Grower Champagne for Third Thursday

Willamette Wine Storage
Tasted Thursday, September 20, 2012 by subtlet with 608 views

Introduction

We gathered to taste grower Champagne and had a great turn-out. My palate felt unreasonably centered, and I felt that all of the wines were quite good. Thanks to all participants for bringing such enjoyable bottles!

Flight 1 (9 Notes)

  • 2004 Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne Premier Cru Special Club 92 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

    The nose shows croissant scents mixed with some nutty richness that reminds me of Nutella, but without the chocolate. Some berry scents are here as well. The bubbles deliver great texture on the palate. There is a touch of citrus, and feelings of richness rise above the bubbles and acidity. Yellow raisins contribute flavor and sweetness. It has a great feeling of purity.

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  • NV Marie Courtin Champagne Resonance Extra Brut 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    Flowers and spring rain show on the nose backed by some tart apricot scents. The aromas are lovely! It's smooth and clean on the palate. The acidity is balanced, and the bubbles deliver a great feeling of lightness. Softness lingers and ghosts of cherry flavors keep it friendly. As I continue through the glass, the acidity slowly builds to fully dry the mouth. This is gorgeous. 92+

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  • NV Jacques Selosse Initial 92 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    The nose has a savory depth that I've never experienced in Champagne before. The savory aromas remind me of a beef and mushroom sauce while notes of spritzy apples show lightness underneath it all. The bubbles and texture are fantastic delivering lightness on contact. It remains fine in texture while the savory notes suggested on the nose settle in with weight on the back of the palate. Apple flavors linger with the savory notes and gentle acid. All of the components have great length.

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  • NV Ulysse Collin Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Les Pierrières 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    The wine shows scents of toast and fresh oranges along with a bit of sea spray. The toast from the nose shows very well on the palate with flavors like toast that got burnt a little on the edges. The acidity evolves wonderfully. Rich apple flavors show themselves early, and lots of red apple flavor is there for the middle. The mid palate shows some floral notes too. The acid shows great intensity after a few sips.

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  • NV Bérêche et Fils Champagne Rive Gauche 93 Points

    France, Champagne

    Oyster shells are clear on the nose along with yellow apples and flowers. The yellow apples explode onto the palate and quickly fill the mouth. Sweetness follows the fruit, tickling the tip of the tongue before settling into the sides. Big acidity blooms with the fruit and settles fully across the full palate. Richness settles into the center and lingers there through multiple tastes.

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  • NV Ulysse Collin Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Les Maillons 90 Points

    France, Champagne

    Scents of olive oil, fresh cut apples, and toasted baguette show in the glass. The toast shows quickly on the palate. The bubbles are on the firm side, giving structure to apple and star fruit flavors. The transition between fruit and acid is a bit rough still, and I think a little more time in bottle will help this. The fruit flavors linger enjoyably on the finish. 90+

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  • NV Roses de Jeanne / Cédric Bouchard Champagne Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs Côte de Val Vilaine 89 Points

    France, Champagne

    Citrus scents are dominant here with limes and orange blossoms in the foreground, and a bit of baguette in the background. It's even on the palate, showing gentle flavors. Light oranges and chalky notes linger throughout the experience. Acid and apples appear on the mid palate. Everything is soft, but the acidity doesn't entirely seem to be connected to the fruit.

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  • NV Guy de Chassey Champagne Grand Cru Brut 90 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    The nose delivers full impressions of summer in the country side. I smell apples, a faint bit of barnyard in the background, and lots of sun-dried grass. The mouth feel is rounded with soft bubbles and gentle acidity. The orange flavors have a creamy texture to them, and some floral notes show on the palate too. Sweetness settles in the center of the palate while barely ripe green apple flavors linger. The acidity is on the light side, but it stands its ground with the richer components.

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  • NV Bruno Paillard Champagne Brut Premiere Cuvée 89 Points

    France, Champagne

    The nose is interesting, showing a touch of somethings savory wrapped in a pie crust and some lemon/lime scents. The lemons and limes roll in fully on the palate, and sweetness shows itself on the mid palate. A bit of nutmeg is noticeable on the finish. The acid is on the lighter side for me.

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