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Champagnes of Montagne de Reims

Hi-Time Wine Cellars - Costa Mesa, CA

Tasted September 5, 2015 by Paul Lin with 541 views

Introduction

The wines here were presented roughly in order of light to heavy, although given the dominance of Pinot Noir in this region, none of lightest wines could ever be mistaken as a Blanc de Blanc. Generally speaking, you won't find any lemon notes in these wines, and only one, the Vesselle, had any citrus. Moreover, only the Coutier showed green apple, as most of the wines displayed pear and red apple notes. Many of the wines, however, showed terrific minerality, with helped to balance out their richness and weight. My two favorite wines were the 2008 Andre Clouet and 2007 Henri Billiot, but for different reasons. The Clouet had purity and finesse while the Billiot had power. But both are terrific examples of what the region offers.

Flight 1 (10 notes)

White - Sparkling
N.V. René-Henri Coutier Champagne Grand Cru Tradition Brut France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
84 points
Green apple and bread dough on the nose. Soft, round, and ripe on the palate. Herbal notes of of nectarine and pear on the palate. Decent but not very exciting.
White - Sparkling
N.V. Maurice Vesselle Champagne Brut Cuvée Réservée France, Champagne
87 points
Crushed rocks, candied ginger, soft cheese, and asian pear on the nose. Soft, supple, and creamy palate. Tangy notes of apple pie, asian pear, nectarine, and Sweetarts. Good wine but kind of a muddled finished.
White - Sparkling
2008 André Clouet Champagne Brut Millésimé France, Champagne
91 points
Clean, pure, and refined. Subtle nose of Asian pear, ginger, white flowers, chalk, and, with air, nougat. Racy, steely, and focused on the palate. Notes of crushed minerals, asian pear, and jicama. A touch of salinity on the finish. Terrific wine.
White - Sparkling
2008 Camille Savès Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
89 points
White strawberries, fresh apricot, mint, and with air, bread dough, on the nose. Opulent and expressive, this fruity wine hits all the corners of your mouth. Long, expansive finish, with a touch of unnecessary sweetness.
White - Sparkling
2008 Jean Lallement Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
85 points
Red apples, pears, and brioche on the nose. Creamy but simple notes of asian pear, crushed minerals, and saline on the palate. A touch of red berries on the finish. Well made, but a little boring.
White - Sparkling
N.V. Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Tradition Brut France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
88 points
This is what you want in a NV Champagne. Brioche and white flowers on the nose. Peach, almonds, custard, and straw on the palate. Focused and precise. Good energy. Terrific finish.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White - Sparkling
2005 Jean Vesselle Champagne Grand Cru Brut Prestige France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
87 points
Pungent nose of funky soft cheese, dried herbs, and bread dough. The palate is better with full and ripe grapefruit and nectarines notes. Finishes crisp. An interesting wine.
White - Sparkling
2009 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grand Cellier d'Or France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
88 points
Gobs of white flowers and bread dough on the nose. Expansive notes of asian pear, jicama, nectarines, crushed minerals on the palate. Clean and crisp. Saline-edged finish.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White - Sparkling
2007 H. Billiot Fils Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
92 points
Pear, red apple, crushed minerals, and brioche on the nose. Intense and concentrated, this is a big, powerful wine. Yet as big and burly as it is, it has great energy and does not overwhelm the palate. In fact, I couldn't stop drinking it. Great wine, and probably my WOTN (although the more refined Clouet was a close second). 91-92 points.
1 person found this helpful Comments (1)
White - Sparkling
N.V. Eric Rodez Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée des Grands Vintages France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
75 points
I really did not really care for this wine. Too oxidized and sour for me. Tasted more like a sour beer than a wine.
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