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Staff Favorites - Diana Turk
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Reviews
2016 Damien Hugot Grand Cru "Cramant" Blanc de Blancs Millesime
Review Date: 10-05-2024
Damien Hugot burst onto our Direct Import scene with instant classics like their sophisticated Rosé and cold box favorite Extra Brut Blanc de blancs. Not a week goes by that a Hollywood staff member doesn't grab an impressive (and impressively priced) magnum. So we were excited to try a site-specific release, the Cramant. Grapes grown in this Grand Cru village benefit from a lot of sunlight (their slopes are steep!), so they ripen beautifully, and provide more richness than you'd expect from Chardonnay. I was surprised to learn that the dosage on the 2016 was only 2g/l! Chalky Côte des Blancs terroir still comes through, as does apple fruit and bright minerality, but there's more of a mellow, toasty vibe here.
Price:
$59.99
Maison Laudacius "Laudacius" Brut Nature Montlouis Methode Traditionnnelle
Review Date: 08-04-2024
Holy Brut Nature! I love Chenin Blanc, especially those from Montlouis-sur-Loire, and this sparkler from Maison Laudacius is no exception. Notes of pear and even a touch of brioche jump out on the nose, followed by laser acidity slicing through the lemony, creamy palate, with a surprisingly long finish. The bead is delicate enough to please true Champagne fans (méthode traditionnelle!), and the quicksilver feel of such a dry yet complex offering keeps you coming back for more. The price is nice, too, as is the "no added sulfites" for those who care about such things. This is a brand-new Direct Import for us and it's already a hit.
2018 Domaine Camus Père et Fils Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru
Review Date: 07-15-2024
What a lovely surprise. This Grand Cru Burgundy from Domaine Camus not only shows pretty plum and strawberry fruit, a plush palate, and spice and marzipan notes through to the long finish, but comes in at a price point I thought was long gone for Latricières-Chambertin. Plus it has a few years of age, so difficult to find on the shelves these days. There is both richness and lift at play here, making this slinky 2018 a versatile option to try now or cellar.
Price:
$119.99
Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 06-24-2024
This is my favorite Launois Champagne, perhaps even above their Special Club release, for its combination of value and artistry. The Veuve Clémence takes everything that's gorgeous about the Cuvée Réserve and elevates it: delicate bead, a steely core of minerality, estate-grown Chardonnay from the chalky soils of legendary Grand Cru village, Mesnil-sur-Oger. It gets four (nearly five!) years of aging on the lees (versus the Réserve's three) and is sourced from older vines. This is a powerful, almost vinous Champagne, with added toastiness from the lees that you don’t find in younger Blanc de blancs. But fear not if you’re a fan of brighter wines: Veuve Clémence dazzles with laser acidity and vivid lemon fruit, tempered by textured mouthfeel and a long finish. It is absolutely worth the extra ten bucks to taste this beauty.
Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 06-24-2024
Crisp and linear with an almost creamy texture, the nuanced Launois Cuvée Réserve overdelivers every time. This Champagne is magical: Grand Cru Chardonnay from chalky soils shows minerality, but that racy backbone is balanced by moussy elegance. There's a sparkly acidity that will impress Blanc de blancs connoisseurs while still pleasing a crowd. I've even paired it with weeknight takeout and it's been perfect.
When we say buy as much as you can now, we mean it: Launois sells out incredibly quickly! I am proud to support Séverine Launois and her family's tradition of exceptional wines. We are talking Le Mesnil-sur-Oger fruit for under $40! Do not miss this top-quality, value-driven favorite.
Fallet-Dart "Clos du Mont" Brut Champagne (2006)
Review Date: 06-24-2024
Twelve years—TWELVE YEARS—on the lees for less than $100? Less than $75, even? Incredible. This is a sophisticated yet hugely accessible Champagne, with depth, texture, and a honeyed quality that's saved from being too rich by its snappy 80% Chardonnay. There is a backbone of acidity balanced by easygoing apple fruit on the palate, with that coveted toastiness through the finish. I first met Paul Fallet at K&L's Champagne Tent Event in 2017, where he charmed with his shy, sincere personality, then dazzled us with high quality wines. Fallet Dart is a great family-run Direct Import to support, but even without the backstory, I'd want to drink this delicious, complex Champagne. Plus, it's sourced from a clos, and based on the excellent 2006 vintage! We always have customers come late to this party, only realizing how special Clos du Mont is once our limited quantity is gone. Don't let that be you.
Price:
$69.99
2022 Tour Leognan Blanc, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 06-24-2024
Wow! This is no way drinks like a sub-$20 wine. You catch the 35% Sémillon immediately from the nose, full of white floral notes and juicy peach, which gives way to stony minerality and a textured yet lively palate. Loire Sauv Blanc fans will love the citrusy lift and notable acidity, but the weight and long, velvety finish will impress anyone. This 2022 (a ripe year) Tour Léognan is a complex summertime stunner at a remarkable price for the quality.
Price:
$19.99
Launois "Severine" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 06-17-2024
Perhaps the most polarizing Champagne at our recent Blanc de blancs in-store tasting, Launois' Séverine is unique in their lineup in that it's aged in oak, and that wood comes through! While the fruit is just as citrusy and bright as Launois fans are accustomed to experiencing from this Grand Cru grower-producer, the all-Mesnil-sourced barrels give the Champagne a more hedonistic feel, with notes of baking spice and a Sherried quality. The texture is rich and layered, but the expected Côte des Blancs snap of acidity remains. This food-friendly release is a must-try for Launois fans (so, pretty much everyone) looking for a different take.
Price:
$59.99
2010 Barde-Haut, St-Émilion
Review Date: 03-19-2024
A perennial favorite of K&L staff and customers alike, Barde Haut is the wine that keeps on giving, and their 2010 release is no exception. Enchanting from the first whiff of the hyper-fragrant nose, this Saint-Émilion beauty shows lively spice character up front, followed by a rounded yet structured palate of concentrated dark berry fruit, with powdery tannins on the finish. Now is the perfect time to experience this beautiful Merlot-focused Bordeaux from a great vintage.
Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-16-2023
$50 for a Grande Marque? Incredible! While I typically choose grower-producer Champagnes (especially since K&L's Direct Import program is so strong), this Gosset Grande Réserve Brut is always welcome, and even feels like a bargain, considering the quality of grapes and the house's history (which dates back to 1584!). A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (from Grand Cru village Aÿ), with a touch of Meunier, this nonvintage release includes about 20% reserve wines, solera-style blended, and spends six years on the lees. If you're after a big name that delivers, make sure Gosset is on your list.
2020 Domaine Tatsis Limnio Macedonia Greece
Review Date: 10-16-2023
I can't get enough of this chillable red! Deep berry fruit and savory, peppery notes are perfectly balanced by graceful acidity and a nimble quality that makes Domaine Tatsis' Limnio (that's the grape, farmed biodynamically and certified organic!) both a winner with food and enjoyable anytime.
Price:
$17.99
Damien Hugot Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 09-15-2023
By bringing this grower-producer into the fold of our Direct Import Champagnes, buyer Gary has completed a vision of K&L carrying Chardonnay from every Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs—an incredible feat! Damien Hugot grows this prized varietal on 50-year-old vines from just eight hectares in the northern villages of Chouilly and Cramant, with vineyards that include the renowned Mont-Aigu. This racy blanc de blancs will age beautifully and reward patience. Drinking now, there is the expected chalky minerality but also a richness through the palate that belies its 7g/L dosage, with brioche notes and a hint of nuttiness. Impressive.
Price:
$37.99
Michel Arnould "La Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 08-02-2023
The decadent, complex Michel Arnould "Grand Cuvée" Brut is the creamiest of their lineup, featuring a toasty hazelnut note and a crisp finish, which balances well with the richness and weighty texture of the palate. The rounded style of this release make it instantly accessible, while bright cherry fruit adds just the right amount of lift. North-facing slopes in Verzenay ripen Pinot Noir beautifully, but maintain a snap of acidity that pairs well with sushi, and the raciness here cuts through anything with ponzu sauce. This is easily one of my favorite Pinot-based Champagnes in the store, and a killer value.
Price:
$39.99
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 07-14-2023
Bright green apple fruit shines on the nose, followed by a richer nuttiness on the palate. There is a subtle sherry quality to this complex Champagne. Despite that lush feel, the finish is snappy and dry, with pleasing chalkiness. Coutelas’ delicious "Cuvée Louis Victor" always sells out quickly, and given the price for such a well-made offering, I can see why.
Lini "Labrusca" Lambrusco Emilia Bianco
Review Date: 06-23-2023
Hyper-fragrant apple and pear fruit shine in this rarer white Lambrusco made from 100% Salamino grapes. Crafted by traditional producer Lini, this is a refreshing, perfectly fizzy release using the Martinotti (also known as Charmat) method. Labrusca Bianco is a clean, bright sparkler with a dry finish.
Price:
$15.99
2021 Tan Fruit (Arterberry Maresh) "Cuvée Tan Fruit" Willamette Valley Chardonnay
Review Date: 06-23-2023
Woodsy on the nose, with hints of stone fruit and all the bright acid through the palate that you'd expect from Arterberry Maresh, the 2021 Tan Fruit shines with cool climate appeal. There's enough oak and richness to win over California Chardonnay drinkers, too. This is one of my favorite Willamette Valley producers, and I love having more releases on our shelves.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
Review Date: 11-10-2022
How is this Champagne only $25? While previous releases were dark and rich, with cherry fruit and considerable length, the most recent bottle I tasted showcased that same complexity, but with added lift. White floral and honeycomb on the nose, the smell is reminiscent of Los Angeles in the summer, with jasmine notes leaping from the glass. The fruit – 100% Pinot Meunier – is full bodied with a hit of spice, the palate weighty but fresh all the way through to a toasty finish. It took a bit of time for Champagne Club favorite Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" to develop, but whoa, it was worth the wait.
Price:
$26.99
Pierre Paillard "Les Terres Roses" Grand Cru Extra Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 09-18-2022
An incredible rosé Champagne that is somehow stunning yet easygoing, heady but crisp, crowd-pleasing and sophisticated all at once. Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses is my go-to gift when I want to impress, and it has never disappointed even the most intimidating audience. Singing with dark berry and cherry fruit, this nervy Extra Brut beams with elegant acidity, thanks to a heavy dose of nimble Chardonnay in the blend, while Pinot Noir adds a welcome undercurrent of complexity.
With its delicate bead and ethereal structure, this is an exceptional choice for a classic seafood pairing or aperitif, but also shines as a partner for heavier-than-usual options such as nachos. I literally keep a bottle chilling at all times, it's such a versatile showstopper. Plus the value for Grand Cru Bouzy fruit from a producer of this caliber is almost unbelievable. Enjoy Les Terres Roses immediately for a revitalizing break from the heat, or save as a dream choice for the holidays. Either way, get it while you can.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 06-22-2021
Bollinger’s classic release, the "Special Cuvée", is one of my first choices when looking for a grande marque, since it offers both the prestige name and relative value—the quality feels higher than many fancy brands at a similar price point. On any given day, the wine has a quicksilver character about it: nimble and bright enough to cut through fried foods, yet lush when complementing more classic pairings such as seafood. Founded in 1829, Bollinger clearly cares about luxury and detail at every level. Yet the house itself is set among its own vineyards in the unassuming village of Aÿ. For the "Special Cuvée", 80,000 magnums are disgorged by hand! Wines are aged at least three but often five years (more than the appellation’s required fifteen months). Bollinger only seems expensive if you haven’t seen the care that goes in to making it.
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-27-2020
Wow! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point.
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 07-22-2020
It can be tricky to define pricey Rosé Champagne as a "bargain," but when one considers just how much care goes into each bottle of Laurent-Perrier, it suddenly seems underpriced. Made with extended maceration and using the more difficult saignée method, their Cuvée Rosé is special. Deep red berry fruit shines through the lifted palate, with both richness and minerality coming through to the clean finish. This is a substantial rosé – great with food – yet elegant with tiny bubbles and a citrusy freshness. The fact that the bottle is gorgeous and the house pedigree dates back to 1812 only adds to the glamour of this lovely, high quality Pinot Noir Champagne.
Montechiara Prosecco
Review Date: 03-31-2020
This is it: the Prosecco your toast has been dreaming of. Subtly sweeter than Brut but not overwhelmingly so, the Extra Dry style of Montechiara is the perfect cocktail base - pair it with Aperol for spritzer magic! Once you experience the value and versatility of this bella little workhorse, you'll want to buy a case and celebrate.
Price:
$10.99
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne Magnum 1.5L
Review Date: 02-04-2020
Just when I thought I couldn’t love Bollinger Special Cuvée any more, this magnum came into my life. While I have always appreciated the Bollinger process of hand-riddling their larger format, and it’s clear that bigger bottles age a bit more slowly than 750ml and 375ml, I hadn’t given much thought to the taste differences between sizes. This was a revelation. I shared a 1.5L bottle at brunch recently, and the laser-like acidity and steely brightness were opposite the more oxidative, rounded style expected of Bollinger. While the texture and leesy character were apparent, the magnum showed a freshness and nimble quality that paired perfectly with any food we tried. It was the opulent character of Bollinger, amplified and tempered by raciness. Awesome.
Egrot Brut Champagne
Review Date: 12-03-2019
Don't let the new label fool you! This release was formerly called Elisabeth Goutorbe, named for the pedigreed winemaker who has charmed guests at many a Champagne Tent Event. She's ventured out on her own and while the name and packaging underwent a makeover, what's inside the bottle is as impressive as ever. Crisp with red cherry Pinot fruit, this is both chalky with elegant mousse, and shows complex leesiness tempered by bright acid and structure. This nonvintage release is drinking beautifully now, and the price - especially for Aÿ - is nearly impossible to beat.
Price:
$34.99
Damien Hugot Rosé Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 11-29-2019
I’m excited to welcome another stellar Côte des Blancs winemaker into our Direct Import family! Damien Hugot is a producer who grows Chardonnay on 50 year-old vines in the villages of Chouilly and Cramant, with vineyards that include the coveted Mont-Aigu area. This rosé is almost completely Chardonnay (93%) with a tiny amount of red wine from Monthelon blended in. (That 7% Pinot Meunier, by the way, comes from the same village as another favorite DI producer whose name you might recognize: Alexandre Le Brun.) The wine features super concentrated fruit and a tight focus – you know this is Chardonnay from the laser-like acidity, but it’s wrapped in a thoroughly gulpable package of red berry notes. This release was one of my favorites from our annual staff Champagne Summit, and is sure to please anyone looking for a bright yet easygoing option that packs a punch.
K&L Logo 6-Bottle Tote (2979)
Review Date: 11-01-2019
There was brief period when these were out of stock, followed by a time when they were just plain Burgundy variety, but now they're back in full force, and with the K&L logo to boot! These are environmentally friendly and handy for carrying 6+ bottles. Thanks to the supportive plastic insert on the bottom, and cloth dividers, it is possible to carry a varying number of bottles with success. These totes are better than your average wine carrier, and will save you the ten cent bag fee. What's not to love?
Price:
$4.99
Pierre Péters "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 10-29-2019
Finally, we have enough of this in stock to stack! A classic grower-producer based in the esteemed Grand Cru village Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Pierre Peters really exemplifies the style of Côte des Blancs Champagne. This elegant Cuvée de Reserve Brut is 100% Chardonnay, aged 24 months of the lees. It is sleek and racy, with vivid acidity, chalky minerality through the palate, and a super long finish.
J. Lassalle "Cachet d'Or" 1er Cru Brut Champagne
Review Date: 09-24-2019
What a lively, historic Premier Cru grower-producer Champagne! A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the J. Lassalle "Cachet Or" is still made using a traditional wooden press, and aged three years on the lees! A lot of work goes into this tiny production (farmed from just 16 hectares on clay and limestone soil in Chigny-Les-Roses), which features three generations of women at the helm. This release sings with tangerine and orchard fruit, tempered by a slightly herbaceous, almost camphor, nose and a chalky finish. There is subtle toastiness from the lees, but mostly this is easygoing, bright Champagne – my notes literally read “crushable.” I can’t wait to enjoy a bottle al fresco as summer heat gives way to fall.
Price:
$38.95
Paul Bara "Réserve" Brut Grand Cru Champagne
Review Date: 09-24-2019
An exceptional value for fans of Bouzy Pinot Noir, Paul Bara’s Réserve Brut Champagne exemplifies the rich, powerful style for which this Grand Cru village is best known. In fact, Paul Bara himself wrote the history of Bouzy, and his tiny production (10,000 cases) is all top quality fruit. His daughter Chantal is making the wines now, and her deft winemaking style stays true to Paul’s vision. This release is 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, and shows bright berry fruit on the nose with a tight, racy core of acidity. This is a food-pairing dream, with enough body to stand up to heavier, less traditional choices and a brightness that keeps it light enough on its feet to be served as an aperitif. Stunning.
Price:
$59.99
Asahi Shuzo Dassai "45" Junmai Daiginjo Nigori Sake (300ml)
Review Date: 06-25-2019
One of the driest Nigori sakes I've ever tasted, Dassai's 50 Junmai Daiginjo is made only for the US market, and we’re lucky enough to carry it. Fresh with cantaloupe fruit and a super satisfying creamy texture, this is subtly sweeter than unfiltered sake, yet the finish is bright and crisp. Lovely.
Price:
$12.99
Trudon "Emblematis" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-28-2019
What an awesome addition to our Meunier lineup! While the grape is often coveted for darker fruit and an almost rustic, unctuous quality, Jerome Trudon makes a cleaner style of Meunier, deeply elegant and supremely drinkable, with complexity throughout and a clean, laser sharp finish.
Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne (1.5L)
Review Date: 12-05-2018
Do not sleep on this: our best selling Direct Import Champagne in an age-worthy size!
Crisp and linear with an incredible, almost creamy, texture, the nuanced Launois Cuvée Réserve overdelivers every time. This Champagne is magical: Grand Cru Chardonnay from chalky soils shows minerality, but that racy backbone is balanced by moussy elegance. There's a sparkly acidity that will impress Blanc des blancs connoisseurs while still pleasing a crowd. I've even paired it with weeknight takeout and it's been perfect.
When we say buy as much as you can now, we mean it: this sells out quickly! I am so proud to support Séverine Launois and her family's tradition of exceptional wines - do not miss this value-driven stunner.
Price:
$84.99
2008 Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne
Review Date: 09-13-2018
What a beauty this Champagne is: exciting and elegant right out of the gate! Raw honey on the nose, with a hint of white floral alongside coveted yeasty notes, the 2008 vintage Dom Pérignon shines from the very first sip. Heady aromatics give way to sparkling minerality and bright lemon fruit on the palate, with surprisingly nimble richness. While the hallmarks of the racy 2008 vintage come through with laser precision, there is a roundness present as well, making this feel opulent yet vivid, all the way through the long, chalky finish. I can only imagine how incredible this will be with age. Plus, it’s 95% grand cru fruit, with the remaining 5% 1er cru from Hautvillers included as an homage to village of Dom Pérignon's abbey. Historic and celebrated, this 2008 is a stellar release and an experience not to be missed.
Brasserie Dupont "Saison Dupont" Farmhouse Ale, Belgium (750ml)
Review Date: 06-30-2018
The original! Six or seven breweries in Belgium make true Saisons, and the undisputed classic of the style is Saison Dupont. While there may be some hipper variations that seem more in demand lately, this holds its own against the hyped versions. Saison Dupont is refreshing, with a brightness that is balanced by underlying earthiness. Plus the price is a steal considering the quality, and the fact that this is a 750 ml bottle. At once both crisp and funky, Saison Dupont is a clean, yeasty, satisfying beer, perfect for summer nights.
Price:
$12.49
Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 06-30-2018
This tastes like what sitting by the Mediterranean, dining alfresco on olive tapenade must feel like. The botanicals are fresh up front, with a notable lavender floral component, but the finish is textured and mouth-coating. This is a unique take on gin that enhances cocktails or could easily be enjoyed with just a bit of ice and soda.
Price:
$39.99
Laurent-Perrier "Harmony" Demi-Sec Champagne
Review Date: 05-31-2018
Very bright considering the higher dosage, this elegant release from Laurent-Perrier is a natural for dessert, balancing sweetness with lift, and pairing with everything from appetizers to cake.
Price:
$54.99
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (187ml)
Review Date: 05-31-2018
Small in size but not in taste, this adorably-sized version of L-P is everything I love abouttheir classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point. Perfect for party favors!
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (375ml)
Review Date: 05-31-2018
Picnic perfect! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point, even in the half bottle. Drink now!
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (1.5L)
Review Date: 05-31-2018
Wow! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point. Plus the Magnum ages beautifully, much appreciated with the larger Chardonnay component. A beautiful choice for your next party.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
Review Date: 02-24-2018
Incredibly, a magnum of Baron-Fuente is priced lower than some bigger name 750 ml bottles of Champagne – the value is almost unbelievable! Concentrated fruit with a hint of spice, luxurious toastiness, and creamy finish, this Meunier-based Champagne is both expressive and easygoing, with more pronounced acidity in this larger format. And while there’s technically better aging potential to the 1.5L, it’s tough to keep this cellared when it’s so exciting (and affordable) to pop at a party.
Michel Arnould Verzenay Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 01-26-2018
Clear lemon fruit on the nose, with a stream of salinity through to the finish, the Michel Arnould Extra Brut is based on the 2010 harvest, a vintage celebrated for creating more linear Champagne. Although this is 100% Pinot Noir and Blanc de blancs is typically the favored suggestion for fish, the Extra Brut is a natural with sushi, especially yellowtail and snapper, which benefits from the sharper acid and low dosage. As a bonus, the Extra Brut's crisp yet easygoing style (it is still a berry-scented Pinot) not only works with food, but as a lively pre-dinner drink if you’re not-so-patiently waiting on delivery.
Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne
Review Date: 01-02-2018
Delicious and elegant, this paper-wrapped Champagne is a departure from the searing acid of Blanc de blancs and instead shows golden apple fruit up front, followed by toastiness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Though there is a crisp backbone of minerality from the fossil-rich soil, this is a slightly unusual offering in that it’s 100% Chardonnay with a creamier spin. The current release is from a single vineyard and spends over five years on the lees. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional value Champagne, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here. Aspasie Blanc de blancs is textured and age worthy, and I love turning savvy drinkers on to this family-owned favorite.
Price:
$39.99
Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (1.5L)
Review Date: 01-02-2018
Party perfect! Just when I thought I couldn’t love Aspasie more, they charm us at the annual Champagne Tent Event AND make improvements to their production facilities that send their wines over the top in elegance and quality. An unusual offering for the Aristons in that this is 100% Chardonnay, but with a creamier spin. The current release is from a single vineyard and spends over five years on the lees. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional value Champagne, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here, especially given the celebration-ready magnum format. Aspasie Blanc de blancs is luxurious and age worthy, and I love turning savvy drinkers on to this family-owned favorite.
Price:
$84.99
Ariston Aspasie "Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 12-26-2017
Just when I thought I couldn’t love Aspasie more, they charm us at the annual Champagne Tent Event AND make improvements to their production facilities that send Carte Blanche over the top in elegance and quality. The current release of Carte Blanche still spends five years on the lees, and has the biscuity notes to prove it, but shows even crisper acidity. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional entry level wine, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here. A traditional cépage of 40% Chardonnay and 30% each of Pinot Noir and Meunier, the Carte Blanche shows apple and crunchy pear fruit, tempered by underlying chalky notes, mousse texture, and a toasty finish. This is a bright spot in our DI Champagne line up – both figuratively and stylistically – and I love turning savvy drinkers on to this value-driven, family-owned favorite.
Price:
$34.99
Pol Roger "Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 11-29-2017
An exceptional, value-priced offering from a house with clout, “White Foil” is subtly smoky and weightlessly creamy, with rich apple fruit balanced by enough acid to maintain focus through to the snappy but long finish. Pol Roger is the Champagne of royalty, and the care that goes into this cuvée is apparent. Aged 48 months on the lees and based on key spectacular vintages, this shows hints of toastiness, despite seeing no oak, and – like all Pol Roger releases – is still hand-riddled. This is one of our most requested Champagnes in Hollywood, and for good reason.
Billecart-Salmon "Brut Reserve" Champagne (375ml)
Review Date: 02-14-2017
Aged 36 months on the lees, the Brut Reserve is clean and vivacious, with rich stone fruit and honey, plus that classic chalky finish. Billecart-Salmon is my go-to Champagne when looking for a crowd-pleasing yet sophisticated sparkler. It has just the right amount of house name recognition while staying true to quality, and the brighter house style is both refreshing and elegant. An easygoing, impressive favorite that never disappoints, plus it's an incredibly reasonable price, especially for a half bottle.
Billecart-Salmon "Brut Réserve" Champagne
Review Date: 01-24-2017
Aged 36 months on the lees, the Brut Reserve is clean and vivacious, with rich stone fruit and honey, plus that classic chalky finish. Billecart-Salmon is my go-to Champagne when looking for a crowd-pleasing yet sophisticated sparkler. It has just the right amount of house name recognition while staying true to quality, and the brighter house style is both refreshing and elegant, at an incredibly reasonable price. A favorite that continues to impress!
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)
Review Date: 01-24-2017
This sets the bar for spectacular brut rosé! Gorgeous rose petal and delicate white peach on the nose, followed by pure strawberry fruit gleaming on the palate, this showcases the bright house style while adding the sophistication of mousse texture and a minerally finish. There’s freshness throughout, plus substance – this would be a great wine to pair with heartier meals, although its elegance makes a glass equally at home with caviar. Tiny creamy bubbles and lovely color only enhance the drinking experience. And while Billecart-Salmon uses all three big Champagne varietals, they have traditionally championed Pinot Meunier and the result is a delicate, nuanced wine with depth. And not that it's necessarily indicative of quality, but the 375ml bottling is especially adorable, using the same bulbous shape as the full 750. It's a consistently special treat, just the right size for a tiny victory.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 01-17-2017
This sets the bar for spectacular brut rosé! It’s hard to gush about Billecart-Salmon without feeling like you’re piggybacking on critical accolades or following popular opinion, but this best-selling Champagne is worth the hype. Gorgeous rose petal and delicate white peach on the nose, followed by pure strawberry fruit gleaming through the palate, this showcases Billecart-Salmon’s bright style while adding the sophistication of mousse texture and a minerally finish. There’s freshness throughout, plus substance – this would be a great wine to pair with heartier meals like fried chicken, although its elegance makes a glass equally at home with caviar. Tiny creamy bubbles and lovely color only enhance the drinking experience, and cooler, longer fermentation in stainless steel (3-5 weeks!) keeps everything crisp. Billecart-Salmon uses all three big Champagne varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and curiously, more Pinot Meunier than most houses. They have traditionally championed Meunier and the result is a delicate, nuanced wine with depth. Perfect for any occasion, even if that occasion is a weeknight spent on an apartment balcony, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne is reliably special.
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)
Review Date: 10-30-2016
An electric rosé! Composed of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Meunier, this expensively-made wine goes through carbonic maceration and the saignée method, with a little still red wine added in. The result is stunning: gorgeous wild berry fruit with delicate bead, bracing acidity and a clean, minerally finish.
Price:
$19.99