Champagne

• • 95
  • 94

  2015 Savart Expression Rose Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $320. 00

  Bottle

  $3840.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Expression Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir from three old vineyards in the village of Ecueil growing in the lieux-dits of Aillys, Chaillots derrière Moutier and Gillys. It is always a single vintage and zero dosage, and production is very limited at about 600 bottles each year.

  Other Reviews....
  Aromas of pear, mint, white cherries and flowers introduce Saavart's rare 2015 Brut Nature Expression Rosé, a medium to full-bodied, layered and vibrant wine that's delicate but concentrated, with good tension at the core and a pure, precise, intensely chalky finish. Like the regular Expression, this is vinified in 500-liter barrels, seeing the addition of some still red wine to give it its color.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate #244 (Aug 2019)

  From a 77-year-old vineyard of just one hectare with very small yields. A later harvest, from the same plot to make Coteaux Champenoise, is added to make this rosé. Expressive red-fruit aromas with a refined, mineral edge. The palate has incredible resolve with such power and intensity, as well as a very assertive and vibrant phenolic core and good acidity. Holds a long toasty finish with silky tannin. Drink now.
  95 points
  jamessuckling.com

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• • 93
  • 95

  2013 Savart L'Anee Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2013 L’Année is 60% Pinot Noir from the lower slopes of Le Mont Benoît Villers-aux-Noeuds and 40% Chardonnay from Eceuil, pressed together. This is quite open for the vintage, most likely the result of relatively high maturity in the Chardonnay that reached 12% alcohol. Savart compensated for that to some degree by picking the Pinot less ripe, around 10.7%. Nevertheless, this is a decidedly soft, open-knit style. Dried apricot, chamomile, wild flowers, honey and tangerine peel are some of the many notes that fill out the wine’s frame. Disgorged January 2018.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  This has an expressive array of grapefruit and orange notes, as well as an exuberant palate that’s packed with tart, super fleshy fruit flavor. Really explosive and energetic, Savant sees the sum as being greater then the parts. I have to agree! 40 per cent chardonnay from Ecuiel and 60 per cent pinot noir from Mont Benoit, pressed and fermented together. Drink or hold.
  95 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2012 Savart La Dame de Coeur Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2012 Extra Brut La Dame de Coeur, 100% Chardonnay from Le Mont des Chrétiens, is fabulous. Time in bottle on the yeast has done wonders for the 2012, which was much less generous and interesting when I saw it last year. Freshly cut flowers mint, chalk, white pepper and citrus notes abound. Precision, tension and class. It's all there, and more, in this striking Champagne from Frederic Savart. Above all else, the 2012 is a wine of pure and total pleasure. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged December 2016.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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• • 93
  • 94

  2013 Savart Le Mont Benoit Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Le Mont Benoit is a 50-year-old single parcel vineyard in Villers-aux-Noeuds co-planted to 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay, which are picked and pressed together. The dosage is a low 3g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2013 Le Mont Benoit is 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay vinified in a 600-liter oak cask. Vertical structure and a sense of gravitas are two of the signatures. Lemon peel, dried flowers and chamomile are some of the many notes that fill out the wine's broad frame. There is no shortage of power, but the Annee has a bit less finesse than the very best wines in the range. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged February 2017.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Disgorged in January 2018, this has a richer attitude than the 2014 with strong presence on the palate. The nose has expressive aromas of ripe, exotic fruit with orange blossom and light, vanilla-dusted, chalky minerals. The palate has rich citrus flavors in the blood-orange zone. Silky, rich and fluid. Super exotic finish. Drink or hold.
  94 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2015 Suenen La Cocluette Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $310. 00

  Bottle

  $3720.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  The most northerly of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the domaine’s oldest vines (planted in 1925), a site where the ancient roots bury deep into the dense Campanian chalk (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hens’ teeth in Champagne, and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northerly exposure. Here the base wine was naturally fermented and aged for 10 months in one 700-litre concrete egg and one 600-litre Stockinger (the same barrel is used each year). It was then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in July 2021, and dosed with two grams per litre.

  Other Reviews....
  From a parcel planted in 1925, Suenen's 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry La Cocluette unwinds in the glass with aromas of citrus zest, freshly baked bread, dried white flowers and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with racy acids and a long, precise finish, it has turned out very well. Drink 2022 - 2035.
  93 Points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

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• • 96
  • 94

  2015 Suenen Les Robarts Cramant Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $399. 00

  Bottle

  $4788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne nerds might recognise this lieu-dit as one of the sources of Pascal Agrapart’s renowned Avizoise cuvée. Suenen’s vines lie just across the border in the Cramant section of this vineyard, at the top of a small hill. Originally planted in 1952, with further plantings in 1978 and 1984, the average age of Suenen’s vines is now almost 40 years. The planting contains a large portion of massale selection vines.

  The 2015 was aged in a single Rousseau 20-hl foudre for 10 months before bottling. As with all the single-site wines, this spent a minimum of five years on lees until disgorgement (with two grams per litre in this case) in July 2021.

  Suenen describes this terroir—30 cm of silty clay over degraded, upper Campanian chalk—as combining the tension and salinity of Oiry with the concentration of Chouilly. It is often the most textural of Suenen’s four lieux-dits releases and also, arguably the most complex.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant Les Robarts is brilliant, delivering complex aromas of orange oil, crisp orchard fruit and peach mingled with freshly baked bread, iodine and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's ample and seamless, with a deep, multidimensional core of fruit and a long, saline finish. Drink 2022 - 2035.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

  The 2015 Champagne Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Robarts Extra Brut is a pale straw color and is pure and inviting, with ripe green apple, quince, and crushed stone. It is crystalline on the palate, with pinpoint mousse, and although it is ripe and concentrated, it retains freshness and a fantastically pure nature. The energy that is captured from this site is outstanding. Drink 2023-2040.
  96 points
  Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

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• • 94

  2015 Suenen La Grande Vigne Pinot Meunier Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $260. 00

  Bottle

  $3120.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  When Aurélien Suenen took the keys to his family domaine, it owned two hectares in the far north of the region in a village called Montigny-sur-Vesle, positioned northwest of Reims in a subzone that is sometimes called Massif de Saint-Thierry (but might equally be called Vallée de la Vesle). Early in the piece Aurélien sold off most of this land (which he felt was too far away from his base in Cramant). He realised that he could not maintain the same standard of work in vines so far away. That said, he kept hold of this tiny parcel in La Grande Vigne, which speaks volumes to his respect of these particular vines.

  La Grande Vigne is a 0.21-hectare plot of ungrafted Pinot Meunier in a stunning terroir (ungrafted vines in Europe are obviously extremely rare, another feature that makes this wine so unique). The vines here are now 50 years old, planted in the deep, sandy Thanetian-era soils of the area. The terrain is flat, with a slight north-western tilt. This fascinating and complex terroir elevates this unique, unfiltered Champagne to the top of the Meunier pile.

  Raised in a single 500-litre demi-muid (Stockinger) for 10 months, the 2015 spent 66 months on lees until disgorgement, with three grams per litre, in January 2021.

  Other Reviews....
  From some 0.20 hectares of ungrafted Pinot Meunier growing in sand, the 2015 Extra-Brut Montigny-sur-Vesle La Grande Vigne wafts from the glass with aromas of red berries, freshly baked bread, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, with racy acids and a pillowy mousse, it's a charming, intensely flavored Champagne that has turned out beautifully this year. Drink 2022 - 2035.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

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• • 93

  2014 Suenen La Grande Vigne Pinot Meunier Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $260. 00

  Bottle

  $3120.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  When Aurélien Suenen took the keys at his family Domaine, it owned two hectares in the far north of the region in a village called Montigny-sur-Vesle, positioned northwest of Reims in the Massif de Saint-Thierry subzone. Early in the piece Aurélian sold off most of this land (which was removed from his base in Cramant), as he realised he could not maintain this quality of vines, so far away, to the standards he was setting himself. That he kept hold of this tiny parcel in La Grande Vigne speaks volumes to the quality and rarity of this type of site in Champagne.

  La Grande Vigne is a 0.21-hectare plot of ungrafted Meunier in a stunning terroir in Montigny-sur-Vesle (ungrafted vines in Europe are obviously extremely rare, another feature that makes this wine so unique). The vines here are now 50 years old, and are planted in the deep, sandy Thanetian era soils of the area. The terrain is flat, with a slight north-western tilt. It’s a fascinating and complex terroir that elevates this unique, unfiltered Champagne to the top of the Meunier pile. Raised in a single 500-litre demi-muid (Stockinger) for 10 months, the 2014 spent 60 months on lees until disgorgement, with one gram per litre, in July 2020.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in July 2020 with one gram per liter dosage, the 2014 Extra-Brut Montigny-sur-Vesle La Grande Vigne wafts from the glass with notes of smoky orchard fruit, clear honey, buttery pastry and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, racy and tensile, it's taut and precise, with hidden depth of concentration and texture waiting in the wings to take a more prominent role after some time on cork. Drink 2022 - 2038.
  93+ points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2014 Suenen Les Robarts Cramant Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $399. 00

  Bottle

  $4788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne nerds might recognise this lieu-dit as one of the sources of Pascal Agrapart’s stunning Avizoise cuvée. Suenen’s vines lie across the border in the Cramant section of this vineyard, at the top of a small hill. Originally planted in 1952, then further in 1978 and 1984, the average age of Suenen’s vines is 37 years old with a large portion of massale selection vines. Suenen describes this terroir—30 cm of silty clay over degraded, upper Campanian chalk—as combining the tension and salinity of Oiry with the concentration of Chouilly. It is the most textural of Suenen’s four lieux-dits releases and also, arguably the most complex. Depth and concentration yet with great freshness and drive—it’s impossible to describe neatly but it’s superb.

  The 2014 was aged in a single Rousseau 20-hl foudre for 10 months before bottling. As with all the single-site wines in 2014, this spent five years on lees until disgorgement, with two grams per litre in this case, in June 2020.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in July 2020 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant Les Robarts is showing very well indeed, offering up aromas of peach, pear, clear honey, citrus oil, white flowers and praline. Medium to full-bodied, saline and layered, it's fleshy but precise, with a long, penetrating finish. Sapid and intense, I can't wait to revisit it after some more time on cork. Drink 2022 - 2040.
  95+ points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 94
  • 94

  2014 Suenen La Cocluette Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $320. 00

  Bottle

  $3840.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  The most northerly of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the Domaine’s oldest vines, planted in 1925 (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hen’s teeth in Champagne and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northerly exposure and the ancient roots bury deeply into the dense, Campanian chalk. Put simply, this is a more intense and complex expression of Oiry’s ‘naked chalk’ terroir than the NV Oiry bottling. It’s a superb, dense, tightly coiled and super-mineral Blanc de Blancs, with a long, rocky close. Here the base wine was naturally fermented and aged for 10 months in one 700-litre concrete egg and one 600-litre Stockinger (the same barrel is used each year). It was then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in July 2020, dosed with two grams per litre.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry La Cocluette is also very promising, delivering aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, fresh pastry and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, precise and mineral, it's tightly wound and vibrant, with a racy spine of acidity and a long, intensely saline finish. Drink 2022 - 2038.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

  The 2014 Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs La Cocluette Extra Brut is taught and coiled on opening, with pure aromas of chalk and limestone, as well as pithy citrus and smoky incense. The palate is more approachable at this stage and is highly refreshing, with almost candied lime and saline. As it opens, more warming characteristics unfold, with nectarine and almond. This is a fantastic wine to drink over the next 20 years.
  94 points
  Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

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• • 93

  Suenen C + C Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  The C + C Blanc de Blancs is blended from nine parcels from both north and south-facing hillsides in Cramant and Chouilly. Here the soils are deeper, with silty clay overlying the chalk. This, with a good dose of southern exposure, makes for a much more hedonistic wine. The blend is split between Cramant (70%) and Chouilly (30%). Although tempted to bottle each village on its own, Suenen has found that the two villages work even better as a blend; the textural finesse of Cramant marrying perfectly with the opulence of Chouilly. This is a layered yet tightly wound Champagne, with more seductive flesh than the Oiry. It’s a stunning expression of the northern Côtes des Blancs that evolves with every sip.

  The wine was aged, on lees, for 9 months in enameled tank (65%) and in six year-old Burgundian French oak barrels (35%). It was then aged for 26 months in bottle with no fining, no filtration, no cold stabilisation. Disgorged after 26 months with 3 g/L.

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Other Reviews....
  From Suenen's holdings Cramant and Chouilly, where the soils are deeper than in Oiry, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru C + C is based on the 2016 vintage and was disgorged in June 2019 with three grams per liters dosage. Unwinding in the glass with scents of sweet pastry, yellow apples, spices, white flowers and almonds, it's medium-bodied, precise and racy, with tangy acids and an attractively fleshy core of fruit, concluding with a saline finish.
  93 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 94

  2013 Suenen La Cocluette Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  The most northerly of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the Domaine’s oldest vines, planted in 1925 (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hen’s teeth in Champagne and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northerly exposure and the ancient roots bury deeply into the dense, Campanian chalk. Put simply, this is a more intense and complex expression of Oiry’s ‘naked chalk’ terroir than the NV Oiry bottling. It’s a superb, dense, tightly coiled and super-mineral Blanc de Blancs, with a long, rocky close. Here the base wine was naturally fermented and aged for 10 months in one 700 litre concrete egg and one 500 litre neutral French oak barrel. It was then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in June 2019, dosed with 2 g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in June 2019 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry La Cocluette derives from a parcel planted in 1925. Mingling scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit with nuances of nougat, fresh pastry, white flowers, smoke and citrus zest, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and weightless, with racy acids and a long, saline and delicately phenolic finish. Some 60% was vinified in concrete, the rest in used oak barrels.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 92

  Suenen Oiry Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Aurélien’s Oiry Blanc de Blancs is drawn from just 1.5 hectares split between five separate parcels. The vines are all planted in Oiry’s compact, white Campanian chalk soils, and together with Suenen’s single-vineyard offering, represent the only pure Oiry on the market. From Le Champ Braux planted in 1955 to La Cocluette planted in 1987 and 1999, the average age of the vines is now 44 years. These vineyards lie at the base of the slope where only a little topsoil sits above the hard, chalky bedrock. The combination of this chalk’s austere, mineral impact and Suenen’s low-yield/ripe fruit philosophy produces a scintillatingly tense, coiled and stony wine. “Tonic” is the word Suenen uses to refer to this wine’s unique personality.

  The base wine was naturally fermented and aged for nine months in the same vessels—enameled tank (65%) and six-year-old Burgundian French oak barrels (35%). No fining, no filtration, no cold stabilisation, the wine was disgorged after 26 months on lees, with 2 g/L. This is a unique opportunity to taste Oiry's distinctive, rocky terroir.

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Other Reviews....
  Based on the 2016 vintage, complemented by 50% reserve wines, and disgorged in January 2020 with two grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry (2016) is Suenen's latest release. It mingles aromas of citrus oil, yellow apples, nougat, English walnuts and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and chiseled, it's elegantly vinous, with a charming core of fruit and a long, saline finish. Vinified 50% in tank, 50% in barrels, this cuvée represents half the estate's total surface area.
  92 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 94

  2013 Suenen La Grande Vigne Pinot Meunier Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  When Aurélien Suenen took the keys at his family Domaine, it owned two hectares in the far north of the region in a village called Montigny-sur-Vesle, positioned northwest of Reims in the Massif de Saint-Thierry subzone. Early in the piece Aurélian sold off most of this land (which was removed from his base in Cramant), as he realised he could not maintain this quality of vines, so far away, to the standards he was setting himself. That he kept hold of this tiny parcel in La Grande Vigne speaks volumes to the quality and rarity of this type of site in Champagne.

  La Grande Vigne is a 0.21-hectare plot of ungrafted Meunier in a stunning terroir in Montigny-sur-Vesle (ungrafted vines in Europe are obviously extremely rare, another feature that makes this wine so unique). The vines here are now 50 years old, and are planted in the deep, sandy Thanetian era soils of the area. The terrain is flat, with a slight north-western tilt. It’s a fascinating and complex terroir that elevates this unique, unfiltered Champagne to the top of the Meunier pile. Raised in a single 500-litre demi-muid for 10 months, the 2013 spent 60 months on lees until disgorgement, with 1 g/L, in June 2019.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in October 2019 after tirage under cork, the 2013 Extra-Brut Montigny-sur-Vesle La Grande Vigne is a small cuvée, produced from the same parcel of ungrafted vines in the same lieu-dit and fermented in the same 500-liter barrel every year. Offering up aromas of crisp green apple and pear complemented by hints of honeycomb, toast and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, with chalky structuring extract, racy acids and a delicately vanillin-inflected finish.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 95

  2013 Suenen Les Robarts Cramant Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne nerds might recognise this lieu-dit as one of the sources of Pascal Agrapart’s stunning Avizoise cuvée. Suenen’s vines lie across the border in the Cramant section of this vineyard, at the top of a small hill. Originally planted in 1952, then further in 1978 and 1984, the average age of Suenen’s vines is 37 years old with a large portion of massale selection vines. Suenen describes this terroir—30 cm of silty clay over degraded, upper Campanian chalk—as combining the tension and salinity of Oiry with the concentration of Chouilly. It is the most textural of Suenen’s four lieux-dits releases and also, arguably the most complex. Depth and concentration yet with great freshness and drive—it’s impossible to describe neatly but it’s superb.

  The 2013 was aged in a single Stockinger 20-hl foudre for 10 months before bottling in July 2014. As with all the single-site wines in 2013, this spent five years on lees until disgorgement, with 2 g/L, in June 2019.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in October 2019 with four grams per liter dosage, Suenen's 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant Les Robarts is brilliant, unwinding in the glass with scents of fresh pastry, crisp stone fruit, smoke, green apple and orange oil. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's vinous and textural, with more mid-palate volume than any other cuvée in the range—excepting, that is Le Mont-Aigu. Penetrating and intensely mineral, it's serious and complete.
  95 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 97
  • 97

  • Reduced

  2016 Taittinger Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $185.00

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2024-2032)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  The Taittinger Vintage Brut is produced exclusively from first press wines, blended from 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Grands Cru vineyards make up a significant proportion of the blend at 70%, while the other selected villages are all classified as Premiers Crus. Aged on lees for over 5 years.
  Holding well over a pale straw gold tinged base is a gorgeous, plentiful mousse with a very persistent and nibble bead flowing through its core. Classic Champagne aromatics of baked bread, yeast lees and citrus engulf the nostrils followed by some oily toast like notes and faint honeyed cashew scents. Rich, full and creamy textured in the mouth, the palate features concentrated flavours of baked bread, yeast lees, cashew and citrus over a delicate dried honey, oily toast and brioche back drop. Refined airy feel with mouth watering acidity. Finishes long, enveloping and expansive.
  Drink over the next 6-8 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Other Reviews….
  Outstanding elegance and finesse pervade this exceptional wine with its well-honed toasty sourdough, gunflint and grilled citrus notes, razor sharp acidity and mouth-filling mousse. Brilliantly poised and brimming with potential, the long and zesty finish runs and runs.
  97 points
  Decanter Wine Awards 2024

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• • 95
  • 99
  • 95
  • 96

  2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $465. 00

  Bottle

  $5580.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  This is a fantastic and refined Blanc de Blancs. So layered and complex, with lemon curd, chalk, hazelnuts, pastries, baked apples and almond croissants. Structured and tightly wound, with almost imperceptible bubbles. Delicious salty notes at the end. Beautiful. Drink or hold.
  99 Points
  JamesSuckling.com

  The 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is showing beautifully out of the gates, offering up demonstrative aromas of sweet golden orchard fruit, buttery croissants, peach and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and enveloping, it's a rich, textural, vinous Comtes somewhat reminiscent of the brilliant 2002. If it gains in tension and cut (as the 2002 did and as I suspect the 2012 will) with more time on cork, it will make this initial rating seem conservative. Drink 2024 - 2055.
  95+ Points
  William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  A gorgeous blond bombshell of a Champagne, fragrant with roasted hazelnut, vanilla and smoke notes that waft through layers of poached pear and quince, pastry cream, pain d'épices and candied ginger. This is sculpted by a vibrant acidity that's seamlessly knit to the plush, silky mousse and chalky underpinning. Drink now through 2033. 1,500 cases imported.
  96 Points
  Alison Napjus - Wine Spectator

  From the very first whiff, this expresses energy, depth and complexity. Aeration reinforces this impression, while also revealing scents of orchard fruit, like apricot, but also exotic fruit, as well as hazelnut and delicate autolytic notes - pastry in particular. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with satisfying sapidity on the long finish. Five to eight years of further cellaring would be ideal, and even more for aficionados of Champagne with marked bottle maturity. Drink 2023 - 2040.
  95 Points
  Yohan Castaing - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 96

  2008 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $530. 00

  Bottle

  $6360.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Taittinger's 2008 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé, which arrives on the market this year, has unwound considerably since I last tasted it. Offering up inviting aromas of red berries, plums, sweet spices, orange rind and freshly baked bread, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an ample core of fruit, lively acids and an elegant pinpoint mousse. As I wrote in 2019, Taittinger is using more Pinot Noir and opting for longer sur lattes maturation for this bottling, and the result is that Comtes Rosé is becoming a more gastronomic Champagne. Deceptively charming as this 2008 is today, I suspect it will tighten up with a little age on cork. Drink 2021 - 2035.
  96 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Oct 2021)

  The proportion of Pinot Noir in Comtes de Champagne Rosé has tended to increase in recent years, as evidenced by this 2008 vintage, which is almost 70% Pinot Noir. There is 15% red wine, and the rest is Chardonnay. With notes of spices, black cherry, morello cherry and black fruit, the bouquet is impressively complex and delicious. On the palate, the vinous texture, fine bubbles, depth and complexity allow for a long, chalky, chiselled finish. This is a gastronomic Champagne rosé with great ageing potential. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040.
  97 points
  Yohan Castaing - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 94
  • 92
  • 94
  • 92

  2014 Taittinger Brut Millesime Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Sweet tobacco leaf on the nose with seductive honeysuckle undertones, lemongrass and fallen apples nuances. Approachable in the mouth with a firm pull of acidity. Drink 2021 - 2026.
  94 Points
  Simon Field MW - Decanter (October 2021)

  Lots of apple and lemon with biscuit and pie-crust character. Rich nose. Full-bodied with a big palate, showing lots of apple and vanilla. Round and layered texture. Flamboyant. Drink or hold.
  94 Points
  JamesSuckling.com (January 2022)

  The newly released 2014 Brut Millésimé from Taittinger is showing very well, offering up aromas of white peach, green apple, nougat and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, bright and incisive, with a charming core of fruit and a delicate mousse, this is a pretty, expressive vintage for Taittinger. Sufficiently open and fruit-driven to be enjoyed, toasty complexity with come with a few years on cork. Drink 2021 - 2035.
  92 Points
  William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (September 2020)

  A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, this Champagne is impressively rich. Still young, its taut texture and minerality are imbued with elegance as well as freshness. This is a style of wine that can age for many years so, although it could be drunk now, it will improve at least until 2025.
  94 Points
  Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

  A vivacious Champagne, mouthwatering with tangy, citrus peel acidity and showing flavors of crunchy white peach, plum, toast and candied ginger riding the lively bead. Drink now through 2027.
  92 Points
  Alison Napjus - The Wine Spectator (December 2020)

  Impressive autolysis on the nose. A lot of lemony froth and then a clean, flattering, crisp, well put together palate. I’d guess the dosage is very slightly higher than average nowadays (yes, it’s 9 g/l apparently) but the balance is good. A sort of mini Comtes? Drink 2020 – 2025.
  16 + / 20 Points
  JancisRobinson.com (October 2021)

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 100
  • 98
  • 97

  2008 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $450. 00

  Bottle

  $5400.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Taittinger's 2008 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is being released this year, and it will be worth a special effort to track down. I wrote in August 2019 that this is the finest Comtes de Champagne since the brilliant 2002, and this tasting confirmed that. Offering up a deep and complex bouquet of citrus oil, crisp orchard fruit, warm brioche, crushed chalk, blanched almonds and smoke, it's full-bodied and incisive, with excellent concentration, racy acids and a long, searingly chalky finish. While this is already immensely impressive out of the gates, this 2008 is clearly built for the long haul, and three decades' longevity won't be a challenge.
  98 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2020)

  Taittinger’s 2008 Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is simply breathtaking. I have tasted it many times over the years in various trial disgorgements and it has never been anything less than compelling. The final, finished wine captures all of that potential. Bright, focused and wonderfully deep, Comtes is a fabulous example of a vintage that expresses so much energy but with real fruit intensity, the signatures that distinguish it from other vintages (1996 comes to mind) that were similarly taut, but more austere in the early going. Although the 2008 impresses right out of the gate, it only really starts to open up with several hours of air. The 2008 Comtes represents the purest essence of the Côtes des Blancs in a great, historic vintage. Readers who can find the 2008 should not hesitate, as it is a truly brilliant epic Champagne that no one who loves the very best in Champagne will want to be without.
  98+ points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  The perfect blanc de blancs. Full-bodied with a lovely framework of acidity and dry fruit, such as apples, pears and peaches. Opulent. Dense and muscular. Yet, it’s balanced and harmonious. Line of acidity at the end. Totally in tune. Superb. Deep and complete. Has everything. One for the cellar. It is the greatest Comte ever. It has everything. A perfect upgrade from two years ago.
  100 points
  James Suckling

  Coming entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, the new release of this famous Champagne is from a top vintage year. The wine is at perfect maturity, poised between crisp, taut minerality and wonderful toastiness. It is intense, beautifully clear and limpid, a great Champagne. It is ready to drink now and for many years to come.
  97 points
  Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  Champagne Thienot Brut

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2016-2020)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Excellent pour displaying a creamy white mousse which dissipates to reveal a pale straw coloured base wine with pale gold edges. Exceptionally fine bead shows great persistence. Classical yeasty baked bread Champagne aromas with notes of citrus, toast and brioche following on. Possessing good richness the palate has flavours of yeast lees pitted against oily toast like characters, baked bread, citrus and cashew. Clean dry finish with a creamy like mouthfeel and lively acidity. Excellent length with a long yeast lees, baked bread, oily toast and cashew aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• • Organic

  Timothee Stroebel Triptyque 14-16-17 Brut Nature Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Timothée Stroebel is a bright star among the new guard breathing life into Champagne. Following his wine study and a winemaking stint in Burgundy, Timothée set about rejuvenating his families holding of vines in the small Montagne de Reims village of Villers Allerand. After 10 years of diligent work he achieved his goal of organic certification in 2014. Winemaking is very intuitive, and he is as likely to make a still Coteaux Champenois as he is Champagne. In the cellar there are no additives used except for a very low amount of sulphur when needed. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation happens naturally in barrel, and the wines are neither filtered of cold stabilised before bottling with zero dosage.

  Triptyque is a blend of approximately 55% Pinot Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay, from three plots of varying soil type, and three vintages.

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Ulysse Collin Les Maillons (L16) Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Olivier Collin is based in the village of Congy, and while he comes from a family of vine growers, this was not his path early on. Olivier studied law, and it was not until a visit to Burgundy during his early days of university that he caught the bug, and he began to wonder if the idea of terroir so heavily relied on in Burgundy could be exploited further in Champagne. Using his legal nouse, Olivier began the process of reclaiming the family vineyards from long held contracts with a large Champagne house, and started his journey with 4.5 hectares of Chardonnay vines in his home town of Congy. A further parcel of Pinot Noir from the Les Maillons vineyard near the town of Sezanne in the Coteaux du Sezannais followed, and has been added to with the vineyards of Les Roises and Les Enfers, two neighboring parcels of Chardonnay with different expositions in his village of Congy.

  Collin’s vineyards are ploughed, and yields are controlled when required. Grass is allowed to grow naturally during the winter, no herbicides or pesticides are used and strict sorting occurs at harvest. In the Congy cellar, the grapes are pressed in a traditional 1950s Coquard press, and the juice is vinified in a growing collection of large-format casks with no added yeasts. Collin neither fines nor filters, and he ages each pressing in old barrels of varying sizes after which they are blended and bottled in July. The wines are disgorged with a tiny dosage between one and three grams per litre.

  The current release is based on 2016 with 60% reserve wine from 2015, disgorged in March 2020. This beautifully textured and perfumed Blanc de Noirs comes from a site in Barbonne-Fayel in the Côte de Sézanne. Les Maillons is six hectares of iron-rich clay, of which Collin farms almost half (he is the only grower to work the soil here). The Ulysse-Collin parcel was originally planted with massale vines in 1971. The commute by tractor takes a good two hours to the cellar in Congy, but the wine is worth it! As mentioned above, it’s superb Pinot terroir and can ripen the grapes north of 12% potential alcohol easily—something very rare in Champagne. Despite the power, the location of the site also helps to conserve acidity and freshness thanks to its ventilated, east-facing exposure.

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons (2016 base) is effusive in its aromatics and also wonderfully deep, while also remaining light on its feet. This is an eccentric, heady style that really emphasizes the breadth of Pinot in its perfumed, fruit and structural feel. I would give the Maillons a bit more time in bottle to fully come together. Bright saline notes cut through a core of sweet red cherry, kirsch, dried flowers and spice. I loved it.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  Ulysse Collin Les Maillons (L16) Rose de Saignee Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $280. 00

  Bottle

  $3360.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Olivier Collin is based in the village of Congy, and while he comes from a family of vine growers, this was not his path early on. Olivier studied law, and it was not until a visit to Burgundy during his early days of university that he caught the bug, and he began to wonder if the idea of terroir so heavily relied on in Burgundy could be exploited further in Champagne. Using his legal nouse, Olivier began the process of reclaiming the family vineyards from long held contracts with a large Champagne house, and started his journey with 4.5 hectares of Chardonnay vines in his home town of Congy. A further parcel of Pinot Noir from the Les Maillons vineyard near the town of Sezanne in the Coteaux du Sezannais followed, and has been added to with the vineyards of Les Roises and Les Enfers, two neighboring parcels of Chardonnay with different expositions in his village of Congy.

  Collin’s vineyards are ploughed, and yields are controlled when required. Grass is allowed to grow naturally during the winter, no herbicides or pesticides are used and strict sorting occurs at harvest. In the Congy cellar, the grapes are pressed in a traditional 1950s Coquard press, and the juice is vinified in a growing collection of large-format casks with no added yeasts. Collin neither fines nor filters, and he ages each pressing in old barrels of varying sizes after which they are blended and bottled in July. The wines are disgorged with a tiny dosage between one and three grams per litre.

  Base 2016, disgorged in March 2020, Collin’s single-vintage saignée rosé, first made in the 2011 vintage, comes from a parcel of Pinot Noir in Les Maillons which is cropped at less than 50 hl/ha. Oliver has regularly stated how difficult it is to make this style of wine, yet the wine in the glass always makes it look so easy. The fruit is typically macerated for 24-36 hours depending on phenolic maturity, and aged in barrel for one year. Olivier keeps 20% of the stems, which are layered in the ferment. Dosage is 2.4 g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Extra Brut Rosé de Saignée Les Maillons (2016 base) is fabulous. Rich and expansive, with soaring aromatics, the Maillons is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. The purity and intensity of the Pinot is so striking. Rich and dense, yet also wonderfully gracious, the Maillons is a total knock-out. It is a wine with tremendous personality and character. I loved it.
  96 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Ulysse Collin Les Enfers (L15) Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $320. 00

  Bottle

  $3840.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Olivier Collin is based in the village of Congy, and while he comes from a family of vine growers, this was not his path early on. Olivier studied law, and it was not until a visit to Burgundy during his early days of university that he caught the bug, and he began to wonder if the idea of terroir so heavily relied on in Burgundy could be exploited further in Champagne. Using his legal nouse, Olivier began the process of reclaiming the family vineyards from long held contracts with a large Champagne house, and started his journey with 4.5 hectares of Chardonnay vines in his home town of Congy. A further parcel of Pinot Noir from the Les Maillons vineyard near the town of Sezanne in the Coteaux du Sezannais followed, and has been added to with the vineyards of Les Roises and Les Enfers, two neighboring parcels of Chardonnay with different expositions in his village of Congy.

  Collin’s vineyards are ploughed, and yields are controlled when required. Grass is allowed to grow naturally during the winter, no herbicides or pesticides are used and strict sorting occurs at harvest. In the Congy cellar, the grapes are pressed in a traditional 1950s Coquard press, and the juice is vinified in a growing collection of large-format casks with no added yeasts. Collin neither fines nor filters, and he ages each pressing in old barrels of varying sizes after which they are blended and bottled in July. The wines are disgorged with a tiny dosage between one and three grams per litre.

  2015 base with 10% reserve wine (2014), disgorged in March 2020. Les Enfers is 100% Chardonnay from a 0.6-hectare, 40-year-old vineyard in Congy, also in the Côteaux du Petit Morin. Les Enfers and Les Roises are neighbouring parcels, with the former exposed east and the latter exposed south. The soils for both parcels are clay and chalk with flint, although Les Enfers has much less clay. This terroir often makes for a sleeker, more textural expression of Congy and the longer aging is now providing even more depth and complexity. Les Enfers is the historic name and probably refers to the reddish colour of the clay. The 2015 offered today was aged in Olivier’s cellar for 48 months on lees and disgorged with 2.4 grams dosage. It’s a deep and powerful Blanc de Blancs of tremendous class and beauty.

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2015 base) is a gorgeous wine. Rich and resonant, the 2015 possesses terrific depth, that richness accentuated by the 48 months this edition spent on its lees. Varietal Chardonnay aromas and flavors build in an ample, vinous Champagne. Time in the glass brings out pretty floral, mineral and graphite accents to round things out. The Enfers conveys tremendous richness and yet retains so much transparency. Its a remarkable Champagne that beautifully encapsulates Olivier Collin's style.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  Ulysse Collin Les Pierrieres (L16) Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Olivier Collin is based in the village of Congy, and while he comes from a family of vine growers, this was not his path early on. Olivier studied law, and it was not until a visit to Burgundy during his early days of university that he caught the bug, and he began to wonder if the idea of terroir so heavily relied on in Burgundy could be exploited further in Champagne. Using his legal nouse, Olivier began the process of reclaiming the family vineyards from long held contracts with a large Champagne house, and started his journey with 4.5 hectares of Chardonnay vines in his home town of Congy. A further parcel of Pinot Noir from the Les Maillons vineyard near the town of Sezanne in the Coteaux du Sezannais followed, and has been added to with the vineyards of Les Roises and Les Enfers, two neighboring parcels of Chardonnay with different expositions in his village of Congy.

  Collin’s vineyards are ploughed, and yields are controlled when required. Grass is allowed to grow naturally during the winter, no herbicides or pesticides are used and strict sorting occurs at harvest. In the Congy cellar, the grapes are pressed in a traditional 1950s Coquard press, and the juice is vinified in a growing collection of large-format casks with no added yeasts. Collin neither fines nor filters, and he ages each pressing in old barrels of varying sizes after which they are blended and bottled in July. The wines are disgorged with a tiny dosage between one and three grams per litre.

  Les Pierrieres is a 1.3-hectare parcel west of Congy in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, very near the southern tip of the Cotes des Blancs. It’s an east-sloping site with chalky soil containing large chunks of black silex (or onyx), something very rare in Champagne. This soil might well be responsible for the smoky hint in the wine’s profile. There is only 10-40 cm of topsoil before the vines hit the soft chalk and silex of the bedrock. The vines are now 35 years old. This is one of the historic wines from Olivier Collin, first produced in 2004, while the current release is based on 2016 with 60% reserve wine from 2015. Naturally fermented in neutral oak casks, the wine was put to bottle after 11 months and then disgorged in March 2020, after 36 months on lees (with only 1.7 grams dosage added). It was neither fined nor filtered.

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016 base) is the wine that, to me, really shows Olivier Collin's style off to its greatest effect. Finely cut and chiseled, with striking energy, the Pierrières offers a taut expression of Chardonnay that provides a lovely contrast to the more supple Les Roises. Crushed rocks, lemon confit, almond, dried flowers. The purity and saline-infused energy of the flavors is just brilliant.
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Ulysse Collin Les Roises Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Collin’s 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises is a wonderfully inviting, nuanced Champagne that captures the interplay of richness and freshness that this south-facing site is capable of. Apricot, melon, mint and exotic white flowers meld together in a dense, textured Champagne loaded with class and personality. This release is mostly 2014, with just 10% reserve wines from 2013. Most importantly, Les Roises is all class. Dosage is 2.4 grams per liter.
  94 Points 
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises (2014) is based on the 2014 vintage, supplemented by 10% of reserve wines from 2013, and it was disgorged with 2.4 grams per liter dosage in March 2019 after 48 months sur lattes. It's already quite open and expressive, in keeping with Collin's other 2014-based releases, bursting from the glass with aromas of crisp Anjou pear, waxy citrus rind, green mango, blanched almonds and pastry cream. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with ripe but racy acids, a deep and crisply fleshy core of fruit and a long, saline finish. This is quite a textural, gourmand and charming rendition of Les Roises, and it's exquisitely elegant.
  95 Points
  William Kelley - The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Rose de Saignee Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $230. 00

  Bottle

  $2760.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2014 Extra Brut Rosé de Saignée Les Maillons is dense, rich and super-expressive, especially in its aromatics. On the palate, the 2014 is much less forthcoming, so a bit of cellaring is probably a good idea to help the wine come together. This is an especially pungent version of the Rosé, with slightly angular contours. I would give the 2014 a year or two to come together, but I would not wait too long after that, as extended cellaring will almost certainly cause the some of the wine’s more rustic elements to be more prominent. Dosage is 2.4 grams per liter
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  (please note base vintage can vary between shipments)

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Ulysse Collin Les Pierrieres Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $210. 00

  Bottle

  $2520.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blanc Les Pierrières is tense, vibrant and wonderfully focused. In this release, the Les Pierrières is 40% 2015 and 60% 2014 [if it is based 2015 why is there more 2014 %] juice that spent two years in oak, with the reserve wines no doubt contributing freshness and overall energy. Crushed rocks, citrus, white flowers and slate add striking layers of nuance. A slight touch of reduction adds character, but with less of an imprint than in some previous editions. Olivier Collin told me that he lowered the SO2 prior to bottling, which explains why this edition of the Pierrières is not as reduced as some of its predecessors have been. Dosage is 1.7 grams per liter. 
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  (please note base vintage can vary between shipments)

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $195. 00

  Bottle

  $2340.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons is ample, creamy and also incredibly inviting. More than anything else, the 2015 stands out for its textural sophistication and total class. Here too, the significant presence of 2014 reserve wines (60%) works beautifully in capturing an attractive interplay of fruit richness, savory complexity and layers of texture. Gorgeous Pinot aromatics and flavors meld together in this striking, effortless Champagne from Olivier Collin. Dosage is 2.4 grams per liter. 
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  (please note base vintage can vary between shipments)

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Ulysse Collin Les Enfers Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers is a wine of tremendous breadth and staying power. Clay-rich soils in Congy yield a Champagne of real textural resonance. Apricot, orange peel, vanilla and tropical overtones infuse the 2014 with notable character. All the elements seem amplified in the Enfers, including a mousse that is a bit brawny. This release includes 10% reserve wines from 2013 and spent a total of 48 months on its lees. Olivier Collin has another lot in the cellar that will be released with 60 months on the lees. Dosage is 2.4 grams per liter.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  (please note base vintage can vary between shipments)

   

   

   

  
  

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 95

  2012 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Yayoi Kusama Limited Edition Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Note: Does not come with gift box.
  
  The iconic Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, sends a cheerful message to the whole world by imagining a unique, joyful and colorful creation specifically made for Veuve Clicquot. It is with its iconic symbols, that Yayoi Kusama adorns La Grande Dame 2012 case and bottle. The opulent flower symbolizes vital energy, love and celebration of life. The polka dots, Yayoi Kusama's signature patterns are reworked like champagne bubbles to embody La Grande Dame 2012.

  The La Grande Dame 2012 is the 23rd Vintage of La Grande Dame, a showcase of the House’s excellence. It perfectly expresses the Maison’s love for Pinot Noir, which since the 2008 vintage, has represented over 90% of the blend. More than 150 years separate Madame Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama, and yet it is almost as many common points that unite their unique and fascinating destinies. 12.5% Alc./Vol.
  
  Other Reviews.....
  Fine and graceful, this dances across the palate with its bright, well-defined freshness and detailed flavors of Mandarin orange, toast point, crème de cassis and minerally oyster shell. Subtle in its intensity, with all the pieces seamlessly knit into an elegant whole. Disgorged September 2019. Drink now through 2030.
  95 points
  Wine Spectator
  
  With a slight preponderance of Pinot Noir in the blend, this wine is rich and impressive. It is still young, with a crisp edge that makes the fruit shine. Apple and citrus flavors are integrated into a mineral vein. Drink from 2022. 
  96 points
  Wine Enthusiast
  
  Lightness and freshness are the immediate reaction; then purity; then pink and white grapefruit on a palate of exceptional length, reflecting a vintage saved by the last weeks up to harvest. 90/10% pinot noir and chardonnay, largely grand cru. FYI Madame Kusama is Japanese artist.
  97 points
  James Halliday's Top 100 2021

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 96
  • 94

  2012 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2020-2028)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  A blend of 51% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier sourced from twelve different Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards with an average of 5 years on lees. An exuberant mousse froths to the top of the glass leaving in it’s wake a pale straw coloured base that has pale gold edges. The bead is lively and persistent. Nosing presents a classic sniff of baked bread aromas intertwined with citrus, light oily toast like notes, yeast lees and hints of almond. The refined, airy palate combines crisp citrus fruits with yeast lees, oily baked bread characters, subtle dried honey elements and faint notions of roasted almonds. Dry chalk tinged finish with racy acidity and a long, fine yet vivid aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 6-8 years.
  Alc. 12%
  
  Other Reviews....
  A blend of 51/34/15% pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier, with 11% reserves aged in large foudres. It's beautifully sculpted and balanced, white peach and cashew glide across the palate. The lingering finish and aftertaste are as fresh as a daisy. One of the most consistent houses.
  96 points
  James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion
  
  There’s a serious structure behind the considerable richness of this bold champagne. A wide range of dried-fruit aromas, but also some mint and sage freshness. Complex texture at the long, chalky finish. 12% of the cuvée is fermented in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay and 10% pinot meunier, all from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Drink or hold.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 96
  • 95

  2008 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2025-2027)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A lacy mousse shows good hold over a pale straw coloured base that’s finely threaded by a steady stream of tiny bubbles. Elevated aromatics of baked bread and ripe citrus are intertwined with yeast lees, brioche, light honeyed cashews and faint toast notes. Refined and sophisticated the palate is eloquently dressed with citrus, baked bread, yeast lees and subtle toast flavours that have an understated richness. Subtle cashew, traces of dried honey and biscuity almond characters make an appearance on the long dry finish. Light airy feel with a gentle creaminess to the texture. Racy acidity lends focus to the powerful yet elegant conclusion.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Other Reviews….
  A classic, slow-maturing year picked into October. It's a pale, pristine hue - a beautifully assembled mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, combining saline-wrapped orchard fruits with great Pinot Noir subtlety yet strength. THE aperitif Champagne, but also try with sea trout.
  97 points
  Decanter

  An elegant Champagne, powered by a sculpted frame of acidity and minerality, this wears the refined, lacy mousse and well-meshed flavors of black currant, lemon curd, toast and marzipan like finely tailored clothing. Fresh and lasting, with hints of spice and smoke on the finish. Disgorged August 2016. Drink now through 2033.
  95 points
  Wine Spectator

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• • 96

  2004 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2019-2020)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Madame Clicquot is credited for creating the first vintage Champagne in 1810. The 2004 vintage is sourced from a mix of Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards with the final blend being composed of 62% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Meunier.

  A beautifully balanced Champagne combining both the richness and freshness of the 2004 vintage.

  Good frothy white mousse which once dissipated reveals a pale straw gold base wine colour possessing an exceptionally fine and profuse bead. Excellent nose of baked bread and yeast lees intermixed with some light toastiness over a background of light cashew and citrus. Rich yet refined flavours of yeast lees, baked bread and citrus grace the palate followed by some brioche and roasted almond characters. Clean crisp acidity finishes off the creamy textured palate beautifully. Excellent depth with a long yeast lees, toast, brioche and lightly roasted almond aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc 12%

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• 1988 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne

  Champagne,

  $149. 95

  Bottle

  $1799.4 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  La Grande Dame de la Champagne - the name is proof of the respect with which The Widow Clicquot enjoyed in her own region, in her own time. Since then, for two centuries international society has celebrated life's greatest moments with The Widow's unique Champagne Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.The story of La Grande Dame began tragically when, during the Empire of Napoleon 1, she found herself widowed at 28. Determined to continue and develop her husband's business, she won fame with the invention of "remuage", a technique which revolutionised the clarification of champagne. Once used by Madame Clicquot alone, the delicate technique was subsequently adopted by all Champagne Houses.Slowly acquiring vineyards of the finest growths (crus) in Champagne, the total land holding now consists of over 280 hectares (692 acres) located in the heart of Champagne. Like most French vineyards, Champagne is a region where 'appellation' exists, and the notion of 'Crus' is very important. Different Crus are marked on an official scale in order to evaluate the quality of the wines which will be blended. The 'Crus' blended by Veuve Clicquot average 97%, a ranking without peer.

  Vintage Conditions: This vintage is characterised by wines of finesse and ageing potential. Indeed the growing season of the vines went very smoothly without any major climatical mishaps. Very favourable climatic conditions during the harvest, lasting from September 19 - 27, led to the perfect ripening of the grapes (9 GL).The budburst was early, and by the latter half of June a quick flowering had occurred. The berry set was excellent; well formed bunches with little 'millerandage'.

  Made from a blend of 38% Chardonnay and 62% Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is from the Veuve Clicquot vineyards located in the most prestigious 'crus' of the Cote des Blancs.The Pinot Noir picked from the best Veuve Clicquot owned plots coming from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallee de la Marne.

  Tasting notes: Beautiful colour. A wine of great persistence and and fine, long lasting bubbles. A very delicate nose, yet complex and full of warmth, dominated by dried fruit aromas such as hazelnut, pistachio and apricots, together with a touch of honey and all enhanced by a sensation of creaminess.The palate is vivacious and dynamic; very structured with great richness. Remarkable balance with a delightful fruit aftertaste.

  Notes from the House of Veuve Clicquot.

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• 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $275. 00

  Bottle

  $3300.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  La Grande Dame de la Champagne is named after the Widow Clicquot. Widowed at 28, Clicquot who became determined to continue and develop her husband's business, won fame with the invention of "remuage", a technique which revolutionised the clarification of champagne. Once used by Madame Clicquot alone, the technique was subsequently adopted by all Champagne Houses.

  Tasting note: Blend: 64% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay. A superbly ripe Champagne that has all the open generosity of the 1998 vintage. Peach and apricot aromas are followed by flavors of hazelnuts, honey and spices. Of course, it is still very young, and, like all vintages of La Grande Dame, it will age for many years. 12.5% Alc./Vol. 92 points
  - note sourced from www.wineenthusiast.comsize>

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• • 86

  1995 Veuve Clicquot Rich Reserve Champagne

  Champagne,

  $95. 00

  Bottle

  $1140.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Bright straw colour. Fine bead, but dissipates relatively quickly. The nose displays considerable developed character with aroma of ripe pear, marzipan, quince, biscuit and nut, with a touch of sweetness emerging. Citrus back palate flavours. Aftertaste of lees and ripe pears.

  RATING: 86/00

  VALUE: XXX/5

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• 1999 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes sourced from Moet Hennessy.

  Vintage Conditions: A mild winter led to a relatively early bud-break, and a hot month of May produced premature flowering as well as a vigorous setting process. May also witnessed a few hailstorms, which fortunately only caused local damage.

  Summer was divided into two parts. The first had mixed weather, with alternating rain and hail interspersed with drier spells, and temperatures that were relatively low for the season. The second, however, took on a southern accent, with a drought that came near to resembling a heat wave. The rain which preceded the harvests acted as a saving grace in certain parts of the vineyard, by encouraging the grapes to ripen and producing a large harvest without altering its quality. The harvests began on 15 September under excellent climatic conditions. The degree of alcohol corresponded to the average in Champagne for the last ten years, while the level of acidity was relatively moderate.

  The basic blend is composed of 21 Grand and Premier Crus (55% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 12% Pinot Meunier) situated in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs areas. These proportions respect the Veuve Clicquot style. A relatively low dosage of 9 g/l enables the wine to conserve its attractive vivacity.

  This wine has a brilliant, attractive golden-yellow colour. It emanates fruity aromas (peaches, pears, apricots) and very biscuity notes (brioche, honey, almonds, hazelnuts). After a few minutes, the bouquet develops, leading to hints of sweet spices and with the fruity notes taking on a more candied flavour. In the mouth, the wine is flavoursome and full. The Pinot Noir grapes, the majority variety in this wine, provide strength and structure, while the finish, where the Chardonnay plays its role perfectly, remains fresh and clean. The Veuve Clicquot style is superbly expressed in this vintage: the winey sensations are ever present but not excessively.

  A wine to share among friends, it is difficult to resist a glass accompanied by a few Italian grissini biscuits. However, it truly comes into bloom when served with food. Saltwater (John Dory, bass) or freshwater fish (pikeperch, perch) will enchant traditional connoisseurs. For a more unusual duo, the more adventurous will try a dish of crayfish à l'armoricaine or good quality poultry cooked in sauce. In good conditions, the Vintage 1999 can be kept for 10 to 15 years, during which time it will develop complexity and aromatic richness.
  Alc/vol: 12%

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• • 96

  2004 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $225. 00

  Bottle

  $2700.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2017-2018)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Veuve Clicquot’s flagship Champagne pours with a white frothy mousse showing good hold. Pale straw base wine colour with exceptionally fine bead showing outstanding persistence.

  Refined and complex, nosing reveals scents of brioche, subtle citrus and yeast lees followed by some toasty bread and cashew. Elegant and lively the palate displays mouthfilling flavours of yeast lees, citrus and baked bread with a subtle toasty overlay and some delicate roasted almond characters on the back palate. Clean crisp finish with long citrus, yeast lees, baked bread and subtle roasted almond aftertaste.
  Cellar 5-6 years (2017-2018)
  Alc 12.5%
  
  Other Reviews....
  The is an awesome wine of great complexity, composed of 61% pinot noir and 39% chardonnay virtually entirely Grand Crus. Disgorged late 2011, it has grown another leg over the past 18 months, its array of mouthfilling peach, apple and grapefruit flavours given texture by contrasting notes of cream, brioche and mineral advancing through the long travel in the mouth'
  97 points
  James Halliday

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• 1989 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve Gold Label Champagne

  Champagne,

  $69. 95

  Bottle

  $839.4 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  This vintage is made up from some twenty villages from the best 'crus' of the 'Cote des Blancs' and the 'Montagne de Reims'. The dominance and power come from the Pinot Noir which represents two thirds of the blend; the finesse and elegance are achieved from a complement of one third Chardonnay.

  Tasting Notes: Very delicate and long lasting sparkle. The nose is subtle, very complex, and dominated by dried flower and fruit aromas. A wine of exceptional elegance and harmony. The palate is very structured and firm, characterised by great depth and refinement.

  Notes from the House of Veuve Clicquot.

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• • 96

  2006 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $245. 00

  Bottle

  $2940.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Delicately creamy mousse with a very profuse and fine stream of bubbles. Pale straw coloured base with pale gold edges. Elegant and refined yet intensely aromatic the nose reveals scents of citrus intermixed with yeast lees and brioche followed by some cashew, toast and oily bread end notes. The palate is quite elegant with refined flavours of yeast lees, citrus and baked bread gracefully flowing across the palate. Delicate roasted nut, toast and pear flavours appear on the finish. Has finesse with an elegantly creamy texture and crisp dry finish. Long aftertaste of oily baked bread, yeast lees, toast, citrus and roasted nut characters.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 12.5%

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• • 89

  1995 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve Brut Champagne

  Champagne,

  $99. 00

  Bottle

  $1188.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  A generous, mouthfilling Champagne. Bright pale straw colour, with excellent mouse. Fine, profuse bead with excellent persistence. Delightful nose of yeast autolysis, biscuit and cashews. The palate shows finesse together with concentration. Toasted bread, yeast lees and creamy texture are followed by a hint of citrus on the backpalate. Clean crisp acid finish. Cellar 4-5 years.

  RATING: 92/100

  VALUE: XXXX/5

  Retasted: August 2001
  One of the most recognisable Champagnes of the world. Made from a blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Meunier. Brilliant straw colour. Very fine bead, with very good persistence. The nose displays classic yeasty notes over cashews, biscuit and toast. The palate is creamy, with hints of citrus, biscuit and lees. Perfect balance, followed by long biscuit lees aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years.

  RATING: 89/100

  VALUE: XXXX/5

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• • 92

  2008 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rose Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Good frothy mousse with a salmon pink colour and very fine persistent bead. Aromas of winter strawberries and raspberries are interlaced with some yeast lees and bready characters followed by some peach end notes. Very elegant the palate is delicately flavoured with winter strawberry and red cherry flavours interspersed by vibrant acidity with ensuing yeast lees and faint toast characters. Clean, crisp very dry finish. Aftertaste of winter strawberries, red cherries, yeast lees and subtlety toasted bread.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 12%

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• • 93

  Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne Jeroboam (3000ml)

  Champagne,

  $999. 00

  Bottle

  $11988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Pours with a frothy white mousse which once dissipated reveals a pale straw base wine colour with a very fine and persistent bead. The nose exhibits aromatics of baked bread, creamy cashew and yeast lees with light toast and citrus end notes. The palate is quite toasty and has a faint creaminess to it with a refreshing dry finish. Citrus, toast and yeast lees overlay some subtle roasted almond characters. Aftertaste of citrus, toast, yeast lees and roasted almonds.
  Alc 12%

  Retasted May 2011: Good, white, creamy mousse that quickly dissipates with pale straw gold base wine colour. Very fine and persistent bead. Lifted aromas of baked bread and yeast lees are followed by some cashew and light toast notes. The palate is quite refined but also possesses good richness with flavours of baked bread, yeast lees and light roasted almonds, with some toast end notes. Clean, crisp, dry finish with an almost creamy like texture. Aftertaste of toasty baked bread, almonds and yeast lees.
  93 points

  First tasted November 2000: An excellent example of non vintage Champagne. Brilliant, pale straw colour. Fine, persistent bead. The nose is impressive, with a pronounced yeast autolysis aroma over a biscuit background. Creamy texture, with a remarkable degree of finesse and concentration of flavour. Perfect balance, with long biscuit yeast lees aftertaste.
  94 Points
  
  Notes from the House of Veuve Clicquot:
  Fine and persisting sparkle; complex and intense nose (apple, citrus fruit and caramel); dry full flavour balanced with elegance, crispness and a lingering spicy aftertaste. Veuve Clicquot's famous "Yellow Label" is a classic champagne representative of the Veuve Clicquot style. It is excellent with food and as an aperitif.

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• • 96
  • 96

  • Reduced

  2008 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $110.00

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  A blend of 61% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier and 34% Chardonnay sourced from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. In a first for this label 5% of the wines were aged in wooden casks from forests in Central France, from Allier and Vosges. This was to increase the complexity and aromatic richness of the Champagne.

  Pours superbly with a lacy white mouse that holds well eventually revealing a pale straw base wine colour with tinges of pale gold around the edges. Very fine bead showing excellent persistence. The bouquet is one of great finesse featuring yeast lees and citrus aromas interlaced with baked bread and a light toastiness followed by notes of brioche and cashew. Light and airy the palate is graced with citrus, toast, yeast lees, subtle pear infusions, bready characters and subtle cashew. There’s an elegant creaminess to the texture and the finish is fresh with stimulating acidity. Excellent length with a long yeast lees, citrus, subtle baked bread and cashew aftertaste. A classy, finely structured Champagne.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 12%

  Other Reviews…
  Shimmering green-gold. Easily up several notches from the bottle. Perfect balance of freshness, ripe acidity and complex vinosity to come. Near perfect wine, patina of seasoned spice of subtle oak.
  Drink: 2020-2025
  96 points
  Decanter.com
  
  This is the clear bargain of all the champagnes tasted this year, reflecting the great vintage and the revolution of the vinification by chief winemaker Dominique Demarville. Brioche, nutty oak, and peach blossom all whisper in the spring breeze of the bouquet before the stone and citrus fruits of the vibrant palate rise to a crescendo on the finish. 
  96 points
  James Halliday's Top 100 wines for 2016 

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• Vouette et Sorbee Textures (R18) Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bertrand Gautherot has been quietly working away in the hamlet of Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube’s Côte des Bar region of Champagne, yet his wines have not escaped the attention of the top restaurants and retailers of the world. Each year Vouette & Sorbee allocations are eagerly awaited, and these exceptionally fine wines are consistently some of the best and most unique expressions from the area.

  The vineyards here lie closer to Chablis than to Épernay, both in distance and geology, with soils dominated by the same Kimmeridgian limestone for which Chablis is famed. Gautherot’s wines take their deep and powerful personalities from these soils and the (relatively) sunnier climate of the southern Aube. His wines all come from a single harvest—noted by the “R” number on the back label—with the exception of the Fidèle cuvée, which sees a small addition of 5-10% reserve wine from a perpetual blend started in 2001. His winemaking abhors any kind of manipulation in the cellar. Gautherot uses the traditional Coquard press and the juice is transferred into oak or amphorae via gravity rather than being pumped. Primary fermentations are always carried out with natural yeasts and riddling and disgorgement are all done entirely by hand. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration and without dosage. The results are some of Champagne’s most original and delicious wines: wines of distinctive personality, energy and sense of place.

  Textures is one of Gautherot’s newest cuvée; a rare, 100% Pinot Blanc Champagne crafted from vines in the Fonnet vineyard (planted between 1995 and 2000). Gautherot describes it as his “easiest” wine, i.e. the one that is the easiest to drink young. There is certainly more pulpy texture (hence the name), more fruit, and easier-going refreshment than in his Blanc d’Argile. There is also ample intensity and a great deal of poise and interest on offer, and a complexity that comes from the aging. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind expression of the Côte des Bar. You can expect candied citrus, floral and ripe lemon aromas and flavours, a generous, not-quite-creamy palate and a twist of gentle, refreshing bitterness on the close.

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• 2011 Vouette et Sorbee Extrait Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bertrand Gautherot has been quietly working away in the hamlet of Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube’s Côte des Bar region of Champagne, yet his wines have not escaped the attention of the top restaurants and retailers of the world. Each year Vouette & Sorbee allocations are eagerly awaited, and these exceptionally fine wines are consistently some of the best and most unique expressions from the area.

  The vineyards here lie closer to Chablis than to Épernay, both in distance and geology, with soils dominated by the same Kimmeridgian limestone for which Chablis is famed. Gautherot’s wines take their deep and powerful personalities from these soils and the (relatively) sunnier climate of the southern Aube. His wines all come from a single harvest—noted by the “R” number on the back label—with the exception of the Fidèle cuvée, which sees a small addition of 5-10% reserve wine from a perpetual blend started in 2001. His winemaking abhors any kind of manipulation in the cellar. Gautherot uses the traditional Coquard press and the juice is transferred into oak or amphorae via gravity rather than being pumped. Primary fermentations are always carried out with natural yeasts and riddling and disgorgement are all done entirely by hand. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration and without dosage. The results are some of Champagne’s most original and delicious wines: wines of distinctive personality, energy and sense of place.

  Extrait takes its name from the French for extract, which is exactly what it is—a barrel’s worth of wine extracted from a single vintage. In fact, this is a blend drawn from the Domaine’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay barrels with the composition following the percentage of each variety harvested that year. So, while it generally comes in around 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, the final blend depends on the harvest. Furthermore, the terroirs that supply this cuvée are not set in stone; Gautherot simply selects his favourite parcels by taste, although the Chardonnay almost always comes from Biaunes and the Pinot Noir often comes from the Portlandian Sorbée vineyard. The wine spends between eight and nine years on lees before being disgorged by hand.

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