| | Got straight to business after landing in London, great visit to Noble Rot with a wonderful selection by the glass. - 2014 Roses de Jeanne / Cédric Bouchard Champagne Blanc de Noirs Cote de Bechalin - France, Champagne
First time trying this cuvee, slightly sweeter and more yeasty than I expected but wonderful balance and texture, despite being a BdN it didn't feel heavy at all. Almost like a BdB with the high acidity. Think this and the Val Vilaine are great relative values in the Bouchard line up. (93 pts.)
- N.V. Emmanuel Brochet Champagne Rosé de Saignée - France, Champagne
Typical Saignée colour, but more dark pink than the dark red of the Marie Courtin tried last week. Saignées can usually be strict without much fruit but wasn’t the case here, plenty of strawberries and red apples. Very balanced and a fine finish but became a little natty with air. Probably not worth the secondary market price but interesting to try. (92 pts.)
- 2012 Lorenzo Accomasso Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
I think there is huge bottle variation with his wines but this was an exceptional bottle - fresh and not advanced at all. From my experience 2012 Barolos are in the zone and this proved to be the case, had the ethereal quality of Mascarellos with very pretty dark red fruit, but just a little more rustic and rough tannins, and more old-school than the Mascarellos. (94 pts.)
- 1985 Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Gréal - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Mostly tertiary notes of mushroom and truffle now and the nose and palate could be easily mistaken for a Bordeaux with dark and dense red fruit save for a hint of pepper. In great shape for its age. (92 pts.)
- 1996 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
Dark golden in colour, in a good place with the complexity that comes with secondary development. The sweetness is fading but acidity and fruit are still very much intact, quite an elegant and understated expression for an Auslese, probably a cooler vintage? Not too heavy or cloying, went well with chocolate mousse cake. (92 pts.)
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