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$59.95
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France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $90.00
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All Chardonnay from an assortment of premier and grand cru vineyards.
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$35.95
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JG 92
WA 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $50.00
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92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The Berthelot NV Brut is a beautiful bottle, and the current release is every bit as fine as the wine I reported on last September. To remind readers, the Berthelot family has been growers in the region since the nineteenth century, but only began to bottle some of their production on their own in 1977. Their twenty-two hectares of vines lie in Ay and the nearby town of Dizy, and their vineyards share the heavy chalk of the Cote des Blancs, rather than the more typical clay and alluvial deposits of other villages in the Vallee de la Marne. The Berthelot Brut Reserve bottling is a blend of twenty-five percent chardonnay, forty-five percent pinot meunier and thirty percent pinot noir, and the family keeps a goodly supply of older wine available to blend in and maintain the house style of their non-vintage brut. The bouquet on the current release is again refined and complex, as it offers up a classy melange of pear, grapefruit zest, sourdough, beautiful chalky soil tones and a hint of vanilla custard in the upper register. On the palate the wine is fullbodied, deep and beautifully balanced, with a great core of fruit, refined mousse, and sound acids on the very long, soil-driven and complex finish. Utterly refined and sophisticated Brut NV, this wine is delicious now, but will clearly age brilliantly for the next fifteen to twenty years. A seamless and discreet beauty. 2007-2025. (May/Jun 2007)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$50 list] The NV Brut Premier Cru Reserve is a gorgeous wine that offers lovely complexity in its subtle nuttiness and toast. The wine blossoms on the palate with expressive, generous fruit, showing terrific balance as well as poise. A long, creamy finish with suggestions of flowers and citrus rounds out this delicious Champagne. No disgorgement date indicated. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. (Dec 2009)"
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$79.95
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IWC 93
JG 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(disgorged July 9, 2010): Pale, green-tinged yellow. A complex bouquet displays scents of green apple, pear, lemon zest, toasty lees and honeysuckle. Packs a solid punch but conveys a weightless quality, offering sappy orchard fruit and citrus flavors along with suave mineral and floral qualities. The toasty note returns on the long, impressively incisive finish. (Dec 2010)"
92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The non-vintage Blanc de Blancs is not a large production item for Billecart-Salmon, and one does not cross paths with it regularly. The current release is all 2007 vintage and was aged nearly five years on the lees prior to disgorgement. Billecart produces their Blanc de Blancs bottlings from fruit sourced in only three villages in the Côte des Blancs- Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant. The new release offers up a deep and lovely aromatic blend of pear, apple, stony minerality, bread dough, a hint of the pastry cream to come with bottle age and orange zest. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very elegant, with a lovely core of fruit, refined mousse and excellent length and grip on the well-balanced, youthful and classy finish. This is a very fine bottle of Blanc de Blancs that will only improve as it blossoms a bit more structurally with further bottle age. 2013-2025+. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
2-1/2 stars, New York Times: "Light, lacy, clear and pure with a fine texture and toasty, nutlike flavors. (12/19/11)"
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$48.95
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JG 91
IWC 91
WS 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The new release of the Billecart-Salmon non-vintage Brut Réserve, which I encountered at the great Champagne tasting at Crush Wines and Spirits here in New York in December, is comprised mostly of fruit from the 2008 vintage and the vast majority of the blend is one third each of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir, with none of the base wines going through malolactic fermentation for this bottling. The bouquet is deep and quite lovely, offering up scents of apple, tart orange, a lovely base of complex soil tones, warm bread and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and snappy, with a fine core, absolutely exquisite balance and focus, very refined mousse and excellent grip on the very long and classy finish. This is a lovely bottle of Brut NV that will only get better with a bit of bottle age. 2013-2025+. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow-gold. Orange and pear aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla bean and honeysuckle. Silky in texture and nicely precise, with juicy orchard fruit flavors and a tangy note of Meyer lemon. Dry but in no way austere. Blends depth and energy smoothly and finishes with excellent clarity and nervy cut. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic and spicy, with cedar, honey and ginger notes matching a firm structure and lean, intense character. Fine length."
91 points Wine News: "Lots of honey scents frame aromas of pineapple, apricot, chalk, yeast and brioche. Crisp, focused flavors of apple, orange marmalade, caramel and bread dough. Flint emerges in the dry finish. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Wall Street Journal: "Very good. Best of tasting. Pretty much all the aromas and flavors we want in Champagne--toasted nuts, yeast, minerals, a hint of zingy lemon and even some honeysuckle--all in a balanced, elegant package that gives it a relaxed sophistication. (12/13/08)"
Richard Juhlin: "(35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay) This is the creation of the son, Antoine Billecart. I claim this to be the best nonvintage Champagne of the extremely fruity school. The nose is lively and as fresh as a spring morning, the flavor is light and citrus-fresh with a long, balanced aftertaste of Granny Smith apples. Softer, sweeter, and more creamy recently. (Feb 2010)"
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$26.95
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JG 91
IWC 91
WS 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
3
available
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91 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The new release of the Billecart-Salmon non-vintage Brut Réserve, which I encountered at the great Champagne tasting at Crush Wines and Spirits here in New York in December, is comprised mostly of fruit from the 2008 vintage and the vast majority of the blend is one third each of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir, with none of the base wines going through malolactic fermentation for this bottling. The bouquet is deep and quite lovely, offering up scents of apple, tart orange, a lovely base of complex soil tones, warm bread and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and snappy, with a fine core, absolutely exquisite balance and focus, very refined mousse and excellent grip on the very long and classy finish. This is a lovely bottle of Brut NV that will only get better with a bit of bottle age. 2013-2025+. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow-gold. Orange and pear aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla bean and honeysuckle. Silky in texture and nicely precise, with juicy orchard fruit flavors and a tangy note of Meyer lemon. Dry but in no way austere. Blends depth and energy smoothly and finishes with excellent clarity and nervy cut. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic and spicy, with cedar, honey and ginger notes matching a firm structure and lean, intense character. Fine length."
91 points Wine News: "Lots of honey scents frame aromas of pineapple, apricot, chalk, yeast and brioche. Crisp, focused flavors of apple, orange marmalade, caramel and bread dough. Flint emerges in the dry finish. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Wall Street Journal: "Very good. Best of tasting. Pretty much all the aromas and flavors we want in Champagne--toasted nuts, yeast, minerals, a hint of zingy lemon and even some honeysuckle--all in a balanced, elegant package that gives it a relaxed sophistication. (12/13/08)"
Richard Juhlin: "(35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay) This is the creation of the son, Antoine Billecart. I claim this to be the best nonvintage Champagne of the extremely fruity school. The nose is lively and as fresh as a spring morning, the flavor is light and citrus-fresh with a long, balanced aftertaste of Granny Smith apples. Softer, sweeter, and more creamy recently. (Feb 2010)"
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$249.95
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JG 92
IWC 91
WS 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
1
available
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92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "(served from magnum). This magnum is the same cuvée as the regular-sized bottle above (2008 base wine with thirty percent of the blend comprised of wines from 2006 and 2007), but for some reason, it was showing even a bit more youthful generosity in the mid-palate out of the larger format. This is a quite as dry styled Brut bottling, with a dosage of 7 grams per liter of residual sugar, and will age extremely well. The classy nose wafts from the glass in a blend of apple, a touch of tangerine, complex minerality, bread dough and a nice dollop of smokiness up high. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and complex, with a bit more early stuffing showing at the core, the same brisk acids, frothy mousse and a very long finish of excellent focus and grip. I love the Billecart non-vintage Brut and am very pleased to see it more readily available here in New York that used to be the case. As the slight difference in score might indicate, Champagne always tastes better out of magnum! Fine juice. 2013-2030. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow-gold. Orange and pear aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla bean and honeysuckle. Silky in texture and nicely precise, with juicy orchard fruit flavors and a tangy note of Meyer lemon. Dry but in no way austere. Blends depth and energy smoothly and finishes with excellent clarity and nervy cut. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic and spicy, with cedar, honey and ginger notes matching a firm structure and lean, intense character. Fine length."
91 points Wine News: "Lots of honey scents frame aromas of pineapple, apricot, chalk, yeast and brioche. Crisp, focused flavors of apple, orange marmalade, caramel and bread dough. Flint emerges in the dry finish. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Wall Street Journal: "Very good. Best of tasting. Pretty much all the aromas and flavors we want in Champagne--toasted nuts, yeast, minerals, a hint of zingy lemon and even some honeysuckle--all in a balanced, elegant package that gives it a relaxed sophistication. (12/13/08)"
Richard Juhlin: "(35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay) This is the creation of the son, Antoine Billecart. I claim this to be the best nonvintage Champagne of the extremely fruity school. The nose is lively and as fresh as a spring morning, the flavor is light and citrus-fresh with a long, balanced aftertaste of Granny Smith apples. Softer, sweeter, and more creamy recently. (Feb 2010)"
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$99.95
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JG 92
IWC 91
WS 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
4
available
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|
92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "(served from magnum). This magnum is the same cuvée as the regular-sized bottle above (2008 base wine with thirty percent of the blend comprised of wines from 2006 and 2007), but for some reason, it was showing even a bit more youthful generosity in the mid-palate out of the larger format. This is a quite as dry styled Brut bottling, with a dosage of 7 grams per liter of residual sugar, and will age extremely well. The classy nose wafts from the glass in a blend of apple, a touch of tangerine, complex minerality, bread dough and a nice dollop of smokiness up high. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and complex, with a bit more early stuffing showing at the core, the same brisk acids, frothy mousse and a very long finish of excellent focus and grip. I love the Billecart non-vintage Brut and am very pleased to see it more readily available here in New York that used to be the case. As the slight difference in score might indicate, Champagne always tastes better out of magnum! Fine juice. 2013-2030. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow-gold. Orange and pear aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla bean and honeysuckle. Silky in texture and nicely precise, with juicy orchard fruit flavors and a tangy note of Meyer lemon. Dry but in no way austere. Blends depth and energy smoothly and finishes with excellent clarity and nervy cut. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic and spicy, with cedar, honey and ginger notes matching a firm structure and lean, intense character. Fine length."
91 points Wine News: "Lots of honey scents frame aromas of pineapple, apricot, chalk, yeast and brioche. Crisp, focused flavors of apple, orange marmalade, caramel and bread dough. Flint emerges in the dry finish. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Wall Street Journal: "Very good. Best of tasting. Pretty much all the aromas and flavors we want in Champagne--toasted nuts, yeast, minerals, a hint of zingy lemon and even some honeysuckle--all in a balanced, elegant package that gives it a relaxed sophistication. (12/13/08)"
Richard Juhlin: "(35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay) This is the creation of the son, Antoine Billecart. I claim this to be the best nonvintage Champagne of the extremely fruity school. The nose is lively and as fresh as a spring morning, the flavor is light and citrus-fresh with a long, balanced aftertaste of Granny Smith apples. Softer, sweeter, and more creamy recently. (Feb 2010)"
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$64.95
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AM 94
WS 93
WA 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $97.00
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94 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(100% from 2005 that saw approximately 8 months in cask). This is a very interesting cuvée because it will very quickly answer any questions you may have about whether you enjoy noticeable wood in your Champagne. Sometimes, it can add breadth and depth and sometimes it can take away part of what makes Champagne Champagne, which is the racy and firm acid spine. In this particular case, the time in wood has very definitely added depth, not only from the slightly oxidative character but it has contributed mightily to the complexity. However, long-time readers know that I believe that there is no free lunch and in that sense, what has been gained in terms of depth has been lost in terms of freshness and precision. Some will like the trade-off and some will prefer tighter and more classically styled examples. I actually quite like this because it's delicious and it's relatively rare to obtain this much complexity and flat out superb length in a toasty package. That said, I have to underscore that this is not my preferred style even though I can admire it for what it is. In sum, if you enjoy wood-influenced Champagne, this is terrific. By contrast, if you don't, it would be best to look elsewhere. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$97 list] This aromatic bubbly offers an exotic mix of flavors, with honeysuckle, marjoram, myrrh, coconut and ginger notes accenting patisserie apple, kiwifruit, honey and toast flavors. It's all packaged with vibrant, balanced acidity and finely detailed texture. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/11)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Grand Cru Cuvee Julie is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fermented in oak. The Julie is wonderfully nuanced and balanced in a floral, approachable style that is quite appealing. This, too, needs a few more years in bottle, although it is and always will be less exciting than the Laetitia. This is L06, disgorged: May, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Dec 2010)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aged in wood before bottling, this is ripe and very full. Rather than add to the already-complex flavors, the wood has rounded it out. Yellow fruit integrates with intense, mineral-driven acidity, which accentuates the richness of this impressive bottling. Disgorged June 2012. (Dec 2012)"
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$64.95
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WA 93
AM 93
WN 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $120.00
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Cuvee Laetitia is predominantly Chardonnay done in a solera style that now includes 20 vintages going back to 1983. An ethereal bouquet of Mirabelle plums, cherries and jasmine leads to a rich, textured core of fruit. This Laetitia shows incredible power and depth, with a beguiling, vibrant finish that adds complexity and nuance. There is just a small hint of volatility that might trouble some tasters as it is borderline distracting. Still, the Laetitia remains one of the most unique bottles in Champagne. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Dec 2010)"
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(disgorged in February, 2008; this contains 20 some-odd vintages from 1983 forward and the predominant variety is chardonnay). This is remarkably fresh for it to have such a large proportion of aged stock in it and while the nose is mature, there are absolutely no oxidative elements in it. In fact, I deliberately revisited this 24 hours after first opening it to see how the nose had evolved and I can report that there was very little discernable evolution. As I say, while fully mature, the mildly yeasty nose displays notes of baked apple, roasted nut and a dried rose petal nuance that also characterizes the rich, full and utterly delicious flavors that are also fresh and vibrant with plenty of energy and finishing punch. Often Champagnes with high percentages of reserves in them lack the same effervescence but that is certainly not the case here. This is a lovely effort that could be drunk now with pleasure or held for years to come. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
93 points Wine News: "[$120 list] Beautiful pale gold hue with a fine mousse. Very forward bouquet carrying notes of banana, gingerbread spice and bread dough. Creamy mouth with a broad palate of sweet red fruit compote. While the wine is so loaded with fruit that it conveys an impression of sweetness, the finish is nonetheless very dry and long. A unique cuvée. (Dec 2008/Jan 2009)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe flavors of candied cherry and currant, quince paste and honey are layered with subtle notes of blood orange, vanilla and almond in this exuberant Champagne, which shows good balance and an appealing juiciness that pushes through to the long, mouthwatering finish. Disgorged November 2010. Drink now through 2017. (11/30/11)"
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$39.95
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WS 93
AM 92
WN 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
1
available
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List $70.00
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93 points Wine Spectator: "Richly spiced, with a skein of ground clove, ginger and cardamom winding through flavors of dried apricot and apple, currant candy, passion fruit and lemon zest. Beautiful texture and balance here, followed by a long and mouthwatering, mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2020. 300 cases imported. (11/15/12)"
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(an 80/20% pinot and chardonnay blend; 50% 2005 fruit, 25% of each ’03 and ’04 fruit; January, 2008 disgorgement). A wonderfully expressive and extremely pretty nose that offers a near perfect blend of vinous character with classic Champagne characteristics of lemon, floral and brioche with discreet hints of green apple that can also be found on the delicious and moderately effervescent flavors blessed with impressive complexity and I very much like the mouth feel as it’s round and almost creamy yet does not lose definition or become soft. The finish is agreeably dry but not aggressively so and the length is quite sneaky. An impressive non-vintage brut. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
92 points Wine News: "[$70 list] Sweet spice and Christmas cake on the nose with lots of red fruit in the mouth combined with well defined mineral notes and a good balance of fruit and acidity. The wine has a long, lovely mineral finish. (80% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay, Grand Cru all from Ambonnay). (Dec 2008/Jan 2009)"
Wall Street Journal ("Alice Feiring's Top Champagne Picks"): "Controversial at my tasting, some objected to the oxidation (a bit of metallic tang), but all in all it was a compelling adventure. A little pie crust and a long finish with peachy fruit and plenty of energy, and a dash of red pepper flakes. (9/12/09)"
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$33.95
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WN 94
WS 93
WE 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $45.00
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94 points Wine News: "Burnished gold hue with a lively, streaming bead. Attractive bakery aromas of fresh croissant with nutmeg and vanilla highlights. Forward, mixed flavors of baked apple, dark honey and notes of beer and malt. Stylish, distinctive finish imbued with lingering red apple, caramel and crisp acidity. (Sep/Oct/Nov 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A lovely, balanced Champagne, with mineral and toast notes accenting flavors of quince, green pear, white peach and verbena. Backed by firm acidity, this shows impressive texture and finesse. Like a mosaic, all the pieces come together to make a beautiful whole. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/11)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$90/750ml list] The classic Bollinger nonvintage is, as always, rich and firmly structured. With the roundness that comes from aging the wines in wood before blending, it has a ripe, smooth edge. Underneath, the texture is solid, with hints of apple and pear and mature acidity. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "Finely balanced between fruit and minerality, this layers tart red fruit, crème caramel and juicy pear in a long chalk line of flavor. It’s fresh and bright on one level, rich and sumptuous underneath -- a brilliant blend that would fit any occasion. (Dec 2012)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This note hails from a sample of the most current release here in the US, which I tasted this month here in New York. This is a lovely and classy wine that is more minerally and less overtly 'toasty' than was the case with this bottling a generation ago, but equally fine. The nose is deep and complex, offering up a lovely blend of apple, orange peel, warm bread, a bit of caraway seed, complex soil tones and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is focused, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with crisp acids, very refined mousse, excellent grip and balance and a very long and youthfully classy finish. This is a lovely bottle that is already quite tasty, but may yet develop more of the old school Bollinger 'toastiness' with further bottle age. 2012-2025+. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
91 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "60% Pinot Noir; 25% Chardonnay; 15% Pinot Meunier. All Bolly in its toasty, chalky, slightly angular but powerful way, this wine reminds of the company's "Grande Annee" in its fairly bold approach. Frothy and insistent in its bubbles and tasty, rich, toasty, stony and vanillin all at the same time, this is Champagne with a purpose, and, in this case, it works without being over the top in any dimension. (Dec 2009)"
Wall Street Journal ("Alice Feiring's Top Champagne Picks"): "For some mysterious reason, Bollinger in the United States has never achieved the status it has in the UK where it is king. Nervous apples bobbing in a tub. Edgy metal vibrant fizz wrapped around a piece of strong sugar and toasted bread crumbs on a baked apple. (9/12/09)"
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$54.95
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WN 94
WS 93
WE 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $90.00
|
94 points Wine News: "Burnished gold hue with a lively, streaming bead. Attractive bakery aromas of fresh croissant with nutmeg and vanilla highlights. Forward, mixed flavors of baked apple, dark honey and notes of beer and malt. Stylish, distinctive finish imbued with lingering red apple, caramel and crisp acidity. (Sep/Oct/Nov 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A lovely, balanced Champagne, with mineral and toast notes accenting flavors of quince, green pear, white peach and verbena. Backed by firm acidity, this shows impressive texture and finesse. Like a mosaic, all the pieces come together to make a beautiful whole. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/11)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$90 list] The classic Bollinger nonvintage is, as always, rich and firmly structured. With the roundness that comes from aging the wines in wood before blending, it has a ripe, smooth edge. Underneath, the texture is solid, with hints of apple and pear and mature acidity. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "Finely balanced between fruit and minerality, this layers tart red fruit, crème caramel and juicy pear in a long chalk line of flavor. It’s fresh and bright on one level, rich and sumptuous underneath -- a brilliant blend that would fit any occasion. (Dec 2012)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This note hails from a sample of the most current release here in the US, which I tasted this month here in New York. This is a lovely and classy wine that is more minerally and less overtly 'toasty' than was the case with this bottling a generation ago, but equally fine. The nose is deep and complex, offering up a lovely blend of apple, orange peel, warm bread, a bit of caraway seed, complex soil tones and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is focused, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with crisp acids, very refined mousse, excellent grip and balance and a very long and youthfully classy finish. This is a lovely bottle that is already quite tasty, but may yet develop more of the old school Bollinger 'toastiness' with further bottle age. 2012-2025+. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
91 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "60% Pinot Noir; 25% Chardonnay; 15% Pinot Meunier. All Bolly in its toasty, chalky, slightly angular but powerful way, this wine reminds of the company's "Grande Annee" in its fairly bold approach. Frothy and insistent in its bubbles and tasty, rich, toasty, stony and vanillin all at the same time, this is Champagne with a purpose, and, in this case, it works without being over the top in any dimension. (Dec 2009)"
Wall Street Journal ("Alice Feiring's Top Champagne Picks"): "For some mysterious reason, Bollinger in the United States has never achieved the status it has in the UK where it is king. Nervous apples bobbing in a tub. Edgy metal vibrant fizz wrapped around a piece of strong sugar and toasted bread crumbs on a baked apple. (9/12/09)"
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$48.95
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AM 92
FWR 91
JG 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $55.00
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92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(a blend of 75% pinot noir and the balance in chardonnay). A beautifully complex nose displays discreet yeast hints that add nuance to the ripe pear, apple and floral aromas. There is equally good depth to the overtly effervescent and utterly delicious flavors that possess excellent intensity and fine length. I very much like this as it offers both vivid character and plenty of personality on the clean, dry and quite crisp finish. While this could certainly be aged to good effect, it’s already so good that it’s hard to keep from opening Champagne like this often. With that duly noted, I would suggest acquiring a case and opening a few bottles each year over the next 5 or so. Note that this is materially better than the same cuvée reviewed in Issue 28. Drink: now+. (Jan 2012)"
91 points Fine Wine Review: "Savès is a small producer who has been gathering a following in recent years. He is located in Bouzy, prime Pinot Noir country, and indeed, this cuvée is 75% Pinot Noir (from grand cru vineyards) and 25% Chardonnay from premier cru vineyards. This is relatively big, barrel-fermented wine with toasty and yeasty aromas and real presence on the palate. Interestingly, with time, pure raspberry fruit develops on the palate. I prefer blanc des blancs for aperitif, but this wine can serve for that purpose, too, and should be excellent for a meal. (Issue #126; 2009)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "As readers may recall from a short profile I wrote on this superb house a few years back, even though Champagne Camille Savès is based in the grand cru village of Bouzy and most of their vineyards lie within this village (or Ambonnay), their Carte Blanche bottling incorporates production from some additional family chardonnay vineyards that lie in the village of Tauxières (which is a premier cru), so the entire cuvée is only entitled to premier cru status. Nevertheless, it has been consistently excellent and the new release is another superb bottle of bubbly, offering up a deep and vibrant nose of apple, pink grapefruit, complex minerality, bread dough and a lovely, floral topnote of spring flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and vibrant, with a very fine core of fruit, elegant mousse, crisp acids and outstanding length and grip on the focused and beautifully balanced finish. This bottling was disgorged in late 2011. The current release of Carte Blanche is superb juice that will age very well. 2012-2030. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Tangy, offering flavors of apricot, pickled ginger, oyster shell and pink grapefruit. It's lightly chalky in texture, with a clean, moderate finish. Drink now through 2015. (5/31/12)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Carte Blanche is a wonderfully rich, creamy entry-level wine laced with gorgeous Pinot fruit. This shows tons of Bouzy character. The 12 grams of dosage is felt in the wine’s weight, but works beautifully here. With time in the glass, the bubbles dissipate, leaving a beautifully pure expression of fruit. The Carte Blanche is 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 60% from the 2007 vintage and 40% from 2006. The Pinot is from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Tours-sur-Marne, while the Chardonnay comes from Premier Cru vineyards in Tauxieres. This is Lot# 9815, disgorged March, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. (Dec 2010)"
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$29.95
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AM 92
FWR 91
JG 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(a blend of 75% pinot noir and the balance in chardonnay). A beautifully complex nose displays discreet yeast hints that add nuance to the ripe pear, apple and floral aromas. There is equally good depth to the overtly effervescent and utterly delicious flavors that possess excellent intensity and fine length. I very much like this as it offers both vivid character and plenty of personality on the clean, dry and quite crisp finish. While this could certainly be aged to good effect, it’s already so good that it’s hard to keep from opening Champagne like this often. With that duly noted, I would suggest acquiring a case and opening a few bottles each year over the next 5 or so. Note that this is materially better than the same cuvée reviewed in Issue 28. Drink: now+. (Jan 2012)"
91 points Fine Wine Review: "Savès is a small producer who has been gathering a following in recent years. He is located in Bouzy, prime Pinot Noir country, and indeed, this cuvée is 75% Pinot Noir (from grand cru vineyards) and 25% Chardonnay from premier cru vineyards. This is relatively big, barrel-fermented wine with toasty and yeasty aromas and real presence on the palate. Interestingly, with time, pure raspberry fruit develops on the palate. I prefer blanc des blancs for aperitif, but this wine can serve for that purpose, too, and should be excellent for a meal. (Issue #126; 2009)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "As readers may recall from a short profile I wrote on this superb house a few years back, even though Champagne Camille Savès is based in the grand cru village of Bouzy and most of their vineyards lie within this village (or Ambonnay), their Carte Blanche bottling incorporates production from some additional family chardonnay vineyards that lie in the village of Tauxières (which is a premier cru), so the entire cuvée is only entitled to premier cru status. Nevertheless, it has been consistently excellent and the new release is another superb bottle of bubbly, offering up a deep and vibrant nose of apple, pink grapefruit, complex minerality, bread dough and a lovely, floral topnote of spring flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and vibrant, with a very fine core of fruit, elegant mousse, crisp acids and outstanding length and grip on the focused and beautifully balanced finish. This bottling was disgorged in late 2011. The current release of Carte Blanche is superb juice that will age very well. 2012-2030. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "Tangy, offering flavors of apricot, pickled ginger, oyster shell and pink grapefruit. It's lightly chalky in texture, with a clean, moderate finish. Drink now through 2015. (5/31/12)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Carte Blanche is a wonderfully rich, creamy entry-level wine laced with gorgeous Pinot fruit. This shows tons of Bouzy character. The 12 grams of dosage is felt in the wine’s weight, but works beautifully here. With time in the glass, the bubbles dissipate, leaving a beautifully pure expression of fruit. The Carte Blanche is 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 60% from the 2007 vintage and 40% from 2006. The Pinot is from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Tours-sur-Marne, while the Chardonnay comes from Premier Cru vineyards in Tauxieres. This is Lot# 9815, disgorged March, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. (Dec 2010)"
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$39.95
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AM 91
WN 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
11
available
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List $55.00
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91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir). It’s clear that this cuvée has seen a bit of bottle age as there is a moderately yeasty character to the 'calm' nose that is not especially fresh or expressive nor does it carry notably aged fruit notes either. The nicely rich flavors offer very good complexity with a round yet solidly crisp and mouth coating flavor profile that culminates in a persistent finish. This isn’t a knock out but it’s quite competent and depending on your taste preferences for age, it could be enjoyed now or aged for another 5-ish years to good effect. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
91 points Wine News: "Pungent, flinty aromas of red berries, honeyed grains, sweet bread dough and minerals. Frothy flavors of lemon peel, lime and pilsner beer are quite juicy. Tart finish lightened by a bit of honey. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Richard Juhlin: "(50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay) The champagne has a nose of apple blossom and hawthorn with a whiff of white chocolate and lime peel. A tremendously elegant citrus flavour with crystal clear acidity and good length. (May 2008)"
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$49.95
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W&S 93
WN 93
FWR 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $63.00
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93 points Wine & Spirits: "[$63 list] Rich in the middle while completely dry, this has the scent of chalk talc and the same austerity in its lively, crisp acidity. The fine effervescence gives it flash, while the sober, young chardonnay flavors carry the greenness of fresh English peas. If you open it now, you could pick up on that youthfulness next to a creamy spring pea soup with prosciutto. (Dec 2012)"
93 points Wine News: "Bright gold hue with an active bead. Creamy, lightly charred aromas of croissant and baked apple. Ripe flavors of peach and pear balanced by drying mineral accents. Juicy, nectar-like finish imbued with lovely apple and ginger flavors. (Sep/Oct/Nov 2009)"
92 points Fine Wine Review: "Now part of the Laurent-Perrier group, Delamotte is the sister house of the legendary Salon, and takes Salon’s grapes in years where Salon will not be made, but also has its own sources. Delamotte, located in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger on the Côte des Blancs, dates to 1760, making one of the oldest houses in Champagne. All the Chardonnay (50% of the total) and Pinot Noir (30%) grapes that go into the Brut are from grand cru vineyards (Pinot Meunier makes up the remaining 20%). This is topnotch Champagne with apple, lemon zest, and a touch of yeast in the nose and mouth, and all coming across with great freshness and exuberance. It is ready to drink now and will last a decade and more, easily. Very good value. (Issue #118; 2007)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "A bubbly with breadth and richness to its grapefruit, apple and honey aromas and flavors. Smooth and balanced, with a lively feel on the finish. Drink now through 2012. (9/30/10)"
San Francisco Chronicle: "Salon's sister label is showing fresh and subtle right now, with an almost saline bite, plus Asian pear and lemon-pith flavors and a faint yeastiness. A lean, grown-up Champagne, right for a first glass with hors d'oeuvres. (12/13/09)"
3 stars, New York Times: "Great combination of finesse and complexity, with brisk, fresh flavors of minerals, herbs and chalk. (12/19/11)"
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$34.95
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WS 90
IWC 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $50.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$50 list] A hint of yeasty bread dough accents flavors of pippin apple, smoke, Meyer lemon and stony mineral. Firm and focused, with a raw almond note on the moderate finish. Drink now through 2015. (12/31/11)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(50% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 20% pinot meunier): Pale yellow. A highly aromatic nose displays orange zest, chamomile, anise and dusty herbs. Fleshy and generous but quite dry, with a bracing quality to the lemon gelato and floral flavors complicated by chalky minerals. This penetrating, dry Champagne finishes with lingering spice and citrus notes. (Dec 2011)"
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$46.95
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WS 92
AM 92
WA 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $64.00
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92 points Wine Spectator: "[$64 list] Bright and creamy, this well-balanced Champagne offers flavors of white peach, pear, candied grapefruit zest and pastry, joined by a briny hint of oyster shell. The firm acidity presents itself as a lively zestiness that is very appealing. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/11)"
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "An expressive and relatively high-toned nose is largely floral in character though there are subtle lemon grass aromas in the background that continue onto the strongly effervescent flavors that possess excellent complexity and outstanding persistence on the toasty finish. This is really lovely juice and while it could be aged for another few years, for my taste, this is drinking perfectly now. Drink: now. (Oct 2009)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Blanc de Blancs is an utterly enticing wine from start to finish. A sweet, open bouquet leads to an expressive core of fruit as this sublime, pedigreed Champagne opens up in the glass. The wine shows terrific length and vibrancy on the palate, while a pure, creamy finish informed by a light toastiness adds a final dash of flair. This is a gorgeous Champagne from Jose Dhondt. No disgorgement date provided. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. (Dec 2009)"
Wall Street Journal: "Delicious. Everything is right even before a taste-wonderful little bubbles, golden color and a mouthwatering nose of yeast, lemon and a little bit of funk. Nice citrus and some guts. Especially good with food. Complete. (12/5/09)"
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$59.95
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WA 92
WS 91
IWC 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $84.00
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92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Rose de Saignee is a big, rich wine loaded with fruit. This expansive, full-bodied Champagne offers terrific depth and richness, with a long, and exceptionally pure finish. Like all rose de saignee wines, this is best enjoyed at the dinner table. Make no mistake about it, this is a serious rose from Jose Dhondt. All the wine requires is a little advance aeration to show at its finest. The estate’s rose is made from Pinot Noir grown in Saudoy. No disgorgement date provided. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. (Dec 2009)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$84 list] A vinous rosé Champagne, very dry and focused, with flavors of sour cherry, blackberry compote, mineral and freshly ground white pepper. The textured is very refined, but there's a lot of snap to the acidity here, giving this a vibrancy overall. Try with light food. Drink now through 2019. 400 cases made. (2011)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% pinot noir): Dark pink. Deeply pitched red fruit and floral aromas lend a medicinal quality, complicated by notes of sassafras, star anise and botanical herbs. Spicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors expand in the mid-palate and pick up a note of licorice pastille. Blends richness and vivacity smoothly and finishes on a refreshingly bitter note. This is one serious pink Champagne. (Dec 2010)"
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$44.95
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WA 92
AM 92
IWC 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
1
available
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List $70.00
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92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Tradition Grand Cru possesses gorgeous warmth and openness in a radiant, broad-shouldered style that is impossible to resist. Deep and textured through to the finish, the Tradition Grand Cru combines richness and minerality with notable finesse. Spice and smoke nuances add complexity on the dazzling finish. The Brut Tradition Grand Cru spent 36 months on its lees prior to being disgorged in July, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-20118. (Dec 2010)"
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "In typical house fashion, this is a very yeasty and full-bodied/flavored Champagne with obvious age on the complex and deep nose that introduces rich, full, intense and tangy flavors that are also fully mature. And while this could of course be aged further, I suspect that the aromas will develop discreet oxidative notes if held too long. For the present however, this is a wonderful effort that is everything one could reasonably want in a NV Brut unless your taste runs to ultra elegant examples because the Egly style is definitely not cut from that cloth. Drink: 2007+. (Oct 2007)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($70 list; 36 months on its lees, bottled July, 2010): Light yellow-gold. Musky pear and yellow plum on the nose, with brighter notes of lemon pith and white flowers adding lift. Spicy, subtly smoky orchard fruit and redcurrant flavors show a refreshing bitter edge and are given spine by tangy acidity. Weightier on the finish, with lingering floral and spice notes. Very young and really in need of a couple of years of bottle age. This Champagne is made from juice from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] A core of ground spice mixing with flavors of whole-grain toast, pear tart, hazelnut and lemon zest in this well cut Champagne, which is finely meshed, offering an airy mousse that leads to the refined, lingering finish. Disgorged July 2011. Drink now through 2018. (11/15/12)"
Decanter: "From vineyards in Ambonnay, Ay and Verzenay, a 70% Pinot Noir/30% Chardonnay blend, half from 2007, 30% from 2006, and 20% from 2005, dosage at just 4g/l. Robust yet fresh, lovely maturity, expressively elegant and pure. Drink: 2013-2015. Alcohol 12.5%. (Apr 2013)"
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$64.95
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WA 94
IWC 92
France
-
Champagne
Pre-arrival,
2
available
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List $110.00
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94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$110 list] The NV Extra-Brut Grand Cru V.P. Viellissement Prolonge is Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Verzenay that spent 70 months on its lees. This is the most intense wine in the Egly-Ouriet line-up. White truffles, roasted nuts, honey and candied apricots are layered beautifully in this creamy, expansive Champagne. Early tertiary notes make this an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Disgorged May, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018. (Dec 2010)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(disgorged August, 2006 after 61 month on the lees) Yellow-gold. Explosively perfumed nose offers an exotic perfume of smoky apricot, orange, floral honey and toffeed nuts. Deep, rich pit fruit flavors are brightened by orange zest and floral qualities, with subtle toasty lees adding complexity. This is very wine-like, with a deep, chewy texture and a strong finish. For all its depth and power, this remains focused and impressively elegant. An excellent non-vintage Champagne. (Nov 2007)"
Importer notes: "This wine is Egly's treasure; with more than SIX YEARS on its lees, 'V.P.' (in French, 'extended aging') is a testament both to the greatness of his terroir and to his vision as an uncompromising Champagne artist. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, pulled from older vines in the three finest villages in the Montaigne de Reims."
Richard Juhlin: "This firm was established in 1930 and nowadays Michel Egly owns 7.7 hectares at Ambonnay, a third of a hectare at Bouzy and one and a half a hectare at Verzenay as well as 2 hectares Meunier in Vrigny. The average age of the vines is 35 years, with 60 years for the prestige wines. The wines are phenomenally great and rich. The grower is very close to gaining five stars through his fantastic development in recent years. Probably the foremost grower of Pinot Noir in the entire Champagne region nowadays..."
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$34.95
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WS 90
IWC 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Wine Spectator: "Flavors of poached pear, kumquat, white raspberry, biscuit, ginger and licorice mix in this lively, open-knit version. Features a modest, lightly smoky finish. Drink now through 2014. (12/31/12)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Pale color. Pristine aromas of lemon rind, toast and nut oils. Frothy, creamy and ripe in the middle; strong and concentrated but not at all heavy. Lovely toasty complexity. Firm and youthful, yet it softened quickly in the glass. This boasts impressive material and Burgundian complexity, and really clings to the palate on the aftertaste."
2 stars New York Times: "Fresh and light, with aromas and flavors of flowers, chalk, anise and herbs. (12/23/09)"
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$44.95
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JG 92
AM 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
8
available
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List $65.00
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92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The new release of the Godmé Père et Fils Blanc de Blancs is a Premier Cru, despite the house being located in the grand cru village of Verzenay, as clearly some fruit from premier cru vineyards is incorporated into the blend. Twenty-five percent of the cuvée is barrel fermented and it is a fairly low dosage at eight grams per liter. The superb bouquet offers up a complex and quite youthful mélange of lemon, pears, vibrant, chalky minerality, a touch of crème patissière, fresh nutmeg and a touch of apple blossom in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and youthfully snappy, with a rock solid core of fruit, very elegant mousse, great focus and outstanding length and grip on the racy finish. This is a superb bottle of Blanc de Blancs that is certainly approachable right out of the blocks, but it will really provide some fireworks with a couple of years of bottle age! 2014-2025+. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Base wine 2007, 55% chardonnay, 35% pinot meunier, 10% pinot noir). Here the nose is notably more elegant than that of the Blanc de Noir if a bit less complex with its notes of citrus, yeast and freshly sliced apple. The crisp, clean and delicious flavors possess a very fine bead with the same refined character of the nose though again, not quite the finishing complexity of its grand cru sibling. This notably dry effort is really quite lovely and fashioned in a an understated style which could be enjoyed now or held for a few years first, which would be my choice. 90/2013+. (Jan 2012)"
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$49.95
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JG 96
AM 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The current release of Godmé Père et Fils Blanc de Noirs is a lovely wine, which is comprised entirely of pinot noir. The base wine of the new release is from the 2007 vintage, with fully forty percent of the blend hailing from reserve wines dating back to ’03, and the dosage is 6 grams per liter, which follows the trend of Monsieur Godmé to use lower level dosage in all of his recent bottlings. The nose is deep, pure and very vibrant in its blend of tart orange, apple, bread dough, complex and very precise minerality, citrus zest and a lovely floral topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and extremely elegant, with excellent focus, fine mid-palate depth, very refined mousse, crisp acids and excellent length and grip on the perfectly balanced finish. This is a lovely wine that should age every bit as well as the bottling I tucked away in the cellar four years ago (which is reported on immediately below). Fine and high class juice. 2012-2025. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Base wine 2006, 100% pinot noir). This is aromatically complex and while not quite as overtly fruity as the Rosé, this too speaks of red berry aromas laced with soft yeast notes. There is an exuberant effervescence with a creamy and very round mouth feel before culminating in mouth coating finish where the yeast notes of the nose are reprised. This is on the fruity side but often very fruit forward examples lack depth but that is not the case here. Drink: 2013+. (Jan 2012)"
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$39.95
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JG 93
W&S 92
WS 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $65.00
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93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The Godmé Père et Fils 'Brut Réserve' that I have cellared for four years has blossomed beautifully and is an excellent example of why it is a richly rewarding experience to lay down non-vintage Brut bottlings for an extended period of time before drinking them in earnest. When I first reported on this release back in Issue 15, the wine was very good, but I had hopes that it would blossom a bit with further bottle age and it has exceeded my expectations and is now a terrific glass of bubbly. The deep and complex nose offers up a fine mélange of apple, caraway seed, very complex minerality, brioche and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and wide open, with a fine core of fruit, bright acids, very elegant mousse and a very long, pure and complex finish that dances across the palate with zesty acids and a beautiful spine of minerality. Great juice now at its prime, but still with plenty of life ahead. 2012-2025. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "As pale as a fresh Marcona almond and as zesty as ginger and grapefruit pith, this wine comes to life on the palate with bright, lemony fruit. Ample flavor and tight acidity combine in a delicious wine for crab. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$65 list] This refined bubbly balances rich flavors of fruitcake, honeycomb and lemon curd with bright citrusy acidity and a hint of smoky mineral. Lithe and lively, with a spiced finish. Drink now through 2016. (11/15/11)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$65 list] The NV Brut Premier Cru Reserve is a pretty, focused wine with excellent definition in its aromas and flavors. It shows good balance and plenty of cut on the vibrant finish. This is Lot # L 010810. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. (Nov 2011)"
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