Champagneinhand

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• Danthejuiceman says:

  6/6/2019 2:58:00 AM - Thanks for the tip. The wines appear difficult to locate. Did you purchase them in the U.S.? Love the grape in New World blends, reins in the sweetness.

• Homer Holland says:

  9/7/2018 10:36:00 AM - And of course I like Champagne very much too.

• Homer Holland says:

  9/7/2018 10:35:00 AM - I learned about through ��Skiver81��

• Champagneinhand says:

  6/29/2018 4:26:00 PM - I usually pull the cork the morning of, and pour a glass then keep it in a cool dim area. It all depends on if it’s shut down or not. Many of my reds don’t get opened for 10 years or more after vintage. Some even 15-20+.

• Champagneinhand says:

  11/4/2017 10:20:00 PM - Thanks so much for the advice Al. I need to drink the 1996 Cos. Perhaps for my birthday coming up. I’ve been holding it hoping for that perfect bottle. Cos and Montrose both drink so well after 20 in appropriate vintages.

• Cathair Chaladinn says:

  11/4/2017 6:51:00 PM - Thanks for the advice Champagneinhand with wine you are always learning. I generally always drink wine with food that way I appreciate it more. I have spent a bucket load of money on the 14, 15 & 16 Bordeaux vintages some for drinking and others for investment its a fun thing to do !! Had lunch today with a friend I brought back some wines from my cellar in Scotland what a great place to store wine !! Anyhow I drank a 1996 Cos d' Estournel it was the business !! A more modest wine tomorrow night with friends a 2012 Ch Smith Haut Lafite Rouge supposedly given the vintage a solid effort. Best wishes,

• Burgundy Al says:

  11/3/2017 3:05:00 PM - Champ, Based on my experience with DRC 2008 Echezeaux and the same wine from other vintages, I don't think the wine is quite in its peak drinking window yet, and estimated that peak to be 2020-2040. Hope this helps.

• chatters says:

  8/23/2016 4:20:00 PM - I thought it might be nicer to take this away from the tasting note...but I've got to say I concur entirely with your Burgundy as the Road to Bankruptcy! For an even cheaper Bordeaux everyday drinker I'm a sucker for Ch. Sénéjac. Oh and the grass is always greener (as green as my jealousy anyway) as we simply see only the tiniest tip of North American wine here and that it is at the most prohibitive pricing...such a shame. cheers, chatters

• TheDarkPrince says:

  6/1/2016 10:58:00 PM - Champers - Not sure that this is appropriate, but I'm on Delectable now. Much better experience on many levels. Give it a try. TheDarkPrince, aka Ron R on Delectable (download from the Apple app store or Google Play).

• Champagneinhand says:

  5/17/2016 9:30:00 PM - Tog, like so many great Tuscans, especially Sangiovese based and Brunello, Barolo, Taurasi, Amarone and more taste so wonderful with a serious amount of patience. Truly the best way to see and taste what really goes in to almost 2000 years of wine making.

• capacious says:

  5/10/2016 7:29:00 PM - Thanks for the encouragement on Tig. But I have never been able to wait 20 years. So now, I will be on the lookout. Look forward to fulfilling your prediction

• Champagneinhand says:

  9/11/2015 3:46:00 PM - Some really interesting red dessert wines from the Piedimonte and Verona areas of Italy. I am not a huge Port fan, but have enjoyed some Tawny and really like Maury from the Languedoc/Roussillon area of France. The higher ABV dessert red wines that are under 19%, even if fortified are more my speed, compared with the 22+% ABV that separates to clear liquor and red aged fruit. I like the aded complexity of Chinato Barolo, as they have such a fascinating bouquet, I really think these wines are made more for smiling and then drinking is an afterthought with anything including cocoa or spices. Good stuff

• empire80 says:

  9/10/2015 3:04:00 PM - Thanks for your comment on my note. I had forgotten about that wine - we had it during a holiday in Rome - happy memories!

• Champagneinhand says:

  2/12/2015 6:32:00 PM - We bought wines at a large wine shop, but had decent luck with Mexican wines from the Baja. They were basic at best, but we had a lot more luck finding Chilean and Argentine white and reds. There was some American stuff and Spanish whites and reds. Best of luck, try asking any of the concierge at local hotels. I think thats how we found several good shops in cancun and Playa del Carmen

• Tim and Bonnie says:

  2/12/2015 12:26:00 PM - We know a couple of solid Mexican producers in the US like Mi Sueno, but none actually in Mexico. Any recommendations on good red and white Mexican wine?

• darrenhe says:

  12/31/2014 10:51:00 AM - Thanks for your comments on my Tigianello 2004 tasting note. I drink a great deal of Italian wines and normally love Chianti Classico, Brunello and other Tuscan blended wines. Also love Aglianico - mainly Taurasi - as we holiday in the region quite often. Actually got the Tig from a wine shop in Alamfi so may have been something to do with storage? Still have a few vintages of Sassicaia and Ornellaia and do feel the other wines from these estates offer better drinking and value than Tig (on this showing). I know other people rave about Tig so this was why I was so disappointed. Thanks again for the note!

• Bryder says:

  12/18/2014 10:16:00 PM - Thank you! Not too proud of my early notes, but I feel like I've learned a lot about structure and method from reading your notes and others'. Looking forward to sharing more tasting experiences!

• Champagneinhand says:

  11/17/2014 6:23:00 PM - Patience has not always been one of my virtues either. Wine, vines, seasons, vintages and getting older have forced it upon me as well as regret. Don't ever sell your Chateau Margaux if you bought it for a reasonable price. I think of the few hundred dollars I have made from auctions, minus when I had planned a trip... I don't think anybody is really born with patience, but I think one per year for awhile sounds as reasonable a plan as anybody could hope fore. Enjoy!

• danielk168 says:

  11/17/2014 5:31:00 PM - patience..............not one of my virtues unfortunately, how about one per a year?

• BenBlu says:

  9/2/2014 6:42:00 AM - Hello Champagneinhand, thank you very much for your comment. I will look out for the Talbot as per your recommendation. You recommend the 2011, any view on the 2010. I can see price point for 2010 at about 30% premium to the 2011 - any view on 2010 vs 2011 for Talbot? BTW I noticed looking at your cellar that our inventory has a fair bit of overlap. Out of curiosity have you tasted champagnes from Cedric Bouchard before, I would be curious to hear your views?

• Wine_lvr says:

  4/13/2014 12:15:00 PM - Thanks for your note on the Veuve Grand Dame 1998. I agree with you waiting for the secondary notes of mature Champagne is quite an experience. I love the salty and caramelly taste of old Grande Dames...just amazing. If you have the chance try to get your hands on the 1989 Veuve Cliquot Trillenium Reserve...one of my top Cuvees I have tasted so far.

• frebro says:

  4/11/2014 5:44:00 AM - Re your question on Vilmart's Grand Cellier - I think this was the most recent disgorgement. Vintages 2009, -10 and -11 if I remember correctly.. .. Anyway- I ordered some from the same batch and will be happy to tell you as soon as they're delivered. Also had a Grand cellier from ca 1990 -at the same tasting - it was so old that the winemaker himself didn't seem too sure about the date. 20+ yeaars of cellaring had done nothing to numb the attack, really very fresh and a whole lot of aromas that were absent from the younger wine. I guess my kids will enjoy the bottlkes I ordered...

• Champagneinhand says:

  2/27/2014 3:52:00 PM - Yes much time has been spent at Century. I have done many of the wine seminars, and purchased a lot of Bordeaux on futures from Sherwood. It isn't the same as he is rarely there these days. I do enjoy much of the staff. The prices have gone up on the good wines to cover losses in the $6 wine and liquors. still it remains one of my local spots, along with Marketview and Whitehouse when in the area.

• epiphany says:

  2/27/2014 3:43:00 PM - Noticed you reside near Rochester. I assume you have spent some time at Century then?

• Perthor01 says:

  2/15/2014 5:27:00 AM - Thanks for your comments on haut bergey - I actually have a case of Le Thil in red in the 2010 vintage - not tasted yet.....the 2010s I have had so far are great and I agree completely that they will get much better in time - and hopefully the typicity of the individual wines shine more through kind regards Per

• Clos & Cru says:

  1/16/2014 4:39:00 AM - Hello and thanks for comment on my board. Sorry have not replied earlier, have been so busy setting up my own champagne business. I am very pleased you like my personal collection. Lately been attending lots of amazing tastings just did not had time to put them on cellar tracker. The highlight was Mag 1979 Goisses, mind blowing Champagne. All the best, Martyn

• LightDancer says:

  12/17/2013 8:34:00 PM - Thanks for your comment to my note (LightDancer). Seems that we have similar tastes! Best regards, Don

• Champagneinhand says:

  12/16/2013 2:54:00 PM - I'll keep an eye out for the Barrister. Thanks for the note. :-)

• Motz says:

  12/16/2013 1:32:00 PM - Hello Champagneinhand, I know from reading your notes that you appreciate Red Moutnain wines. Barrister has released a stunner, comprised mostly of Tapteil fruit, in their 2010 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. It is priced under $40, and therefore a ridiculous value. Cheers!

• Yiannis says:

  11/12/2013 12:16:00 AM - Thanks for your comments. It seems that wines with cabernet franc in their blend have a strange appeal to me. Two months ago I got enthused for a South African red, Boekenhoutskloof Journeyman (a limited release) for which I was told it was a cab sauv/syrah blend. It finally turned out to be a cabernet franc dominated blend. Concerning my dream wines, after having tasted the 1947 Vieux Chateau Certan (my only perfect scorer to date) I should add to my list some very old Bordeaux vintages mainly from the 1940's like the legendary 1947 Cheval Blanc or the 1945 Mouton. Unfortunately your friend who owns the 1989 Haut Brions is probably far away from where I live.

• Mr Squiggles says:

  11/6/2013 7:00:00 AM - WRT your comment on my tasting note on Moet & Chandon 2004: Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Champaneinhand. I think you may have hit upon a very relevant point namely this champagne is still several years off its prime drinking potential. Tight and lemony indeed. The score arises from the CellarTracker Wine Rating Assistant where 70-79 marks a wine that is ‘below average to average’, and 80-85 is ‘good’. I couldn’t in all honesty put it in that higher category. I do rail at my perception of the uniformity of Grande Marque houses (although I profess a weakness for a toasty Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut). For choice, the smaller houses of Joly and Devaux are more to my taste. I just find their champagnes more flavoursome, often with less weighting on the chardonnay and more creative use of meunier.

• Champagneinhand says:

  11/3/2013 4:53:00 PM - I've had Pol Roger 2002 last december, but it was pretty tight. Should last a good long while, though many of the class of 2002 is aging quicker than many people have thought. It may be like White Burgundy an premox at earlier ages, due to less amounts of wine sulfur and most champagne isn't aged still wine in oak, though Krug and some others are still oak aged first. Pol Roger is a great house and been at this a long time so I wouldn't worry about buying at a good price.

• Rogershkg says:

  11/3/2013 2:38:00 AM - Thanks for the message. What is your take on Pol Roger 2002?

• Champagneinhand says:

  10/20/2013 9:00:00 PM - I am looking forward to one. The are rumblings on the forum of a NYC feb rendezvous. Gotta figure out the details, but it could be a 2 day thing. That would be really fun. I gotta look a train schedules, but some good wines is the theme.

• TheDarkPrince says:

  10/20/2013 5:23:00 PM - Champers, Lets get a NY tasting going. I'm game! Who wants some??? :0)

• Champagneinhand says:

  10/3/2013 1:21:00 PM - The 2004 Galatrona is drinking very nicely. Spectator gave it 98 points and actually had a nice review many years back. The 2003 is still hard as nails. The 2006 is still needing a lengthy nap in the cellar. Redgaffi is a wonderful wine, but all of Tua-Rita's wine seem great to be from the high end to the low end. Guisto d'Notri is awesome.

• Bam_Man says:

  10/3/2013 12:38:00 PM - I do need to give the Galatrona a try. I'm a big fan of their Torrione, and have lots of it in my cellar. A fantastic Sangiovese year in and year out. WS just rated the 2010 Masseto at 95 points - but at $500 a pop, that is not a lot of bang for the buck.

• Champagneinhand says:

  7/14/2013 9:03:00 PM - Love the white grape stickies. Sauternes id up there at the top with Alsace SGN, Tokaji Essencia, German Riesling TBA and Huet cuvee Constance. I have a few of the red sweet wines, but they just aren't the same. Sauternes just get so much better over time, they don't even taste uber sweet. Great stuff!

• cephomer says:

  7/14/2013 5:02:00 PM - Hey, nice to meet you. I saw your comment on my 2000 Poyferre last month. I was a bit disappointed, but I hear what you're saying. I have a lot of it--bought a case very early on--so I'm hoping it improves with age. I too am a big fan of Barton & Las Cases. I checked your cellar briefly, & we definitely like many similar wines. I noticed you like Sauternes. Very cool. I don't meet many Americans that do. I have quite a few in my cellar. Hey, stay in touch. I'll be watching what you drink.

• Champagneinhand says:

  7/7/2013 9:04:00 AM - I just ordered some Occultum for 2011. I didn't grab any from '09 or '10, as they were offered as a 2 case package, and I thought the price was too high/ not enough cellar room. I do wish I had purchased some of the 2010. I have been told that there wasn't enough difference between the 2 to justify the cost/shipping. Same has been said about Pegau Cuvve Laurence compared to Cuvee Reservee. I still wish to find that out myself too.

• Pour Boy says:

  7/7/2013 8:25:00 AM - To Champagneinhand: Saw your comment re the Chapoutier 2010 Bila-Haut. Have you tried the Occultum, also from his Languedoc Rousillon vineyards?

• Champagneinhand says:

  6/17/2013 6:10:00 PM - The 2009 La Tour De Mons has right stuff to come out really nice in 2-3 years. I drank one to compare vs. the 2005. I just couldn't think of a fair score as it was very primary. I would have said it has 92-93 potential, but many times I won't rate until the wine is in a proper drinking window. You're right about Cancnuck border officials. Occasionally they are fine as long as you don't push it. You can always say you are staying longer.

• TheDarkPrince says:

  6/17/2013 5:14:00 PM - Those canucks and their restrictions around wine! You can take two bottles, or else! I just bought a couple bottles of La Tour de Mons. Excellent juice. I see you have quite a stash in your cellar. Why didn't you rate the wine? Cheers, Ronnie.

• Champagneinhand says:

  6/16/2013 5:18:00 PM - Just a small offline with the Toronto Wine Crew. '03 Bordeaux.

• TheDarkPrince says:

  6/16/2013 4:20:00 PM - Hi Champagneinhand, I think it depends how you prefer your wines. Personally, I prefer the more youthful style, where structure, tannins and grip are prominent. These elements tend to relax with air too. The Cantemerle (subject to vintage) may be more approachable. As I recall, this wine is a more softer style of Bordeaux. Very happy to assist with any tastings if you are still struggling! What's going on in Toronto?? :0)

• Jamie Manley says:

  6/7/2013 10:07:00 AM - Climens is 100 Semillon, but pretty sure that Riussec contains some SB. Regardless, the wine is fantastic and reminded me a lot of 01 Rieussec. Cheers.

• Champagneinhand says:

  5/31/2013 5:00:00 PM - Life is short and brutal. Celebrate as often as you can with Champagne!

• MProbst says:

  5/31/2013 1:48:00 PM - Life is Short, Drink Champagne

• Wink says:

  5/14/2013 7:03:00 AM - Thanks for your message. I enjoyed perusing the wines in your cellar. It made me thirsty! I agree: we have a lot of common interests. I look forward to your notes on these wines. Cheers, Wink

• Champagneinhand says:

  4/17/2013 11:01:00 PM - I have had the Laurent Perrier, which needs some time to come around to its full potential. It is a good champagne with a enjoyable light style. I have also had the Gimonnet, at a champagne tasting. It was really tight, but very good for just having the cork popped. I would think 3-8 years of cellaring can't hurt these either. The Sovereign is open right now, and Henriot makes it almost every year. Good stuff. There Vintage Milliseme is really good too

• bestdamncab says:

  4/17/2013 10:40:00 PM - I added 3 bottles of NV Rene Geoffrey Rose de Saigne Premier Cru to my cellar, 3 bottles of 2002 Laurent Perrier brut Millisime, 2 half bottles of N.V. Henriot Souverain Brut, 1 bottle of N.V. Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes, 2 bottles of 2004 Pierre Gimonnet 1er Club Brut Special Club Please advise if you hav etasted any or all of these.

• bestdamncab says:

  4/15/2013 10:30:00 PM - I posted a note about the 2002 Cristal tasted on 4/9/2013.

• Champagneinhand says:

  4/4/2013 11:16:00 PM - I can't seem to find your conversation between thesternowl and yourself under current CT search modes. If you could PM me or just post on my message board a synopsis of the story. Love talking to thesternowl.

• bestdamncab says:

  4/4/2013 10:55:00 PM - suggest you read my comments between myself and the stern owl about old champagne.

• Champagneinhand says:

  3/11/2013 7:22:00 PM - Gladly!

• pilot360 says:

  3/11/2013 10:28:00 AM - hello Champagneinhand, great reading your notes. Oddly enough, even with my pilot handle, not in the business. (name of a favorite pet of mine!) If you ever make your way to Denver, be glad to open a few bottles. steve

• Champagneinhand says:

  3/3/2013 2:33:00 PM - Donnhoff always seems to be a great buy. I think I bought the Kabinett wines for around $20US. Pretty goood value for Donnhoff. I like that the wines of Nahe seem more full than most wines from the Mosel.

• chatters says:

  3/2/2013 12:12:00 AM - Hi there, thanks for your comment on my tasting note of the 2011 Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett - I concur and would add that I think that it will last for ages...

• Champagneinhand says:

  2/12/2013 2:47:00 PM - I definitely think Terradora is a quality producer, and I get high expectations as well. Taurasi, much like Barolo can be good young, but tends to get so much better with age. It takes the rough edges away to expose a beautiful wine. I wish we had more Taurasi available in our area, but all of the wine shops are reevaluating what they stock. Internet based retailers have hurt them on higher end wines, so the are stocking more daily drinkers, of which most are plonk.

• Blauweiss says:

  2/12/2013 6:47:00 AM - I agree regarding my tasting note, young Taurasi can often come out as a bit "hard". I will try the same wine again, but allow it to breathe for a bit, and serve proper food. Taurasi, and Terredora, are favorites of mine, so I tend to have high expectations.

• Champagneinhand says:

  1/17/2013 9:35:00 AM - That is a definite on 2006. Especially Leoville Barton and the same might go for all of St. Julien as Poyferre seems to be in the same boat for the 2006 vintage. I think '06 will be a lot like '98, but taste a bit better, however having the same tannic base with a touch more oak. Barton is my perennial favorite of the commune. The Leoville is always stuffed with more black fruit and more complexity, and Langoa a bit more supple, feminine red fruit and elegant. The best of both worlds a decent price point. Big fan of Anthony Barton.

• jeffm_fla says:

  1/17/2013 6:22:00 AM - Thanks for your comments on the '06 Bordeaux. Leoville Barton has always been a favorite with my tasting group, so I will be sure to pass them along. So now we just need to be patient... Cheers! Jeff

• J.L. says:

  1/6/2013 10:21:00 AM - Cheers from WA!