1/30/24, 6:38 AM - Natural wine…delicious at apogee moments…boring otherwise.
12/6/23, 5:11 PM - Too young? ‘12 has not really proved to be an elegant vintage, in general, has it? Clos de la Bussiere is not the most refined terroir, no?
12/6/23, 5:56 PM - Good to know. Roumier touch should have some influence even with a maverick terroir. 2012, in general, has seemingly remained a little four square thus far.
11/27/23, 10:47 AM - ‘14 is the first vintage vinified by Faiveley/Olivier Bailly/Jerome Flous. They are certainly a different style than wines vinified by Samuel Billaud/Billaud-Simon family. I enjoyed the texture of the Billaud-Simon family era pre ‘14. And I like the more chiseled, leaner style of Faiveley era. Have yet to re-taste ‘14 Grand Crus yet.
11/21/23, 9:45 AM - 2014 was the first vintage Produced by Domaine who purchased Billaud-Simon during July 2014. Any issues with premature oxidation from prior vintages are during the era when Samuel Billaud produced wine for the family Domaine. Samuel Billaud now produces wines under his own label.
11/21/23, 9:56 AM - I have not experienced yet. Fingers crossed.
10/8/23, 7:46 PM - Drank the Le Chiuse ‘15. I tasted the wine in barrel during May ‘18. Having tasted wines back to the mid ‘90s(Lorenzo Magnelli’s first vintage was 2006…his Father made wines prior), this is certainly the most decadent vintage I have tasted chez Lorenzo(not having tasted ‘10 & ‘13 recently…I will in the future). I will wait until ‘30 to open again. Ultimately, and from memory from same barrel tasting, the ‘16 should prove to be the more dynamic vintage with more acidity and cut. At the time, May ‘18, Lorenzo cited ‘13 and ‘16 as favorite vintages.
9/24/23, 7:53 PM - Bize Vergelesses is from Savigny Les Beaune. This bottling is from Pernand.
8/31/23, 7:35 AM - Interesting feedback! I plan to taste Le Potazzine & Le Chiuse side by side in the future as well.
8/15/23, 6:09 AM - Wow. Bottle I drank last Fall was fantastic.
8/16/23, 10:55 PM - It’s raised in oak and released 12+ years after vintage. The aerobic aspect certainly indicates the intention of the wine. Surprised the bottle did not show more impressively for you. Maybe the next one will.
7/28/23, 10:21 AM - So many(too many) of these wines are wonky.
6/15/23, 8:54 PM - Great to read. I have yet to dig into B-S ‘14s. Olivier Bailly’s inagrual vintage under Jerome Flous chez Faiveley.
5/21/23, 8:04 PM - The wine was imported by a source other than the authorized importer. I tasted the wine again this eve with consistent notes. There is nothing wrong with the wine per se, but it is most definitely riper, richer, than any Produttori vintage in recent memory.
5/22/23, 9:45 AM - There is nothing wrong with Produttori ‘16. It is simply far riper and richer than any vintage in recent memory. The alcohol was also less digestible than my ideal. I was taken aback having not tasted ‘16 chez Produttori yet and now know to drink elsewhere in the short to medium term at least.
3/12/23, 7:09 PM - Who imported this bottle?
3/4/23, 6:56 AM - Generous comments from you regarding 2012, which has seemingly not been a favorite, Chablis vintage for you, if memory serves.
3/4/23, 12:41 PM - I agree. I generally prefer vintages you mention, but I believe 2012 has been under appreciated, especially at the Grand Cru level, because the wines may not have been as immediately approachable/generous as some other vintages.
1/11/23, 10:55 AM - Village wine is intended for the philistines.
1/17/23, 9:19 AM - Ha! You drink extraordinarily wines. I am simply commenting that Village wine is wine for the Village, the people. With rare exception do Village wines exceed the aristocratic character of more exalted terroirs even when in the hands of the most elite growers. I should know as I mostly drink Village wine! Continue to enjoy!
1/2/23, 8:31 PM - This parcel is now farmed, vinified, raised, bottled, and commercialized chez Domaine Denis Mortet.
12/15/22, 12:21 PM - Agreed. ‘14 was exceptional.
12/7/22, 9:38 PM - Picked too late. There are plenty of 2009s fresher, brighter, more energetic than this bottling including other, 2009 bottlings chez Bize.
10/27/22, 9:26 AM - Was Bernard Hervet in attendance?
10/28/22, 11:50 AM - I have not attended. I know Bernard well and was a guest of his for a French Club dinner as recently as January 2022. I did not see him on this trip. Bernard's son is a musician, and I know Bernard is very involved in the Clos Vougeot concert. I would like to attend at some point.
10/17/22, 5:39 PM - These are drinking already?!? How long did you decant wine?
9/25/22, 8:43 AM - From my experience Müller’s Sharzhofberger Kabinett is most impressive, especially in relation to peers, at ten years on. The performance in the second decade can add a new perspective to the Müller price tag.
9/25/22, 2:19 PM - Great feedback. Thank you. I have drunk Sharzhof QBA 2016er several times, but have yet to open a Sharzhofberger Kabinet 2016er yet. Going to follow Herr Muller’s advice regarding Sharzhofberger Kabinett, in general, and begin opening at 10 years of age.
8/31/22, 7:09 AM - Monteraponi and Montevertine even the the latter works outside the DOCG.
5/5/22, 7:05 AM - Where do you expect magnums of this would be in their evolution at this point?
5/8/22, 7:22 PM - We should make that 1.5L happen this decade.
4/24/22, 5:27 PM - Plaisance produces dry wines from hill of Chaume where only sweet wines can be produced and labeled as Chaume. Thus, wine has to be declassified as Anjou.
4/18/22, 9:28 AM - Both the Les Cailles and Vaucrains 2008s showed well two Sundays in a row. I had read your previous notes regarding off putting bottle. The finish of Les Cailles was arguably even more refined than the Vaucrains. I decanted the Vaucrains in a regular decanter, so it received normal air. I was washing regular decanters, so I used more of a water decanter, more cylindrical, so less wine exposed to air. While both will hold, I do not see either necessarily improving unless you simply prefer older wine. The 2008s were cheap in the scheme of things and enjoyable to drink for the most part now.
3/9/22, 11:53 PM - Thrilled to read. Have not touched mine yet.
3/10/22, 7:20 PM - SGW&S has 2013 375ml in stock in Nor-Cal, so I am advised. You could ask a retailer to bring in for you.
2/27/22, 8:20 PM - Lorenzo once called this a 50 year wine. Every bottle I have tasted since 2009 has been sensational. Amazing property and fabulous family.
2/14/22, 8:39 PM - Curiously, or at least less normally, 15% of Mont Redon is planted to white grapes whereas most CdP Producers max at 5% at most on average.
2/14/22, 9:26 PM - We now know exactly the same amount of information regarding CdP Blanc. I represented Mont Redon 2X over the past 20+ years, and I have gleaned information from multiple sources during these periods. Mont Redon is the largest Domaine producer in CdP(they are a few hectare larger than Vieux Telegraphe) at like 97-100 hectare. Their proportion of vineyards planted to white grapes is 2-3X larger than the the average CdP Domaine undoubtedly due to terrior as much as preference. The Mont Redon CdP Blanc is purportedly long lived, although I have no experience. I have tasted that ‘15 multiple times in youth, and it was reductive, or at least less generous, and seemingly needed more time. Your feedback was seemingly positive, so, hopefully, the wine is on it’s way to providing even more pleasure.
1/7/22, 7:13 AM - Arnaud Mortet label is essentially a second Estate for Mortet. All vineyards are farmed by Mortet, but not owned by Mortet at present. These are completely separate, different, plots, vineyards, than at Domaine Mortet and completely, separate, different wine. Supposedly, all the vineyards originate from one family who sold grapes and did not make wine prior to Mortet’s involvement. 2016 was the first vintage.
1/5/22, 6:16 PM - I sold many bottles at auction. Maybe it is simply the vintage, but Chevillon seemingly missed with this particular bottling.
12/27/21, 6:28 AM - You have wine archived as Brut, but mention it is an Extra Brut. It is possible to archive Brut and Extra Brut as separate bottlings/separate entries. Enjoy!
12/26/21, 3:25 AM - Younger brother to Pierre-Yves
12/19/21, 11:34 AM - Thrilled you enjoyed the wine! Just an FYI…Müller Sharzhofberger Kabinett is typically 40-50 g/l of residual sugar.
9/24/20, 8:11 AM - Domaine or Maison? Did it say “Recolte du Domaine” or “Produit de France” on front label?
9/24/20, 6:59 PM - Yes, O Leflaive has produced Domaine and Maison bottlings every vintage for both Pucelles and Folatieres since 2010. The Domaine bottlings began with 2010 vintage as Olivier received access to his own vines, which were exploited by Domaine Leflaive through 2009.
9/25/20, 7:27 AM - Oh contraire, I did not intend to mislead you. Olivier Leflaive took back:Aligote from vines in Corpeau; Puligny Pucelles, Puligny Folatieres, Meursault sous le Dos d’Ane(this is a Monopole for Leflaive family and split between Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Olivier Leflaive); Batard-Montrachet, and Chevalier Montrachet. 2010 was the first vintage for all these under Domaine Olivier Leflaive, which means that production for all wines decreased under Domaine Leflaive as of 2010 vintage.
12/5/21, 9:11 AM - I do follow either Domaine regularly. Domaine Leflaive arguably has a more classic, reductive style. However, Domaine Olivier Leflaive has seemingly made great strides. Dollar for dollar Olivier Leflaive May be seen as the better value.
11/8/21, 6:17 PM - The previous (2) bottles showed less purity and more variation. Relieved the 3rd bottle was more on point.
9/15/21, 10:02 PM - Totally worth it if you went deep prior to the hype. $59.99 USD is totally worth it. $100+ USD is not.
8/28/21, 4:45 PM - 11/19…good wine, but not as exceptional as other disgorgements.
9/6/21, 7:15 AM - I am usually a fan of Bereche NV. That particular disgorgement tasted 2X was seemingly less than what I have enjoyed previously. In regards to wines from Skurnik Champagne, there is a lot to explore, and a few suggestions is only the beginning. Doyard BdB Vendemiare 1er Cru NV, which is primarily Vertus 1er Cru blended with some Grand Cru sites, is an excellent and well priced NV, has 5 years on tirage, and sees some oak. Mousse, whose wines are predominantly Pinot Meunier, are delicious with L’Or d’Eugene Perpetuellr Blanc de Noirs Brut NV as an excellent wine to commence exploring. Mouzon-Leroux L’Atavique NV, 100% Grand Cru Verzy, with 3 years en tirage, is another excellent and affordable entry wine. Enjoy!
8/9/21, 6:59 PM - We opened a bottle on Mother’s Day earlier this year, which was screaming corked. Luckily, Kermit Lynch wine shop refunded my $75, which was purchase + tax after trade discount when wines were released. Ha! The wine costs $250/btl today for current release. This bottle took a while to open up and was more interesting after being open for a couple of hours. Not a spectacular showing, but an excellent showing. Worth the money I paid back then, but not $250/btl.
3/28/21, 8:37 AM - Drank the same wine off the list of New Sammy’s Cowboy Diner in Talent, Or. I visited Herr Müller a year or two following, shared our experience with the wine, and he was seemingly relieved specifically stating 1988 vintage, or at least the WbK Auslese 1988 bottling, having a higher incidence of corked bottles. Sorry to read his comments are accurate.
3/17/21, 9:15 AM - Louis Michel uses no oak on any wine and have not for 40+ vintages.
3/17/21, 10:00 AM - I have bought some Michel ‘18s, but have tasted anything yet. Michel raises wines on lees in tank, which could potentially offer the sensation of wood from a body/texture perspective. You see this with Champagne often when richness fromlees can be misleading regarding use of wood. Also, it does not seem ‘18 was the easiest, most classic/typical, vintage in Chablis, which may also be a factor. BTW, was your bottle imported by the authorized, National Importer, Vineyard Brands, or did the back label suggest alternative sources imported wine? Maybe the bottle was not handled properly in transit?
1/23/21, 10:53 AM - The wine is that disappointing following your seemingly positive note 2 years ago?
1/23/21, 2:16 PM - I am going to test drive a bottle soon. Thank you for your feedback.
1/31/21, 7:24 PM - Wow. You were correct. New oak dominates minerality now.
1/29/21, 5:39 PM - Not a Domaine wine. Faiveley may not have even vinified the wine.
1/23/21, 10:50 AM - I have not tasted the 2007 and 2008(or, at least 2008) vintages yet. Your comments seem to indicate 2008 is head and shoulders above the 2007, correct?
1/23/21, 2:14 PM - Great feedback. Thank you. I look forward to drinking both.
12/25/20, 12:25 PM - When did the style change, and in what way did the style change? Dominique Petit, previously at Krug for 20+ years, vinified every vintage from 1999-2017 before retiring during April 2018. Nothing from 2018 vintage under the current Chef de Cave has been released including the Brut Reseve White Foil, which is now built on a Base Vintage with four years, or more, of age.
12/25/20, 2:36 PM - Thank you for your response. So, do you think Pol Roger is holding back the wine longer, so that the wine is ready at release? Or, do you think the winemaking is less competent, or the fruit sources are inferior, etc. compared to a previous era? The Brut Vintage is typically released 7-8 years from from harvest, which is longer time en tirage and in bottle prior to release than many houses. So, in theory, the wine is being aged in advance for Consumer. You seemed to indicate that the Brut 2008 Magnum reminded you of the past, which you seemingly deem superior. As we all know, maturity moves slower, and apogee is arguably greater, for champagne in Magnum. Maybe buying Pol Roger in Magnum only is the path forward for you.
12/26/20, 11:04 AM - Thank you for your response. We drank Brut Rose 2008 on Christmas Day just to check in on your hypothesis, and Brut Rose 2008 was in great shape and will drink well through the decade depending on the Consumer’s affinity and experience with developing character. Pol Roger uses no oak. The winemaking process is anaerobic and reductive. Bollinger raises wine in barrel, so the elevage at the least is aerobic and encourages oxygen. Bottles of Pol Roger BdB 2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, & 2012 have all been in fantastic shape over the last few years as have the same Sir Winston Churchill vintages through 2008. I have not tasted 2009. In fact, your comments are compelling me to open BdB 2002 for NYE or NY Day.I am simply amazed how different our experiences have been. If anything the general consensus has been higher quality and more consistency this century during the Dominique Petit era. Maybe Climate Change is producing fruit with higher pH and lower acidity and less phenolic material, although this would seemingly affect all Producers.
12/29/20, 11:36 AM - I will say Hallelujah and Happy Holidays!
11/1/20, 7:45 PM - I have many B-S ‘14s in cellar. Have not tasted a ‘14 from B-S in roughly 14-15 months, but my general impression of ‘14s tasted prior is the wines were picked slightly earlier than phenolic maturity. Remember, Faiveley purchased during July 2014, so ‘14 is debut vintage chez Faiveley. So, my hope was wines would round out with time, but they may stay on the leaner side for the duration.
10/27/20, 8:38 PM - I have a 1.5L. If you had(have) a 1.5L, how much time, if any, would you give prior to opening? Thank you.
10/27/20, 9:20 PM - Thank you for feedback. As you know the Barthod 1.5Ls do not grow on trees in regards to availability in USA. I shared a Baudes ‘07 1.5L at a larger gathering a year or 2 ago(not La Paulee), and, as is always the case, I enjoyed (only) 3 ounces relatively quickly. That being said, 2007, in general, has seemingly always been accessible. Thus, you have just talked me into being open to sooner than later. Thank you very much.
10/27/20, 8:33 PM - Primarily, if not exclusively, from vineyards North of the Village closer to Vosne-Romanee.
10/13/20, 2:33 AM - The 2009, which is the debut vintage after obtaining the parcel from the Louis Remy estate, is still available in 1.5L at Vintry Fine Wines in NYC. The wine is from the collection of Harry Poulakakos whose son owns the store. Mr. Poulakakos is good friend’s with Yves Confuron, winemaker at Confuron-Cotetidot, and brought in the wine direct prior to Polaner Selections being the authorized importer in NY. Harry Poulakakos owns the legendary Harry’s Cafe & Steak and 20+ other restaurants in NYC. His wine collection is legendary.
10/8/20, 8:36 PM - Interesting perspective regarding you get what you pay for sentiment. I have(had) been going long with Trapet Chambertin for a string of vintages(prices have increased for the most recent vintages) because, as you say, based on the holdings, farming, and winemaking in relation to price the wine seemed to be a steal. Will be interesting to taste side by side with Rousseau sometime during the next decade and see how Trapet fares.
9/27/20, 12:04 PM - Thanks for the detailed note and perspective in relation to Brunate. Retail Merchants have mentioned that the demand for the Brunate far exceeds Tre Tine. And I understand that Brunate may ultimately be the more impressive wine. However, the style of the Tre Tine, using your Burgundy reference as an example, is so singular that I am surprised Consumers would not equally appreciate the Tre Tine and at a lower cost than Brunate.
9/26/20, 9:56 AM - Thank you for the note. The “guarded” character you reference for this 2008 could be attributed to the vintage character not being as generous, lush, in general, as much as Faiveley style at the time. The Faiveley style was already evolving; tasting 2007 versus 2006 is a stark contrast in style evolution, for example. Virtually the entire elevage regime, including cooperage being replaced, significantly changed between 2008 and 2006. Of course, the generosity of the 2009 vintage, in general, accentuated the evolution chez Faiveley and is widely considered the vintage when the Global Market took notice of Faiveley evolution. This is at least partially corroborated by Tanzer rating Corton Clos des Corton-Faiveley 2009 his wine of the vintage. I look forward to opening the NSG LSG is the coming years.
9/26/20, 10:52 AM - Understood. I look forward to checking on bottles in the coming years. Interesting that Tanzer believes the wine “transcends its village”: “Palish medium red. Medicinal red cherry, minerals, crushed stone, violet, rose petal and white pepper on the noble nose. Wonderfully silky and pure, with ineffable flavors of red fruits, spices, flowers and minerals. This is wonderfully delicate, and not a fleshy wine, yet saturates every square millimeter of the palate with flavor. The long, sweet, rising finish offers terrific cut and floral lift. Should make a worthy successor to the outstanding 2007, which also transcends its village. Hervet says that this will be bottled by hand, without filtration.”
9/26/20, 11:25 AM - Interesting perspective. I will say that around 2012/2013 vintage Erwan Faiveley commented that arguably the Faiveley evolution had been pushed to the limit, and style was going to be reigned back it in hopes of achieving the optimal synergy of the old and new style. And, regarding Burgundy 2012 vintage, in general, I have not tasted enough Village, 1er Cru & GC recently to have command of wine evolution. However, I will say that for the Regional reds, i.e. Bourgogne Rouge, I have not been as smitten with them, in general, as the vintage hype was at release. Good wines, but not in the league of say 2010 for me.
Thanks for letting us know about this problem. We will review your comments and be in touch soon with an update.
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