April 19, 2024 - It's hard to say this has ever been in a bad place, but it's showing especially well at the moment. A hasty pop 'n' pour did first present the wine in a stern and angular light, but that softened immensely in a Zalto Bordeaux glass. Soon we were in the land of blooming citrus and meadows of white flower with an almost smoky savoriness.
This is landing more than ever like white Burgundy with bubbles; I confess to feeling a certain kinship here with a recent 2018 Raveneau Blanchot (Cedric Bouchard as value proposition!). More air continues to extend the finish and amplify the mouthwatering minerality.
Proof if needed--there's hardly an inopportune moment to open a Val Vilaine.
January 27, 2024 - Light yellow gold also, more on the beige side than the seleque partition
On the nose, raspberries, strawberries
Palate matches the nose
Hedonistic and innocent, like angels singing
Med+ finish
December 31, 2023 - Gaining density with time, a heft that grounds the youthful etherealness I recall. Rich lingering finish.
December 24, 2023 - Similar impressions as the last, and obviously I’m cracking these open way faster than I really should. Really enjoyable. Warm, fuzzy and enveloping nose. Sweet yellow orchard fruits, ripe stone fruits, yeasty and floral.
December 14, 2023 - Fathers’ wines in Burgundy theme.: Wow I previously thought that the ‘20 was rich but this was even more hedonistic and sweet. Pleasurable but more opulent than expected
November 17, 2023 - Val Vilaine Vertical; 11/17/2023-11/18/2023: Pear juice, so lacy. Super super pale compared to 20/21. Round and ripe but good acid and lovely mineral finish with some very light bitterness alongside the pear. Super clean and light. Probably time to start drinking these. And check in on the 18 too.
September 21, 2023 - Beautiful. Citrus, pear, yellow apple, green flowers, airy herbs, the merest hint of sweet nuttiness and honey. Lively and fruity on the palate, multidimensional citrus and orchard fruits, gorgeous deep texture on a medium-bodied frame, there's so much going on, but freshness is the theme. Long and vivacious.
August 29, 2023 - Not quite ready for prime time, but gearing up to be spectacular with a little more bottle age. Nice creamy richness with the laserlike acidity that you come to expect from bouchard. This may be my favorite VV.
August 15, 2023 - Best bottle yet. Feels like this is starting to enter a really great phase.
August 1, 2023 - Light gold. Broad, expansive bouquet as it warms up. Honey, peach, bruised apples, lemon tart and nuts. I’m quite surprised at how well this is showing right now, and wouldn’t hesitate to open another - although the right thing to do is to probably wait a couple more years.