g/l
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Many, fine
Nose: Sauteed mushrooms and then red friut
Palate: Red fruit continues, then citrus enters with brightness and much minerality
Finish: Moderate length, chalky with brioche and lemon upon warming.
This 2013 based cuvée is vinified 90% in thermo-controled vats and 10% in old oak casks. Malolactic fermentation is blocked. It is well structured and pleasant drinking.
May 15, 2018
Gonet-Medeville: Blanc de Noir Premier Cru Brut
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 7/2017
Dosage: 5g/l
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Many, fine
Nose: Red friut and spice, perfumed white peach as it warms
Palate: Winey, white peach continues with minerality
Finish: Moderate length, winey, passion fruits with ginger spice notes and minerality
This wine from Bisseuil, is vinified 70% in thermo-controled vats and 30% in old oak casks. Malolactic fermentation is blocked. It has a full mouth feel and would pair well with roasted meat entrees.
May 15, 2018
Gonet-Medeville: Rose Premier Cru Extra Brut
Grapes: Chardonnary (70%), Pinot Noir (27%), Vin rouge d’Ambonnay (3%)
Disgorged: 2016
Dosage: 3g/l
Color: Medium copper
Bubbles: Many, fine
Nose: Restrained, red friut, sea salt
Palate: Winey, red fruit continues with sea salt and minerality
Finish: Moderate length, winey, red fruit continues with sea salt and minerality
This cuvée from vinyards in Bisseuil, Ambonnay and Le Mesnil sur Oger is vinified 100% in old oak casks. Malolactic fermentation is blocked.
May 15, 2018
Gonet-Medeville: Cuvée Théophile 2006 Grand Cru Extra Brut
Grapes: Chardonnary (60%), Pinot Noir (40%)
Disgorged: 2016
Dosage: 2g/l
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Many, fine
Nose: Perfumed red friut, yeast
Palate: Winey, full mouth feel, red fruit continues with chalk
Finish: Moderate to long length, winey, red fruit continues with spice and chalk
This cuvée from vinyards in Ambonnay and Le Mesnil sur Oger is vinified 100% in old oak casks. Malolactic fermentation is blocked. This cuvée offers the depth and complexity worthy of it’s aged vintage.
May 15, 2018
Pierre Gimonnet: Extra Brut Oenophile 2008
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Disgorged: 5/2017
Dosage: 0g/l
Color: Light golden
Bubbles: Many, fine
Nose: Lemon, dough
Palate: Lemon continues with brightness and minerality
Finish: Moderate length with the lemon mellowing out and chalk
This Cote de Blancs chardonnay is derived from 5 villages. It is vinified in stainless steel tanks and undergoes malolactic fermentation. This is a very aproachable, well focused 0 dosage wine.
May 13, 2018
Mailly: Grand Cru Extra Brut
Grapes: Pinot Noir (75%), Chardonnay (25%)
Dosage: 0g/l
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Fine, moderate
Nose: Yeasty Bread dominates, cherry, some citrus
Palate: Red fruit and citrus continue with moderate brightness and minerality
Finish: Moderate length, winy, palate continues
Mailly is one of 17 grand cru villages in Champagne. It is located in the Montagne de Reims region. This cuvée is vinified in stainless steel tanks and undergoes malolactic fermentation.
April 14, 2018
Drappier: Brut Nature Pinot Noir
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 7/17
Dosage: 0g/l
Color: Very light golden
Bubbles: Moderate, very fine bubbles
Nose: Ripe red fruits, citrus, some biscuit
Palate: Mostly lemon with moderate brightness and minerality
Finish: Moderately long, winey, minerality continues with some spice
This fresh tasting cuvée spends about 30 months on the lees.
April 14, 2018
Drappier: Brut Rosé
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorgerd: 2015
Dosage: 6g/l
Color: Moderate copper pink
Bubbles: Moderate, fine bubbles
Nose: Red fruit, slight cedar wood, spice
Palate: Red fruit continues with moderate brightness and minerality
Finish: Moderately long, moderate brightness and minerality continue with warmth
This rose is made by the saignée method, spending 3 days in maceration. It undergoes full malolactic fermentation and spends 24-36 months on the lees.
April 14, 2018
Drappier: Grande Sendrée, Brut 2008
Grapes: Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (45%)
Disgorgerd: 2/17
Dosage: 4.5g/l
Color: Golden
Bubbles: Many fine bubbles
Nose: Some oak, marzipan, then red fruit and brioche
Palate: Full mouth feel, red fruit continues
Finish: Long, winey, red fruitco ntinues with moderate minerality
This single vinyard cuvée has one third of the wine aged in oak foudres and undergoes full malolactic fermentation. Bottles spend about 6 years on the lees.
April 1, 2018
Billecart-Salmon: Brut Rosé
Grapes: Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (30%),
Color: Orange/copper
Bubbles: Many fine bubbles
Nose: Mature red fruit, some citrus and brioche
Palate: Mature red fruit continues and a full mouth feel
Finish: Long, smooth, red fruit continues with some spice
March 31, 2018
Drappier: Brut Nature
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Dosage: 0 dosage
Color: Light golden, moderate fine bubbles
Nose: Red fruit, fresh, minerality
Palate: Red fruit continues, hint of peach,
Finish: Winey, moderately long finish with red fruit and some spice
March 31, 2018
H. Blin: L’Esprit Nature
Grapes: Chardonnay (100%)
Color: Light golden, minimal fine bubbles
Nose: Citrus, white flowers
Palate: Pear, citrus
Finish: Short with freshness and minerality
This organic wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks with 20% vinified in old oak casks.
March 31, 2018
Goutorbe-Bouillot: Carte d’Or
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (60%), Pinot Noir (20%), Chardonnay (20%)
Dosage: 8 g/l
Color: Light golden, minimal-moderate fine bubbles
Nose: Caramel, mature red apple, some lemon
Palate: Mature red fruit with some brightness, minerality and full mouth feel
Finish: Long and winey with minerality
This cuvée is part 2014 harvest vinified in stainless steel tanks with no malolactic fermentation and part solera blend dating back to 1980.
March 25, 2018
Bérêche et Fils: Reflect D’Antan
Grapes: Pinot Noir (35%), Pinot Meunier (35%), Chardonnay (30%)
Disgorgerd: 12/16
Dosage: 6g/l
Color: Medium golden, many fine bubbles
Nose: Initially, apple, lemon then caramel
Palate: Apple and citrus continue with minerality and a full mouth feel
Finish: Long and winey, mineraliy continues with brightness and notes of burnt orange and cocoa
This cuvée is is created by a multi-year solera blend and vinified in oak. A bit of warming to “Cuvée temperature” (12 C, 54F) brings out the subtle flavors.
February 23, 2018
Charles Heidsieck: Rosé Réserve
Grapes: Pinot Noir (40%), Pinot Meunier (25%), Chardonnay (35%)
Disgorgerd: 2015
Dosage: 6g/l
Color: Medium copper pink, Many fine bubbles
Nose: Abundant red fruit, some spice
Palate: Red friut continues, especially strawberry, with a moderately full mouthfeel, well balanced with minerality and moderate brightness
Finish: Moderate to long, warm, winey, red fruit and minerality continue
This cuvée has 20% reserve wines, 5 – 6% blended still red wine.
February 23, 2018
Goutorbe-Bouillot: Rosé
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (60%), Pinot Noir (20%), Chardonnay (20%)
Dosage: 7g/l
Color: Bright copper pink
Bubbles: Many fine bubbles
Nose: Red fruit, especially ripe cherry, licorice
Palate: Red friut continues with a round mouthfeel
Finish: Moderate, red fruit continues
This cuvée has 6 – 8% blended still pinot meunier.
February 23, 2018
H. Blin: Rosé
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (57%), Chardonnay (19%), Pinot Noir (4%), Coteaux Champenoise (still red pinot noir 20%)
Dosage: 7g/l
Color: Pale pink, Many fine bubbles
Nose: Perfumed red fruit, especially strawberry
Palate: Strawberry and dark red friut with minerality and brightness
Finish: Moderate to long, red fruit continues with minerality
February 14, 2018
Delavenne Pere & Fils: Brut Rosé Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir (43%), Chardonnay (40%), Bouzy Rouge (Still Pinot Noir, 17%)
Dosage: 9g/l
Color: Medium brilliant rhubarb pink, many fine bubbles
Nose: Much red fruit, spice and biscuit
Palate: Red fruit, especially cherry continues with spice and freshness
Finish: Long and winey with fruit and minerality
This red fruit forward cuvée is complex and should be tasted at “cuvée temperature,” about 12 degrees Celsius in order to enjoy its full potential. We tasted this same cuvée about 8 months ago. On this tasting, the color was a bit deeper, the nose exhibited some biscuit and spice and the finish was longer and more winey.
February 10, 2018
Moussé Fils: L’Or D’Eugène, Solera Blanc de Noirs Brut
Grapes: Pinot Meunier (80%), Pinot Noir (20%)
Disgorgerd: 2/17
Dosage: 8g/l
Color: Golden, many fine bubbles
Nose: Initially, wet chalk, then some green apple and red fruit
Palate: Chalky minerality continues with brightness
Finish: Short to moderate, chalky minerality continues
This cuvée was unexpectedly mild in its expression of fruits. The blend is 50% 2014 and 50% solera with wines from 2003 to 2013.
The “solera” term noted in the name refers to a repetitive annual process of adding a portion of new vintage wine to the previously saved vintages while withdrawing the same amount from this blended wine. This process provides relative consistency of style with a component of aged wine.
February 2, 2018
Lalliet: Grand Cru 2005
Grapes: Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (45%)
Disgorged: 2014
Color: Golden, fine bubbles, modest activity
Nose: Brioche, mature yellow fruit, almond, some white flowers
Palate: Nose flavors continue with citrus and surprising brightness
Finish: Long, wine-like with minerality
This is a well balanced, mid-aged cuvée, drinking well at this time.
January 12, 2018
Vouette & Sorbée: Fidèle, Brut Nature
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Disgorged: 5/17
Dosage: 0 g/l
Color: Light/medium golden with pink hue
Nose: Freshness with citrus and slight green apple
Palate: Bright, citrus continues with cherry and mineraliy
Finish: Moderately long, brightness and citrus continue in a winey finish.
The house of Vouette & Sorbée is in Buxières-sur-Arce in the Aube, a southern region of la Champagne. Vigneron Bernard Gautherot farms his 5.5 hectares biodynamically. Fidèle is based on a single year, This bottle was 2014, vinified with less than 10% reserve wine.
To see the cuvées we opened last year see the archive 2017 page!
