Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion à Cramant Brut 2004
The 2004 Diebolt-Vallois Brut Fleur de Passion lives up to its name. This sumptuous and beautifully rendered Cramant unfurls slowly with notes of white peach, golden delicious apple, and honeysuckle. The mousse is ultra-fine and utterly seductive, like a plunge into some fantastic glittery-gold enchantment (see Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss). Seamless waves of orchard fruit […]
Louis Jadot Corton-Pougets Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot 2002
The Jadot Corton-Pougets Grand Cru 2002 is simply a fresh, pure expression of Pinot Noir with delicate aromas of mountain strawberry and raspberry on the nose, along with a pinch of earth and dried mint. It isn’t terribly complex, one has to reach to try to find any secondary aromas or flavors. Primarily red fruit […]
Château Figeac Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 1995
Figeac has been on my radar for some time now. News of Michel Rolland replacing the existing team at the estate in early 2013 created ripples amongst fans. Revered for its old-school styling, I’m glad to have had the chance to taste it, courtesy Burgnut. Incredibly fresh, the ’95 yields classic notes of black currant, […]
Pierre Brigandat Champagne Millésimé 2009
A curious Champagne, the Pierre Brigandat Millésimé 2009 is extraordinarily pale, with a sun bleached straw-colored hue. The nose too, was quite unexpected. On opening a touch of sulfur as one would find in boiled egg yolk, followed by kelp and wet shell notes. After an hour of opening, it was just starting to exhibit […]
Perrier-Jouët Champagne Grand Brut NV
The Grand Brut NV is Perrier-Jouet’s entry-level label and can be found for less than $30.00 with a little online searching. It’s lightly-styled and offers up a welcoming springtime bouquet of white flowers, white peaches, raspberries, dried honey, and smoke. On the palate, a nimble and bright countenance is anchored by notes of orchard fruit, […]
Ayala Champagne Perle d’Ayala 2002
Ayala Champagne Perle d’Ayala Brut Millèsime 2002 is an elegant blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru regions of Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Chouilly and Cramant. It’s been aged on the lees for eight years, giving it nice balance and weight against a tensile acid spine. Golden delicious apple, lemon zest and […]
Eyrie Original Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2010
The nose of the 2010 Eyrie Original Vines Reserve Chardonnay throws me a bit, hence only 8.9 points. Opens with pitched notes of coffee grounds, an aroma I strongly associate with some malolactic strains, roasted nuts, toast and a touch of lemon zest. It feels somewhat closed, there isn’t a lot of fruit here, one […]
Bérêche et Fils Reflet D’Antan Brut NV
Bérêche et Fils is an old house, and tiny, with little more than 2.5 hectares that are meticulously biodynamically farmed. Arguably, it’s one of my favorite bubblies, I’ve sung its virtues many times. The Reflet D’Antan Brut is no less deserving of praise—warm cinnamon bread, apples, baking spice and a whiff of smoke—comforting aromas that […]
Copain North Coast Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
The exact shade of peach found on bridesmaids dresses from the mid-80s. You know the kind, with all the ruffles and bows. Nostalgia aside, the Copain North Coast Pinot Noir Rosé 2014 begs for summer, with a nose that is fairly bursting with aromas of ripe cantaloupe, watermelon and red apple skins. Charming and fresh, […]
Peay Sonoma Coast Estate Viognier 2013
Viognier can be a devilish grape to work with—sugar levels have a tendency to soar during warm summer months, while phenolic maturity can lag woefully behind. This is why I’m impressed when I find domestic examples, such as this one that are balanced and lovely. Generous aromas of lush pear, white peach, musk and smoke. […]