Probably one of the weakest Chetillons that I've had, though by no means is this a bad wine -- it's just not up to the usual high level that I expect from this great bottling. Initially, this was just lean, mineral, and had a touch of that greenness that I've disliked so much about 2011 champagne. With air, the palate did seem to flesh out more, gaining a bit of white fruit and some nice chalky heft. Nonetheless, while this is reasonably enjoyable, it's not anywhere up to the level of the last three vintages.
Bottled May 2012, disgorged February 2018. This to me was far better than the Pierre Peters Chetillons that I had alongside. It's not a very potent or rich champagne, but there is a nicely delineated minerality here, as well as ample tart white fruits. This doesn't show any thinness or greenness from the vintage, though I guess you could say it's a tad lighter than most. Overall, this doesn't really have the richness and raw power of a grande marque, but the bright acidity, white fruit, and minerality all tell a tale of a great grower champagne in a difficult vintage.
#13-02, 8% abv. Initially, this was more dumb and mute than I would have expected it to be, and after a slew of corked Prums, I was less than happy with it. At least it wasn't corked, I guess. Turns out that this bottle just wasn't particularly ready to go right away, and air gave this wine a lot more structure and density. This bottle is a slight touch more advanced than the one I tasted a month or two ago; the fruit and acids aren't as juicy and primary, and there are mild hints of secondary characteristics. There's a lovely, almost chewy minerality here, and the wine isn't too sweet -- just really nicely balanced. While I like where the 2001s are sitting these days, I ought to slow down opening them, because these will obviously be very long-lived wines.
Bottled December 7, 2016. Easily one of the best beers I've ever tasted. The nose is intoxicating, subtle, and complex, with honeyed floral notes, citrus, and just a very mild amount of hops. It's very layered and you need to take the time to tease apart all the different elements on the nose, but boy, is it rewarding. The palate has a little bit of a spice character that reminds me of lychees, but there's a hint of peach, a mild malty quality, and a subtle hoppy bitterness on the back end as well. Simultaneously funky and clean, if that makes sense. Absolutely stunning stuff.
1990 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Flawed
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
#01-92, 8%. Corked again.
Read 1 Comment / Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2014 Château de Béru Chablis Clos Béru Flawed
France, Burgundy, Chablis
Mildly corked.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Pierre Péters Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Chetillons 88 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Probably one of the weakest Chetillons that I've had, though by no means is this a bad wine -- it's just not up to the usual high level that I expect from this great bottling. Initially, this was just lean, mineral, and had a touch of that greenness that I've disliked so much about 2011 champagne. With air, the palate did seem to flesh out more, gaining a bit of white fruit and some nice chalky heft. Nonetheless, while this is reasonably enjoyable, it's not anywhere up to the level of the last three vintages.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Agrapart Champagne Grand Cru Avizoise Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 93 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Bottled May 2012, disgorged February 2018. This to me was far better than the Pierre Peters Chetillons that I had alongside. It's not a very potent or rich champagne, but there is a nicely delineated minerality here, as well as ample tart white fruits. This doesn't show any thinness or greenness from the vintage, though I guess you could say it's a tad lighter than most. Overall, this doesn't really have the richness and raw power of a grande marque, but the bright acidity, white fruit, and minerality all tell a tale of a great grower champagne in a difficult vintage.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2001 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 93 Points
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
#13-02, 8% abv. Initially, this was more dumb and mute than I would have expected it to be, and after a slew of corked Prums, I was less than happy with it. At least it wasn't corked, I guess. Turns out that this bottle just wasn't particularly ready to go right away, and air gave this wine a lot more structure and density. This bottle is a slight touch more advanced than the one I tasted a month or two ago; the fruit and acids aren't as juicy and primary, and there are mild hints of secondary characteristics. There's a lovely, almost chewy minerality here, and the wine isn't too sweet -- just really nicely balanced. While I like where the 2001s are sitting these days, I ought to slow down opening them, because these will obviously be very long-lived wines.
Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
NV Hill Farmstead Civil Disobedience Batch 23
USA, Vermont
Bottled December 7, 2016. Easily one of the best beers I've ever tasted. The nose is intoxicating, subtle, and complex, with honeyed floral notes, citrus, and just a very mild amount of hops. It's very layered and you need to take the time to tease apart all the different elements on the nose, but boy, is it rewarding. The palate has a little bit of a spice character that reminds me of lychees, but there's a hint of peach, a mild malty quality, and a subtle hoppy bitterness on the back end as well. Simultaneously funky and clean, if that makes sense. Absolutely stunning stuff.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue