Larmandier-Bernier Champagne Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2007
With a mousse like seed pearls embroidered on golden-threaded brocade, Larmandier-Bernier’s 2007 Champagne Vieille Vigne du Levant is precise and delicate. And while there is vinosity and weight suggestive of old vines, its luminous and filligred layers are etched with the character of ancient limestone soils found in Cramant. Crushed oyster shell, wet chalk are […]
Lilbert-Fils Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Cramant 2004
This lovely 2004 Grand Cru Grower Champagne from Lilbert-Fils. The site is only 3.5 hectares, so, on the petite side, though that is certainly not the case in terms of what this bubbly delivers. Wonderful nose that reminds me of fresh, toasted raisin bread slathered in butter along with citrusy, minerally notes. Piercing acidity on […]
Larmandier-Bernier Champagne Vieille Vigne De Cramant Grand Cru NV
The Vieille Vigne De Cramant Grand Cru NV is a rounder, fuller Larmandier-Bernier, brimming over with with ripe fruit character. Luscious notes of red apple skins, buttered croissant, rum cake and smoke. Dark gold in the glass, with a fine, fine mousse and a lovely touch of age. It’s quite sensual, modestly fleshy and graced […]
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 […]
Grower Champagnes: Pierre Péters
At that point in my tasting career, I’d had much less experience with Champagne. Yet, Pierre Péters was instantly memorable, even though my introduction to this celebrated house had been in tasting their Cuvée de Réserve, a wine that cannot be described as humble, despite the fact that it is an entry-level label. (With some […]
Suenen Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs NV
Suenen Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs is 100% Chardonnay primarily from the 2010 vintage, with 2008 and 2009 in the blend. Lean and edgy, featuring classic aromas of toast, orchard and citrus fruits. In the mouth, however, there is something of a departure from the expected, revealing a surprisingly linear, powerful, and […]