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Staff Favorites - Philip Roufail
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Reviews
Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 11-19-2023
Gosset is the oldest Champagne house. It was established in 1584 in Ay, which is 145 years before Ruinart, the oldest all sparkling producer, opened its doors in 1729. When you make wine for 439 years you know a thing or two. The Gosset Grand Reserve Brut NV is drinking beautifully. It's 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier and it is aged three years on the lees (the minimum requirement for vintage champagne). This has great viscosity, a creamy full bodied texture, delicate pastry crust, and loads of tropical fruit. Easily one of the best NV champagnes from the big houses. At the immaculate price of $49.99 the Grand Reserve is a mind blowing steal.
2020 Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona Tyrnavos Greece
Review Date: 11-18-2023
Everybody should be excited about Greek wines. The wines coming out of this most ancient of civilizations are true expressions of place. The Romans spread viticulture throughout its vast empire, but Athens introduced it to Rome. Limniona is as Greek as it gets. A 3,000 year old indigenous grape that was rescued from extinction by Christos Zafeirakis, Limniona has risen from the ashes like Greek mythology’s Phoenix and has taken flight around the world. The "Wines of Greece" describes this juicy “new” grape as, “rich, very expressive, with red fruit, herbs, minerality, and cooking spices,” and the 2020 Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona Tyrnovas lives up to that promise. As it opened up, every sip revealed a new depth of aromatics and flavor. Like Sangiovese, Limniona is a light high-acid grape that punches way above its weight class. You can chill it on a hot day and crush it poolside while its robust flavors are so food-friendly and versatile that everything from your Thanksgiving turkey to your holiday tenderloin will be elevated with a glass (or three). Domaine Zafeirakis is the top producer of Limniona and K&L currently has four in stock – the brand-new and delectable 2020 Tyrnavos that we’re talking about, the 2019 “Terracota” Tyrnavos ($39.99), the 2019 “New Age Young Vines” Tyrnavos (new low price under $20!), and the 2022 Limniona Rose Tyrnavos ($16.99).
Pierre Gimonnet Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-19-2023
Producer's Notes: "This delightful Blanc de Blancs marries excellent depth of character – all the citrus, crisp pear and floral aromas of chardonnay – with charm. Properly dry, but very harmonious, thanks to the excellent balance of citrusy freshness and creaminess. Long, clean finish, accentuated by the lively mousse. A cuvee of 2/3rds 2018 with a third of vintages between 2016 and 2011, disgorged in July, 2021. Drink now."
Price:
$49.99
2015 Moët & Chandon "Grand Vintage" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-18-2023
Moet & Chandon! The House's tasting notes: "2015 was a harvest of exceptional red-skinned grapes. They showed remarkable maturity with a powerful, fruity nose and full-bodied finish. This blend is 44% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and 24% Meunier. A tender and vegetal bouquet. Initial notes of breadcrumbs, fresh brioche and almond paste give way to elderflower and jasmine, then to fruit such as white peach and watermelon. Notes of garrigue at dawn complete the ensemble. Generous, ample and supple in structure, reminiscent of the cotton flower. Floral, aniseed and mentholated nuances bring lightness and freshness. The finish lingers on a delicate bitterness evoking fresh almonds."
Price:
$109.99
2015 Franck Bonville "Pur Mesnil" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 10-08-2023
"We have made this cuvée from a selection of 3 plots, mainly located down the hill of Le Mesnil sur Oger. After more than 5 years of ageing under natural cork, we find it straight, well-structured with a great personality. The movement starts of light floral, vegetal and vanilla perfumes that awake our senses. An intense freshness, typical of Le Mesnil’s wines, carries this champagne. A rich, coated and smooth mouth cradles it. A gourmet but delicate wine that unveils its shimmering side, without being aggressive, for a frank and dynamic balance.
The fresh and saline long ending resonates all the essence of Le Mesnil sur Oger’s terroir to slowly fade into a chalky memory."
Price:
$79.99
2015 Franck Bonville "Pur Oger" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 10-08-2023
Winemaker Olivier Bonville's notes: The year 2015 gives sweet and pastry aromas to this blend of 2 plots from Oger’s terroir. An aerial lightness evolves on these first notes, supported by the freshness that we are glad to find on this terroir. Confectionery aromas and a touch reminding us sour candies give vivacity and come with a fresh ending, rhythmed by liquorice and lemon notes. Worked by more than 5 years of ageing on lees under natural cork, the balance of Pur Oger 2015 is fully expressed: generous but biting."
Price:
$79.99
2015 Franck Bonville "Pur Avize" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 10-08-2023
Winemaker Olivier Bonville's notes: Pur Avize 2015 is released after more than 5 years of ageing under a natural cork. From 3 plots selected in the heart of Avize’s terroir, we have crafted a Bonville translation of this famous village. Very fine bubbles let us guess the energy contained in the champagne. The first scents totally reflect our chalky soils, combining flint notes to a mineral freshness. Aromas of pineapple and pear come to complete this pleasant nose. The perfect balance of the Pur Avize 2015 keeps going with a soft and creamy texture in the mouth, full and generous. Some warm aromas such as wax and marzipan add an extra dimension to this wine and match on a long ending, intense and fresh.
Price:
$79.99
2022 Domaine la Clef du Récit (Anthony Girard) Sancerre
Review Date: 09-27-2023
This is a superb expression of Sancerre. On the nose, it can't be anything else from anywhere else - that chalky minerality is unmistakable! 2022 is a lauded year producing Sauvignon Blanc with a crisp refreshing citrus zing along with strong minerality. Bursting with rich and ripe lemon, tropical fruit, and racy acidity, the Domaine La Clef du Recit Anthony Girard Sancerre exemplifies the 2022 season and the preeminence of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
Price:
$24.99
Fallet-Dart Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 09-15-2023
The Fallet-Dart Brut Rose Champagne is a young, bright, and fresh sparkler loaded with ripe red fruit complimented by a subtle toasty autolytic character. 60% Pinot Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir macerated for 48 hours on the skins gives it its color. On the nose, red cherry, melon, and brioche. On the palate, the majority Pinot Meunier makes this a medium-bodied, fruit forward style, with citrus, watermelon, and stone fruit rounded out by toasted baguette. Yummerz!
Price:
$34.99
Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #26 Brut Champagne
Review Date: 09-15-2023
The 100-point Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Iteration #26 is here, in the case, waiting for lucky buyers. What makes the Grand Siecle's special? First off, it's one of a handful of Prestige Cuvees that is non-vintage, specifically a blend from three exceptional years. Iteration 26 is a blend of Chardonnay (58%) and Pinot Noir (42%) from 8 Grand Crus from 2012 (65%), 2008 (25%), and 2007 (10%) - all traditional cold weather vintages - and is aged for 10 years on the lees in LP's seven miles of caves dug out the Champagne's famous chalk soils. The goal of every Grand Siecle release is to recreate the "perfect year," and Iteration 26 is as near perfect as you can get. A must have for your cellar or special event!
Didier Lapie Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
Review Date: 09-15-2023
I just tasted this lush champagne again and it confirmed my previous thoughts. If you like a more fruit forward style of champagne, this is a good one to try. Normally 100% Pinot Meunier champagnes are not my thing. When I mention Pinot Meunier to customers I'm often met with blank stares, yet it is one the three noble grapes of Champagne. A mutation of Pinot Noir, Meunier is easier to grow that its counterparts, ripens early, and accounts for over 40% of plantings in Champagne. Meunier adds acidity, aromatics, and fruit flavors to the blend. As a consequence, many Meunier champagnes are more fruit forward in style and risk overshadowing the other characteristics that are expected in fine champagne. The Didier Lapie Blanc de Noirs NV, however, offers a Meunier champagne with racy acidity that balances out the fruitiness of the Meunier and complex fresh sourdough and toasty notes from aging on the lees for five years. The autolytic character is superb. Crisp acidity, citrus, peach, toasted almonds, nectarine, grapefruit, juicy baked apples with brown sugar, melon, coconut, and a long rich lemon cream finish coats your mouth with happiness. As it opens up in the glass, the more depth and breadth it displays. And it's only $30! Yes, Pangloss, we do live in the best of all possible worlds.
Price:
$29.99
2016 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella Superiore
Review Date: 08-27-2023
If you're looking for a baby Amarone that won't break the bank, this is your wine. The 2016 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella is drinking beautifully. On the nose, chocolate covered cherries, mocha, orange liqueur, baking spices, flowers, and green peppercorn. On the palate, it is surprisingly delicate and silky, yet with a long rich floral finish bursting with licorice and spice. Quintessentially Italian!
2019 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough
Review Date: 08-24-2023
Ata Rangi is from the indigenous Maori language and means "dawn" or "new beginning." If you've never enjoyed a fine New Zealand Pinot Noir, you may consider Ata Rangi as the perfect beginning of your New Zealand wine journey. An icon of New Zealand Pinot Noir, the 2019 Ata Rangi Martinborough is back in form - aromatic, savory, plush, ripe sweet cherries, pepper, spice, herbs, and a hint of new French oak. This is a full bodied, powerful, structured Pinot that hits all the marks. Already considered one of the top Pinot Noir producers in New Zealand, this 2019 should be a A remarkable offering from Helen Masters!
2020 Akitu "A1" Pinot Noir Central Otago
Review Date: 08-24-2023
Ready to get Mesopotamian? Akitu is the 4,000 year old Mesopotamian New Year festival celebrating nature, fertility, purification, and resurrection, and what better way to commemorate the all important life sustaining harvest than with a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir? Akitu Wines is located in the premier Pinot Noir growing region on Central Otago, which is on the southern end of the South Island near the city of Queenstown. Central Otago is sunny, dry, and surrounded by the ancient Pisa Mountain range. In the 1860s, this was gold rush territory, but now that gold is Pinot Noir. The 2019 Akitu "A1" Pinot Noir is a serious structured wine that can be enjoyed now, but will also benefit from time in the cellar. A blend of famous Pinot Noir clones: 65% Abel (a suitcase clone rumored to be from DRC), 10% 777 (Pommard - finesse & power), 10% 115 (Dijon - perfume & structure), 10% Clone 5 (Pommard - fruit set), 5% 667 (Dijon - aromatics and tannins). While the clones originated Burgundy, France, the A1 is all New Zealand -- 40% whole cluster, 60% whole berry, and aged in 20% new French oak -- full bodied, floral, and brimming with pomegranate, cranberry, dark red berries, violets, pepper, and spice. This plush Pinot will thrill the most experienced Pinot fan and continue to evolve over time. Enjoy!
Courtois Brut Champagne
Review Date: 08-18-2023
Champagne Pierre Courtois is located in the Marne Valley between Pair and Reims. The Courtois NV Brut Champagne is 65% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Noir, aged five years on the lees, and has a low dosage of 5.5g/l. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the acidity is fresh and bright, but with malolactic fermentation it is also creamy and viscous -- a beautiful combination. The predominant fruit forward and spicy Meunier in the blend gives this sparkler explosive aromas of orange peel, candied lemon, almonds, grapefruit, and fresh sourdough bread. On the palate, it has a luscious fruity profile without being too rich or cloying. It tastes like candy. There, I said it. This is a little gem of a champagne that is so tasty I kept reaching for my glass after it was empty! Pair with seafood.
Price:
$34.99
2014 Bollinger "La Grande Année" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 08-18-2023
The 2014 Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut Champagne is from an excellent "traditional vintage" (cold weather) and a 200 year old winemaking family that still runs the show. Bollinger loves Pinot Noir, and the Grande Annee is 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay sourced from 19 different crus in Ay, Chouilly, and Verzenay, and spent 8 years aging on the lees. Very aromatic - white flowers, red fruit, green apples, baking spices, and salt framed by deep brioche. Barrel fermented, this is a big, bold, full-bodied champagne with a rich creamy texture and vibrant acidity. On the palate there is complex brew of ripe red fruit, tart apples, hazelnuts, and a chalky minerality with a long persistent finish. Structured, powerful, and elegant, the Grande Annee is ready to drink now, but will age forever (give or take a couple of years). A top champagne from a top vintage deserving of all its critical acclaim!
Alexandre Le Brun "Tradition" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 08-18-2023
The one man sparkling show that is Alexandre Le Brun is our smallest, yet highly accomplished, grower-producers and his excellent NV "Tradition" is back in stock for the first time since early spring. A traditional blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, just from the nose you know you're in for a treat. It busts with fresh dough (3 years on the lees!), citrus, grapefruit, hazelnuts, and McIntosh apples. On the palate, it has the elegant and luxurious texture you can only get from fine champagne, layers of delicious baked apples, dried stone fruit, lemon-lime, vanilla, baking spices, and popping acidity. On its lengthy dry finish, you are rewarded with taut minerality and a final rich sweet note! A must try for anyone who loves distinctive grower-producer champagne.
Price:
$34.99
2015 Franck Bonville Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 07-15-2023
Franck Bonville is a Champagne domaine located in Avize which is today managed by third-generation winemaker Olivier Bonville. The grapes come from the family’s own Grand Cru vineyards spread over 15 hectares in Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The house was founded in 1926, but the family only started bottling wine under their own name after the end of World War II.
The vinification takes place in steel tanks, and all wines undergo malolactic fermentation followed by bottle ageing on the lees for 2½-4 years depending on the cuvée. Dosage is generally between 5-8 grams. Franck Bonville creates a range of smooth, classic and elegant Champagnes with a high degree of fruitiness and minerality.
Price:
$74.99
2019 Domaine Zafeirakis "New Age - Young Vines" Limniona Tyrnavos Greece
Review Date: 06-22-2023
In 2023, Greek wine is where it's at! If it seems like Greece has been the new, hot, up-and-coming wine region for a very long time, you are right that it's taken a great deal of patience (and hard work!) for history's oldest wine producing country to find its stride. The Greeks started the whole "cultivate the vine" thing in 4000 B.C. and believed it was created by the God Dionysus. Now regular old Greek mortals make the wine and, in partnership with quality minded distributors, have flooded the international marketplace with fantastic Greek wine that is 6,500 years in the making. Limniona, is "rich, very expressive, with red fruit, herbs, minerality and cooking spices," and produces light-bodied reds perfect for summer - chill for 10 minutes and then crush it! The Domaine Zafeirakis New Age Limniona Tyrnavos Greece may not roll of the tongue, but it will seduce your nose with enticing spice and floral notes and pleasure your palate with beautiful ripe red fruit and a long dry finish. As you can imagine, the Limniona pairs great with any light Mediterranean dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.
2020 Krutz Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 06-18-2023
The 2020 harvest was during the height of the Covid pandemic and exacerbated by two damaging wildfires - the Complex Fire in August and and the Glass Fire in September. However, the hot and dry growing season and low yields produced grapes of incredible concentration and flavor. Krutz Family Cellars, founded in 2003, has a winemaking philosophy that helped them navigate the tricky season: "Once the fruit is received, we cut no corners. Hand sorting, whole berry integrity, new Taransaud French Oak fermenters, and gravity-fed, Free Run Only Wine (no press fractions) straight to the finest French Oak barrels on the market." The full-bodied 2020 Krutz Cabernet has aromas of baking spices, licorice, cherry cola, graphite, mocha, and violets. Silky on the front attack and mid palate, but the tannic structure and power of the wine is felt on the finish. It should age beautifully.
2015 Louis Roederer Brut Champagne
Review Date: 06-15-2023
WINEMAKERS NOTES: A perfect expression of the dominant Pinot Noir in this blend, the nose blends fruity (redcurrant, mirabelle plum, vine peach), spicy (white pepper) and acidic fragrances. Harmoniously blending liveliness, concentration and power, the palate is seduced by this wine’s precise structure and freshness. Throughout the tasting, fruity, chocolate (cocoa bean) and roasted aromas blend together harmoniously. The finish is persistent and generous, with delicious fruity notes and a refreshing salinity.
Price:
$94.99
Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 06-09-2023
Launois 101: The Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne is the all-time undisputed champion of K&L's Direct Import Champagne portfolio and our largest grower-producer. The Launois champagnes have such a dedicated following amongst customers in the know that it practically sells itself, but for those who are just now discovering these delectable champagnes, here is a quick primer. Founded in 1872, Launois is headquartered in a remarkable chateau in the village of Villers-aux-Bois and is currently helmed by eighth generation vignerons Severine and Caroline Launois. The estate’s Grand Cru vineyards are in Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant in the heart of the Cote de Blancs (prestigious neighbors Krug and Salon are nearby). The Launois "Cuvée Réservée" (CR) is the flagship NV champagne and their other Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) are variations of this unbelievably affordable sparkling masterpiece. So, the “Quartz” is the CR, but bottled under 5 atmospheres of pressure instead of six; the “Clemence” is the CR with an extra year of aging on the lees (4 years total); and the “Maxime” is the CR but a single vintage, currently 2015. The “Dorine” is sourced from a chalky patch of the Cote de Sezanne and is barrel fermented. The “Vinum Dei” (“Wine of God”) is the only blend, 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir; and the “Valentine” is a 100% Pinot Noir Brut Rosé. Each champagne has its own distinctive charm and if you hit the cycle you will not be disappointed!
Price:
$34.99
Trudon "Emblematis" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 05-28-2023
This is our most popular champagne from grower-producer and cellar master Jerome Trudon's that we have on our shelf. A NV Blanc de Noir blend of 70% Pinot Meunier and 30% Pinot Noir, with a clean, fresh style that is not overwhelmed by the fruitiness of the Meunier. A little malolactic fermentation (40%) give is a creamy texture, but blocking it (60%) preserves acidity and allows the fruit to shine through and fully express the terroir. Aged for at least three years on the lees (only 15 months is required for NV champagne), there are loads of fresh bread on the nose and palate, with stone fruit, pear, and tropical notes. Bright, seamless, and yummy!
Trudon "Cuvée Magnificence" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 05-28-2023
This champagne has magnificent stats: 2 grapes - the white grape Chardonnay (50%) and the red grape Pinot Meunier (50%); 2 vintages - the cool 2014 and the solar 2015; 1 year of aging in oak; 6 years aged sur-lie; bottled with 5 atmospheres of pressure instead of the standard 6; and the smallest production in Trudon's portfolio. Full-bodied, with a depth of complexity and richness resulting from a year of aging in the barrel and the lower pressure. The long term aging on the lees gives it a -- wait for it - magnificent brioche/toast character that is the hallmark of fine champagne. Trudon normally eschews oak but this champagne's subtle oak frame adds vanilla and caramel. Very limited quantities!
2008 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne
Review Date: 05-26-2023
Along with the 2008 Krug, the 2008 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne is already being called one of the top champagnes of the vintage, which is saying a lot because 2008 is universally considered the best vintage of the 21st century. What makes the 2008 so special in comparison to other lauded vintage years? Champagne's weather is lousy and erratic. Even in vintage years the physiological development of the grapes' ripeness and acidity can be erratic as well. In 2008, however, there was constant sunshine, which allowed the grapes to gradually ripen to perfection, and a constant cold breeze, which allowed the acidity to gradually develop to perfection at the same time! These goldilocks conditions are rare. Throw in a top producer who has been at the sparking game since 1818 and you've got the 2008 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne. Already 25 years old, this champagne is drinking beautifully, but it's going to age forever so if you're looking for a liquid prize to store in your cellar this is the one. Enjoy!
2012 Dérot-Delugny Millesime Brut Champagne
Review Date: 05-26-2023
This incredible vintage champagne was just marked down to $34.99, a crazy good deal for anyone who loves wine with a lot of autolytic character, or what our champagne buyer describes as "deep brioche." Once this wine settles in the glass, it has a depth and breadth that's as deep as an Olympic swimming pool. Complex creamy, rich, with perfect acidity and red berry notes. Derot-Delugny has certifications for High Environmental Value and Sustainable Viticulture so it's guilt free as well! This is our second and final allotment of this wonderful champagne. When it's gone, it's GONE, so load up while you can.
Price:
$34.99
Trudon "Rosephile" Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 05-25-2023
This is delicious! It's always an adventure to see how talented and experienced winemakers craft 100% Pinot Meunier champagnes. Once hidden in the fine print, Meunier recent ascent as a single variety sparkler has transformed the champagne aisle almost as much as climate change. If you read our emails, you know Jérôme Trudon spent twelve years making champagne at a little Champagne house called Louis Roederer and his "Rosephile" Brut Rose is a testament to his advanced skills. Where to start? This is one of those wines that has strong seductive aromatics that match what you get on the palate - an explosion of ripe red fruit, mouthwatering acidity, and brioche. I can't recall a rose champagne that has as much red fruit character. Great for summer!
Price:
$39.99
Charles Ellner "Premier Cru" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 05-18-2023
Charles Ellner Champagne is a family affair spanning three generations since its first bottling in 1905. Charles Ellner's grandson, Jean-Pierre, is currently at the helm along with his daughters, Emmanuel and Alexandra, and his nephews, Frederic and Arnaud. A "Négociant Manipulant" (NM) since 1972 (a producer who buys grapes and makes champagne on their own premises and sells under their own name), the grapes are sourced from Montagne de Reims, Sezanne, the Côte des Blancs, Bar sur Aubois, the Vallée de la Marne, and in the hills of Epernay. In order to preserve the purity of the fruit and fully express the terroir, Ellner's champagnes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and do not undergo malolactic fermentation This award winning 1er Cru exemplifies the artisanal craftmanship of the Ellner's champagne. 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir and aged sur lie for over seven years, this elegant sparkler offers depth, complexity, and beautiful ripe fruit balanced with toasty notes and mouthwatering acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood.
Price:
Hidden
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-19-2023
The Master of Meunier strikes again with his "Cuvee Prestige" Champagne, a NV sparkler with loads of barrel fermented old vine Meunier blended with young bright and fresh Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Aged on the lees for eight years, this bubbly's rich, soft, and plushy fruit forward style is balanced by it's autolytic character. On the nose and in the mouth, olive tapenade, lemon-lime, tangerine, and cherry. At our most recent in-store Champagne tasting, the Cuvee Prestige was the lineup's sleeper hit! Another great direct import and an unbelievable price!
Price:
$34.99
Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-19-2023
This champagne is a real object lesson in the art of blending. There are many directions a winemaker can go to produce a unique and delicious wine. In the case of the Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne, the radically opposite ways in which Hugot treats the Chardonnay vs. the Pinot Noir & Meunier brings out the best of his various terroirs in sud-Epernay. The Chardonnay's acidity is tempered with oak, while the Pinot Noir and Meunier are a perpetual solera-style field blend vinified in stainless steel, maintaining the purity and freshness of its fruit. Grower-producers have a very intimate relationship with their grapes from the vineyard to the bottle, Hugot's "Hommage" (to his grandfather, who planted their Meunier vines in 1921) is an example of the distinctive Champagne expressions they produce. I love it when I taste a champagne for the first time when I'm able to pair it with food. As an American, I will drink wine anywhere, anytime, for any reason, but I always remember what Gino, the greatest winery tour guide in human history, told us at Tuscany's Castello di Verrazano - "There is no wine without food and no food without wine." I whipped up a goat cheese and mushroom omelet to have with this bubbly and it was a knockout.
Price:
$39.99
Fallet-Dart "Éocène" Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-18-2023
Part of Fallet-Dart's 18 hectares of vineyards around Charly-sur-Marne is a special property in Drachy called Clos du Mont that "produces delicious and powerful wines." "Clos" in this context means a walled vineyard, which are mostly attributed to the abbeys of Catholic monks who once owned the land and originally planted the vines. Champagne's most famous example is Dom Perignon, the Benedictine monk credited with turning Champagne from a red wine region to the center of the sparkling wine world. Back to Clos du Mont. This premium grape growing vineyard is the source of Fallet-Dart's top wine, the 2004 vintage Clos du Mont Brut Champagne. However, Fallet-Dart produces two additional wines sourced from the Clos du Mont vineyard and the "Eocene" is one of them. The primary difference between the Clos du Mont and the Eocene is how long it's aged sur lie. Though not labeled as a vintage champagne, the Eocene is all from 2009, so aged for five years less than the Clos du Mont but that time on the lees produces an autolytic character of finesse and elegance. On the nose and palate, brioche, tart green apple, citrus, saline, pineapple and other tropical notes. I'm going to wrap up this review with a major wine geek fact: "Eocene" is the second epoch (55.8 million to 33.9 million years ago) of the Tertiary period (66 million years to 2.6 million years ago) and alludes to the system of rocks that were deposited during that time. Enjoy!
Price:
$59.99
Egrot Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-17-2023
Loaded with ripe Pinot Noir and a rich splash of Chardonnay from the chalky Grand and Premier Cru vineyards around the village of Aÿ, the Egrot Extra Brut Champagne really shows the pedigree of its terroir. To give you an idea about the neighborhood, renown Champagne house Bollinger and its baby, Ayala, make Aÿ their home. On the nose, red fruit aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and light toast. On the palate, the low dosage is balanced by ripe apple, stone fruit, zippy acidity, with a lush slightly tart finish. The Extra Brut completes a line of Egrot champagnes that are all easy drinking sparklers that are a tasty addition to any day or celebration.
Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-15-2023
Fallet-Dart Cuvée de Réserve, a Blanc de Noir produced exclusively from estate fruit, has a round fruity style compliments of the Pinot Meunier, but maintains a bright, crisp, backbone of acidity. The lengthy sur-lie aging gives it fine bubbles and an elegant toasty autolytic character. On the nose, citrus, red berries, and brioche. On the palate, cherry, strawberry, pear, and apple with a long tingling finish. An easy drinking every day champagne. That's right. I said it. EVERY day!
Price:
$32.99
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-11-2023
The Baron-Fuente "Grand Reserve" Brut Champagne has so many stellar staff reviews to its credit over the years it's hard to know what to add to the conversation. First off, it's a steal. Since Baron-Fuente is one of our long standing direct import champagnes, the pricing literally can't be beat. The average price for this fabulous bubbly is $38. We sell it for $24.99 (and we're the only west coast retailer who carries it!). Second, it's delicious! The majority Pinot Meunier gives it a medium body that is fruit forward, but balanced with racy acidity and toasty notes. The "Grand Selection" should dispel any notions that a champagne's price is indicative of its quality. This is a top notch champagne that should encourage you enjoy it as the French do -- every day with everything!
Le Brun de Neuville "La Croisée des Chemins" Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-10-2023
I'm not going to lie. The cork is a challenge. Once you get this sparkler open, however, it's well worth it. On the nose, lemon-lime, fresh dough, and hazelnuts. On the palate, refreshing lively acidity, fleshy but light, with a scrumptious creamy finish of citrus oil, warm sourdough bread, and notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and baking spices. I paired this Champagne with grilled Portobello mushroom burgers with red onion, feta cheese, and fresh basil. "La Croisee des Chemins" translates to "crossroads" and when this Champagne met the rich umami flavors of the mushroom burgers a good time was had by all!
Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-10-2023
Fallet-Dart has crafted champagne since 1610 so they must be doing something right! The "Grand Selection" is stupendous and downright ridiculous when you consider the price. It's like pulling off a heist at the winery. Like a snowflake, every champagne's perlage is unique, and the "Grand Selection's" bubbles rise through the center of the flute like a glistening funnel cloud and explode into a fizzy foamy umbrella when they hit the wine's surface. Think of fireworks on July 4th except you can drink them. On the nose, citrus, red berries, sourdough, and buttered popcorn. On the palate, strawberry, and lemon custard, with notes of vanilla. Rich and creamy mid-palate, with a pleasing finish of lemon-lime and toasted baguette. If you don't pair champagne with food, you may consider giving it a swirl. I enjoyed this with a mushroom omelet topped with fresh dill and it was more than I deserve.
Price:
$34.99
2020 Kir-Yianni "Paranga" Red Macedonia Greece
Review Date: 01-15-2023
I only know how to pronounce one Greek wine grape with confidence so I was thrilled when I saw the label for the 2020 Kir-Yianni "Paranga" Red. Not only does it boast the only Greek grape I can pronounce, Xinomavro, but includes Merlot & Syrah, which I've been drinking and pronouncing properly for decades. As I poured the Paranga, it occurred to me that it was the first Greek wine I've tasted that is blended with international grape varieties and was surprised that the majority of the blend is not the native Greek Xinomavro but the very French grape Merlot. As I let it breathe and open up, skepticism set in. I wasn't positive that the Super Tuscan/ Priorat direction of this wine would pan out. Since the last time I had a Merlot-Xinomavro-Syrah blend was never expectations were low. You know the end. I loved it. On the nose, ripe fruit and flowers. It's light, bright, and fresh with zippy acidity I wasn't expecting. The varietal character of each grape really came through. First, the Xinomavro gives it great structure and sweet red cherry notes. The Merlot adds red plum and chocolate, followed by savory pepper notes from the Syrah. For $15.99 this wine is well put together and passed my "structure" test, which is to leave a glass on the counter overnight and try it the next day. If it holds up, or has even gained in complexity, it's a winner. If it's off and tastes of vinegar, it's dog water. The 2020 Kir-Yianni "Paranga" Red is winner!
Price:
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Michel Arnould "La Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-09-2022
This is such an easy drinking Champagne you could pour the whole bottle into a single glass and finish it before the cork dries. The 70% Pinot Noir is sourced from north facing Grand Cru vines in a natural amphitheater-like basin created by a meteor around the famous Champagne producing village of Verzenay. The 30% Chardonnay comes from Grand Cru vines in the Cote des Blancs so its pedigree and character far exceeds the price. The initial attack is light and crisp and the finish is round and creamy - a perfect and harmonious balance. Grab some Arnould La Grande Cuvee before its gone and celebrate the final months of 2022 with elegance and finesse!
Price:
$39.99
2001 Barde-Haut, St-Emilion
Review Date: 10-08-2022
Finding an affordable wine of distinction is the best kind of treasure hunt, and the 2001 Barde Haut, St. Émilion is like Indiana Jones falling into the Well of Souls. I paired this memorable Bordeaux with a steak sandwich and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor performed live at The Hollywood Bowl. Not unlike Beethoven’s masterpiece, this wine evolved in the glass with each movement. Prior to and during the Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso, I decanted the wine. From the moment the cork was pulled, the aromatics rose out of the bottle like a fleet of colorful hot air balloons. Spice, black pepper, chocolate, gravel, and luscious black fruit. The nose alone makes a promise of exceptional quality. It was difficult to wait until the melancholy of the Molto vivace to take my first sip, but once I did, the wine was true to the turbulence of its vintage. Layers of brooding complexities slowly emerge, swirling in the glass with earth, tobacco, and mushroom. Then the delicate but rousing Adagio molto e cantabile; the wine’s mid-palate moves toward the sublime with rich, opulent, fruit – black cherry, sweet red and black plums, blackberry, and cranberry framed by supple well integrated tannins. The Finale, arguably the best twenty-five minutes of music ever written, gains in power and intensity until the choral crescendo “Ode to Joy”, the perfect metaphor for the joy of this Bordeaux, in the end bursting with cedar, baking spices, graphite, violets, and hints of mint and oak-infused flavors that were still popping off my tongue an hour later. “We enter, drunk with fire.” “All creatures drink of joy.” “Kisses she gave us and grapevines.” The lyrics to "Ode to Joy" seem to be written with his wine in mind. This Bordeaux will be the centerpiece of my Christmas dinner. Highly recommend.
Drink from 2022