5/29/2022 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Similar notes to my last tasting. Quite overt fruit for a Roederer, even a rosé, but perhaps not quite as intense this time. Excellent as an aperitif right now but this will likely shut down hard within the next year and demand at least another 5 in the cellar. Either drink immediately or hold.

5/29/2022 - OhPorto wrote:

2012 base. Strongly suspect some cork taint, as there was virtually no fruit, a heavily muted nose, and only a hint of buttered toast on the palate. Francis, like most growers, has a fair degree of bottle variation so until I taste another one of my bottles I won’t be able to say for sure. Disappointing and hoping for better luck on the rest of my bottles.

5/29/2022 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Drank at large dinner; as advertised, this was an excellent food wine. A bit more supple than one might expect from a baby BdB from the Cote, likely due to the generous portion from Cramant (over 40%). Creamy yet saline, not super complex but not a simpleton either. Held up to a veal chop beautifully, and the lower pressure is always appreciated with food. Great showing for a wine disgorged less than 8 months ago, this should add a point, maybe two, with more time on cork.

4/16/2022 - OhPorto Does not like this wine:

Tasted with friends. In short, I'm not sure I understand the average score here beyond the obvious (it's the 2008 from Krug). This is a short wine with high acidity and little overt fruit. There are some enjoyable bready flavors from the long lees aging, and some tense citrus, but that's about all I can say in its favor right now. I have to wonder whether they waited too long to disgorge these. This simply isn't drinking well right now, like a wine that has totally shut down. While nearly everyone seems to assume this will age like a champ, I'm less convinced. It may blossom into a true champion in the end - but it will need to really "blossom" in order to balance out this much acidity, and it seems to lack the extract for that. A major disappointment.

9/14/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Disgorged 10/2019. Definitely oxidative but not overly so, lovely orchard fruits and baked apple with underlying autolysis notes. Wonderful glycerol texture to this wine, aided by being bottled at a modest pressure. Its backbone of acidity makes this a fantastic and versatile food wine.

9/20/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

This Dom is already drinking great. Still quite primary but drinks so easily. Just delicious stuff. I didn’t really get as much of the yeastiness or smokiness you’d normally expect from a Dom, but this is will likely emerge with further age. My companion, who doesn’t usually care for reduction-oriented champagne, enjoyed this immensely. A real treat.

9/21/2021 - OhPorto wrote:

2016 disgorgement in clear glass bottle. Purchased from a retailer who claimed to have sourced from a high-end cellar recently. They had just appeared on the shelf, so I bought it despite them being under fluorescent lights. Good god was that a mistake, and I should’ve known better. Possibly the most light-struck champagne I’ve ever tasted - it was fermented cabbage on the nose and rotting garbage on the palate. The store’s clueless night-shift claimed it was fine, but I insisted and they did refund the bottle. I needed a bottle to bring back to the BYOB so selected another rosé champagne which I’d seen on the shelf for months that was just fine. Difference? Dark amber glass.

I generally avoid any clear-glass champagne at retail, but took a chance on this because it was mis-labeled as Tradition and so ~40% off. If producers insist on bottling in clear glass at this price point, they at least need to include some degree of protection like Ruinart’s sleeves. Making your bottles attractive for a retail setting is useless if they can’t be displayed without ruining them.

A producer in such high demand and of such repute as Francis Egly should know better and bottle this properly. Long story short - only buy this by the case or from stock stored therein.

9/24/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

A nice, easy drinking wine with classic rosé champagne notes, predominately red fruits with a little doughy toast. A tad sweet as is usual for this wine. This was a backup choice at dinner when a bottle of Egly-Ouriet rosé was lightstruck all to hell, so this wasn’t properly chilled until the second glass. Still didn’t quite have the backbone to stand up to our orders, so for me this remains strictly in the aperitif category. Not great QPR, though props to the maison for keeping their rosé in dark glass - at least you can buy off the shelf with some degree of confidence.

9/24/2021 - OhPorto wrote:

A patio wine, quite drinkable, not much complexity, ripe red fruits. Better than many similarly priced rosés, though I’d only recommend if you enjoy that style.

9/22/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Now in its prime drinking window, this offers refined melon, pear, wet stone, and hints of citrus on both the nose and the palate. It doesn’t have quite have the salinity of a 100% CdB blanc de blanc, but it’s racy enough. Acidity is balanced and well integrated at this point. Paired perfectly with jumbo lump crab; this could be enjoyed as an aperitif but will shine most with seafood served simply.

Will probably hold off my remaining bottles for another year - if you prefer your champs with more tertiary notes you’ll need to wait a few more years.

7/26/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Scrummy stuff already. Two bottles about a week apart were obviously young but still surprisingly accessible - crunchy red fruit carried by a firm yet balanced acidity. Gets even better once some of the fizz has burned off (would know fact make a sensational still rosé). Not the most complex wine right now, and I suspect this will shut down eventually for a while. But for now very tasty and like much vintage Roederer a solid QPR for champagne.

5/1/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Fantastic QPR for the quality here.

5/1/2021 - OhPorto Does not like this wine:

This is an extra-brut that still manages to taste too sweet. Otherwise it’s pretty unremarkable and uninspired. Perhaps this wasn’t a good bottle, or it will need a couple years to come together, but right now I can’t recommend this.

5/1/2021 - OhPorto wrote:

Noticeably better than the blanc 2012, this is typical Moët style. It’s almost strawberry red from the high amount of red wine, that manages to add lively red fruits without any detectable tannins. While not as cloyingly sweet as the 2012 blanc, it still (somehow) tastes overdosed despite its extra-brut designation. Not bad, but will not be buying more.

5/2/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Surprisingly linear. In my opinion it was nowhere near ready to drink, and for now is about 91+. The red wine content is a whopping 20% and, while it’s less tannic than that number might suggest, they're certainly detectable. Will wait at least 5 years to open my other bottle. The tannins and acidity should allow this to age well into the next decade.

IMO the QPR is at best questionable; won’t be buying more. This has put a bit of a damper on my expectations for the 2008 DP rosé, but I expect it will nevertheless be a better value.

5/4/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

As soon as the glass reached my nose I knew I was in for a treat. Disgorged in July 2019, this is already fairly developed and drinking lovely. Nose and palate are typical Bolly with extra definition and power - orchard fruit, pears, with some ripe red fruits as well. Perhaps a slight touch of baking spices too. The lemony-zing acidity typical in 2012’s is already remarkably well integrated for such a young wine, making itself known without shouting down the rest of the fruit. While this will improve with a year or two, it’s basically ready to drink 18 months post disgorgement, long before the 08’s will be. Recommended.

5/2/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Disgorged 01/2019. Very similar in style to the NV rosé, but a definite step up. Much more supple and giving right now than the ‘08 is, though I think with less upside. That said, like most 2012’s the acidity is still somewhat linear and will likely integrate more. Could add a point or two in two years. QPR is just ok, though certainly better than the NV here in PA (where the vintage is only $10-15 more).

5/1/2021 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

This is just starting to come around. Pale salmon in color, still with vibrant acidity, crunchy red berries and a remarkably saline grip. This would drink well even as a still wine. Will continue to improve for 5+ years, and I’ll be waiting at least a year to open my next bottle. Once this starts to develop more secondary flavors it could easily add 2 or even 3 points. It can still be enjoyed now, just give it at least half an hour of air or a decant first. 92++

12/9/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Should be fantastic, but even by Krug's standards this will need time to come together. Even the half bottle aren't close.

11/30/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Still young, but the lime-like acidity is just integrated enough that it’s still a pleasure to drink. Some Krug-y notes of jellied fruit and hazelnuts. Richer and just as complex on day 2. This has great upside and could easily add 2-3 points after more time down. Can be drunk now, but should be very interesting come 2023/2024.

7/11/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Fair degree of bottle variability. At it's best 92, with outrageously delicious toast w/ red fruit jam. More typically a solid, tasty NV rose and a notch or two better than the other NV roses around the price point.

6/11/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Can be drunk now but will get better with another 2-3 years. 90+ on Day 1, 92+ on Day 2. Score is averaged.

7/1/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

From 375. I drink young port over days and so don't usually post tasting notes beyond a score, but I have to say this is a stellar wine. The tannins are of course gripping, but powdery and refined in a way I've never seen in such a young port. Concentrated, balanced, and just the right amount of sweetness. This will age magnificently. Score now is 95+. Of the major releases from 2017, the Taylor's is second only to the '17 Niepoort.

6/24/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

From 375. Excellent young Rieussec, rich - almost oily - with a perfect amount of botrytis and great balance. Excellent value.

7/19/2020 - OhPorto wrote:

Much better than the first bottle. The overpowering eucalyptus note was absent, the wine was a little riper, and overall a nice cool weather syrah.

7/8/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

A bit reserved at first, but opened in the glass a little. Typical Roederer refinement and precision. Nectarine, pear, with a prominent lemon zing on the finish. A hint of 2012 richness but not like some other cuvees. This has only just entered its drinking window. Left the stoppered bottle with a friend, who said it was appreciably better on day two and still enjoyable day three. Score is for day one, 91+.

7/8/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

This has tightened up considerably from when I last tasted it in February. Suspect this would've been better on the second day if any had made it that far. Still possessing elegant and refined red fruit with a citrus zing, this is an aperitif wine now but has the structure to age beautifully. I'm convinced this will become a great food wine, but it'll take at least another 2-3 years. If you open now try to give it plenty of air. Now 90+.

7/12/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Just starting to come into bloom now, with aromas of stone fruit and melon. The acidity is well balanced by Ruinart's "fleshier" palate, though this remains precise at all times. Dosage just right. Still a few years from its peak.
If your BdB's normally are 100% CdB, try this cuvee - 25% of its blend is sourced from Grand Cru villages in the Montagne de Reims.

2/22/2020 - OhPorto wrote:

Cork came out too easily (and actually fit back in without much trouble). First time trying this, but was clearly more oxidized than it should be given the age. Some cork taint likely too as fruit was very muted.

2/6/2020 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Elegant and precise.

12/24/2019 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Nose is fresh with modestly ripe fruit and nothing else. On the palate it is aptly described as a "fruit bomb" - almost like sparkling fruit juice. Pineapple and peach, with some ripe red apple. It's not too saccharine, either. Overripe by champagne standards, but this isn't champagne! I suspect it's 2019 Top 5 is due more to this wine's merit relative to other Cali sparklers or, for that matter, similarly-priced champagnes. If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser under $50, this is a good bet. This isn't a 95 or 97(!) point wine, but it's a very good value.

12/26/2019 - OhPorto wrote:

If powerful cool-climate syrah is your thing you'll probably dig this. Strong, almost overpowering hit of eucalyptus on the nose (almost like drinking wine in a freshly cleaned steam bath), with a nice herbaceous undercurrent only teasing a hint of fruit. The fruit is a little more evident on the palate but not much, the dominant notes being those of the nose. I got this on sale for $32, which I guess is fair. Finish bitter enough I'm tempted to say "aspirin-y." Tannins polished and well integrated. Not a huge fan but I'll reevaluate my other bottle in a year or so.

12/26/2019 - OhPorto Does not like this wine:

Garnet trending towards brickish color. Cork stained about 1/5th through. Got a hit a freshness as it came out, which never made it to the glass. Tertiary, with a medicinal aftertaste. Just plain tired and past its prime. Withholding rating since this could very well be premoxed due to cork.

12/14/2019 - OhPorto wrote:

I love the Ruinart BdB but I found this underwhelming. Flavors correspond with other notes here. Not bad, per se, but generic and somewhat tinny like many Cali sparklers. Even with PA's under-market price this doesn't deliver enough QPR to warrant buying more. Cork suggests a 2019 disgorgement, making the likely base 2016. With only ~20% reserve wine, Ruinart's refusal to give more info is especially frustrating. Unfortunately I gifted a full bottle to a special someone before trying - lesson learned.

12/14/2019 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Disgorged 2017. Nose is a nice balance of ripe pit-fruit, chalk, and autolysis. The palate begins with a nice tang of acidity that immediately opens on the mid palate into delightful pineapple, apple, and even a little "tropical fruit". Very well integrated dosage. I wasn't sure what to expect given the clear bottle was purchased off the shelf unboxed and on sale, but I lucked out as this wasn't lightstruck at all and exceeded expectations.

12/14/2019 - OhPorto wrote:

Half bottle; served in a flute. The nose is muted to the point of being barely detectable. I doubt proper stemware will entirely eliminate that. Palate is lovely, with succulent red fruit front and center. It is somewhat too sweet, most detectable on the finish which leaves the wine rather short. Easy drinking. Overall a nice NV at mediocre QPR, but definitely a safe-bet to please a crowd.

12/14/2019 - OhPorto wrote:

Clear and bright nose of green apple and under-ripe pit fruit. Palate is very acidic and direct, without enough depth or complexity to support it. It also tastes over-dosed at just under 8 g/l; I can't say whether that's the product of over-dosing or actually under-dosing, but the sweetness stands out distinctly. Recommend pairing this with a meal. Hoping my last bottle will unravel a bit with time, but I won't be buying any more.

12/12/2019 - OhPorto wrote:

Nice for a Cali sparkling wine. Still with the tinny, flat austerity I find characterizes domestic sparklers. Cork ejected itself right after muzzle was removed, so use caution.

12/6/2019 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

From half-bottle, somewhat more acidity and greater Chard presence than usual for GC, which I quite enjoyed. Mousse was rich, open, and with just the right amount of oxidative character. I’d put off opening a full bottle for at least a year.

11/27/2019 - OhPorto wrote:

Good fruit on first day, but even under argon it was gone by day 2, only a dusty nose and dull palate left thereafter. On day 1 this was 89 points, the score reflects the drop-off which I consider unacceptable for LBV.

11/12/2019 - OhPorto Likes this wine:

Surprisingly restrained fruit for such a young VP, with huge tannins that grip your tongue for nearly a minute. Despite that power, it hints at its future complexity, with hints of coffee and aromatic bitters. By day three this became richer and even more powerful but mostly shut down - tannins barely softened at all. A knockout built for the long haul.
Word to the wise though, buy with care and keep them in a case away from UV and blue-spectrum lighting. Niepoort uses much thinner and less opaque glass than the major houses. Rather shortsighted for such a wine. Otherwise this wine is a refined rock-star.