Grower Champagnes with Duck

This was a very nice evening. I learned about some tasty champagnes at reasonable price points and found a few I'd seek out. Great to see the "regulars" and to have three new folks join the group. PDH was fantastic, of course.

• NV Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Cuis

  France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

  Citrus fruit on the palate, yeast on the nose but not too much. Nice, but not impressive. I own a bottle of this but there was better tonight. OK.

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• 2002 Jose Dhondt Champagne Grand Cru Mes Vieilles Vignes Blanc de Blancs

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  Really nice. My best of the evening. Nutty and citrus on the nose and palate. This was complex and I would have liked to contemplate a bottle of this across an evening. Again, very nice.

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• NV Egly-Ouriet Champagne Premier Cru Les Vignes de Vrigny

  France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

  I got saline here, something sandy and beach like. I likened it to those fresh smells at a spa (in the best way) but not a great champagne.

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• NV Camille Savès Champagne Premier Cru Brut Carte Blanche

  France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

  This was nice. It started of simple but gained interest. At first, it was sweet and fruity but became more comples. Tasty.

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• 2002 Apollonis (Michel Loriot) Champagne Extra Brut

  France, Champagne

  I hope some one will confirm that this is the correct designation for this bottle. It was terribly dry and was the first one to show its alcohol. Not for me.

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• NV A. Margaine Champagne Premier Cru Brut Rosé

  France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

  This was very nice. A bit introverted, at first, on the nose and then opening up to something more expressive with just a little time. Really enjoyable. Great acid and fresh. Nice.

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• NV Moutard Père et Fils Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée

  France, Champagne

  The most effervescent on the table. I really liked it. Came back to it a number of times. Will remember it for future purchases.

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• NV Guy Larmandier Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Cramant

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  No notes. Remember that it was enjoyable, but that's it.

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• 2002 H. Billiot Fils Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  I'll ask someone to verify this is the correct name of the bottle. In any case, this was jampacked with yeast, very full-bodied. Not great, but interesting because it was a more full bodied wine than the others. OK-

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• NV A. Margaine Champagne Demi Sec Traditionelle

  France, Champagne

  This was very, very good. I would not have know it was demi sec had the label not said so. It was not nearly as sweet as a Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec or something in that style. Clean, fresh, almonds, with just a bit of sweetness. Very nice.

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