CNY Day 1 late night at home with neighbourhood friends. Drank in Gabriel Standart. Appearance is clear, pale intensity, lemon colour. Thin legs. Fast fading bubbles. Nose is clean, medium intensity, with aromas of pure minerals, chalk and stones, strong citrus lemon with good ripeness. Developing. On the palate, dry, lovely cutting high acidity, medium- alcohol (12.5%), medium body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of deep ripe and pure citrus lemon, limestone minerality, very slight oxidative tinge, and Mandarin orange and orange pulp with more air. Green apple and bruised yellow apple also. Medium to long vacillating finish. Very good quality. Lovely acidic cut and focused purity, and has most of what I want in a BdB. Excellent QPR. Disgorged Jan 2018. Dosage 2-4 g/l. 4014 bottles produced.
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Light yellow. Nose is fresh and citric, feels like it has seen oak. Crisp palate with some bakery spices. A bit to light for a higher score. Medium finish.
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Man, this is good bubbles for the money. Rich, ripe and intense with delicious flavors of yeasty bread, lemons and tart green apples. The finish is superbly complex with notes of minerals and brown spices. Just strikes the right cord and open and ready now.
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Informal dinner, no detailed notes taken. This is a pleasantly soft and round Champagne with fine mousse and a well-integrated acidity. I like the slight bakery, brioche Pleasantly soft, slightly briochy, soft and round and fine mousse, very nice to drink and invinting, well integrated acidity but overall quite simple. Maybe a few years of ageing will add a bit complexity and it could climb a bit higher.
Glass: Lehmann Grand Champagne
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100% Chardonnay, 2-4g/l dosage. Green apples, wonderful balance of acidity and verve that I like in BdBs. This is a big champagne, but more in terms of intensity instead of power. Major step up from their entry-level BdB, I need to find more of this.
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Literally not aging at all. See my previous TN from February 2019, I wouldn't change a word. Unbelievable. I am going to hide this in my cellar for a long long time.
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This probably needs a few more years to round out, but it's a pretty classic blanc de Blanc, with bruised apple and loads of citrus, but is more driven by the minerality, chalkiness and big saline notes. The biscuit autolytic notes are there, but not particularly pronounced. Very intensely flavored and, at this point, it probably impresses more for its power than its complexity. Wonderfully crisp acidity, but there's enough fruit and general stuffing that it isn't out of balance, even with the relatively low dosage.
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My surprise WOTN amidst a strong lineup. Gave it 2 hours in bottle after popping the cork before serving. Lovely brioche and yeast flavors with fine bubbles. Paired spectacularly with deviled duck eggs. For me, this easily trumped an always-nice Krug NV.
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Disgorged January 2018. Very pale golden color. Vigorous but very fine mousse. Lots of yeast and bruised apple on the nose. On the palate, a rush of lemon curd on the front of the tongue, followed by ripe orchard fruit in the center that lasts for 30 seconds on the finish. Absolutely gorgeous.
Many may find the acid a bit strong on this young bottle, but for me it’s a lovely complement to the fruit.
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Lovely Champagne. A fine, vigorous bead. Light and crisp on the palate, apples and lemon zest. Marvelous acidity and balance. Everything is elegant and finely etched. Finishes long with full fruit and crisp acidity.
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Opened yesterday. This is first of two I bought in the summer of 2019. Disgorged January 2018, 100% Chardonnay, dosage between 2 and 4 grams. What strikes me about this cuvee is the energy: it's hard to miss it, as it hits my palate and stays there through the finish. There is also a generosity about the texture, as it fans out with lemon peel, green apple and tangerine. The finish is where the lemon peel really takes over, adding a cut and length that is very impressive. This has the intensity of Vilmart, the same core of acidity but in a leaner package. I really dig this stuff, a lot. It's the kind of wine I would drink with bubbles, but enjoy it as much when the wine its still.....finished the final glass on Day 3, with most of the bubbles gone, this is a beautiful rendition of BdB. I'm sticking this on my WOTY list for 2020. Awesome Chardonnay.
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Rich and powerful nose of biscuits, citrus, orchard fruits and chalky minerals, smooth, energetic palate with elegant effervescent feel and a long finish
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Quite expressive, lots of green apple and citrus. Richard P Howden's note from 5/4/2019 is about spot on with my experience. Though, would be nice for it to fill out a bit more.
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Classic BdB nose of lemon, tart apple, some brioche, minerals. Crunchy minerally citrus tart palate, very long refreshing with good balance. Youthful intensity, will try to hold off at least a year on the next bottle. Also, very good counter to the Pinot Noir Longues Voyes which was richer redder, both very classic.
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First vintage of this wine. Aurelien's trademark Chardonnay pushed to a high end level. Two very old vineyards (1953 and 1978), disgorged 1/2018, dosage 4gr. Typical Laherte sour green apple freshness that makes your saliva running. Some exquisite slate and saline notes on the nose, beautiful yeast. On the palate very youthful, opening very slowly to some very interesting deep mineral scents. Typical Laherte purity and balance. Now and for some next years great as an aperitif, but this has structure to mature to some serious beauty. Only 4014 btls produced.
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3/17/2024 - winemaker wrote:
I thought this was solid not great. There was a pinched acidic note that for me was a bit distracting.
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10/26/2023 - ubercuvee wrote:
Superb, despite the weak vintage. Really clearly defined chalk, with plenty of primary fruit and balance
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1/22/2023 - Derek Darth Taster Likes this wine: 93 Points
CNY Day 1 late night at home with neighbourhood friends. Drank in Gabriel Standart.
Appearance is clear, pale intensity, lemon colour. Thin legs. Fast fading bubbles.
Nose is clean, medium intensity, with aromas of pure minerals, chalk and stones, strong citrus lemon with good ripeness. Developing.
On the palate, dry, lovely cutting high acidity, medium- alcohol (12.5%), medium body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of deep ripe and pure citrus lemon, limestone minerality, very slight oxidative tinge, and Mandarin orange and orange pulp with more air. Green apple and bruised yellow apple also. Medium to long vacillating finish.
Very good quality. Lovely acidic cut and focused purity, and has most of what I want in a BdB. Excellent QPR.
Disgorged Jan 2018. Dosage 2-4 g/l. 4014 bottles produced.
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12/9/2022 - Finare Vinare wrote: 94 Points
Disgorged in January 2018. (Disclaimer: ITB with Swedish importer Vin & Natur)
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3/19/2022 - Collector1855 wrote: 93 Points
Light yellow. Nose is fresh and citric, feels like it has seen oak. Crisp palate with some bakery spices. A bit to light for a higher score. Medium finish.
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8/7/2021 - fred o. Likes this wine:
Disgorged 1/2018.
Yeasty nose.
Mineral spine. Very nice.
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5/27/2021 - dream Likes this wine: 93 Points
Man, this is good bubbles for the money. Rich, ripe and intense with delicious flavors of yeasty bread, lemons and tart green apples. The finish is superbly complex with notes of minerals and brown spices. Just strikes the right cord and open and ready now.
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2/9/2021 - Cailles wrote: 91 Points
Informal dinner, no detailed notes taken. This is a pleasantly soft and round Champagne with fine mousse and a well-integrated acidity. I like the slight bakery, brioche Pleasantly soft, slightly briochy, soft and round and fine mousse, very nice to drink and invinting, well integrated acidity but overall quite simple. Maybe a few years of ageing will add a bit complexity and it could climb a bit higher.
Glass: Lehmann Grand Champagne
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1/31/2021 - melvinyeowq Likes this wine:
100% Chardonnay, 2-4g/l dosage. Green apples, wonderful balance of acidity and verve that I like in BdBs. This is a big champagne, but more in terms of intensity instead of power. Major step up from their entry-level BdB, I need to find more of this.
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12/24/2020 - r.o.man Likes this wine: 93 Points
Literally not aging at all. See my previous TN from February 2019, I wouldn't change a word. Unbelievable. I am going to hide this in my cellar for a long long time.
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9/18/2020 - Seafoam Manor wrote: 95 Points
This probably needs a few more years to round out, but it's a pretty classic blanc de Blanc, with bruised apple and loads of citrus, but is more driven by the minerality, chalkiness and big saline notes. The biscuit autolytic notes are there, but not particularly pronounced. Very intensely flavored and, at this point, it probably impresses more for its power than its complexity. Wonderfully crisp acidity, but there's enough fruit and general stuffing that it isn't out of balance, even with the relatively low dosage.
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9/7/2020 - Montesquieu Likes this wine: 97 Points
My surprise WOTN amidst a strong lineup. Gave it 2 hours in bottle after popping the cork before serving. Lovely brioche and yeast flavors with fine bubbles. Paired spectacularly with deviled duck eggs. For me, this easily trumped an always-nice Krug NV.
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8/12/2020 - adnorthup Likes this wine: 93 Points
Disgorged January 2018. Very pale golden color. Vigorous but very fine mousse. Lots of yeast and bruised apple on the nose. On the palate, a rush of lemon curd on the front of the tongue, followed by ripe orchard fruit in the center that lasts for 30 seconds on the finish. Absolutely gorgeous.
Many may find the acid a bit strong on this young bottle, but for me it’s a lovely complement to the fruit.
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8/7/2020 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lovely Champagne. A fine, vigorous bead. Light and crisp on the palate, apples and lemon zest. Marvelous acidity and balance. Everything is elegant and finely etched. Finishes long with full fruit and crisp acidity.
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7/12/2020 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Opened yesterday. This is first of two I bought in the summer of 2019. Disgorged January 2018, 100% Chardonnay, dosage between 2 and 4 grams. What strikes me about this cuvee is the energy: it's hard to miss it, as it hits my palate and stays there through the finish. There is also a generosity about the texture, as it fans out with lemon peel, green apple and tangerine. The finish is where the lemon peel really takes over, adding a cut and length that is very impressive. This has the intensity of Vilmart, the same core of acidity but in a leaner package. I really dig this stuff, a lot. It's the kind of wine I would drink with bubbles, but enjoy it as much when the wine its still.....finished the final glass on Day 3, with most of the bubbles gone, this is a beautiful rendition of BdB. I'm sticking this on my WOTY list for 2020. Awesome Chardonnay.
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7/3/2020 - JOsgood wrote:
Excellent stuff.
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7/3/2020 - the godfather wrote:
Lightning
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6/22/2020 - the godfather wrote:
absolutely stellar. so balanced and full of energy.
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2/24/2020 - lessthanjoey Likes this wine:
Yes it's young, but it's still a fantastic drink today and doesn't *need* time if you like the bright and fresh flavors.
Mouthwatering notes of pear and apple along with a bit of yeasty bread. Unmistakenly a blanc de blancs.
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2/11/2020 - Capitán Sulfito wrote:
Way too young.
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1/31/2020 - kenv Likes this wine: 92 Points
Gala Dinner at La Festa del Barolo 2020 (The Pool Restaurant, NYC): Soft and somewhat simple, but so tasty.
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12/25/2019 - eoinhharkins wrote: 93 Points
Rich and powerful nose of biscuits, citrus, orchard fruits and chalky minerals, smooth, energetic palate with elegant effervescent feel and a long finish
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8/22/2019 - cadamson Likes this wine:
Quite expressive, lots of green apple and citrus. Richard P Howden's note from 5/4/2019 is about spot on with my experience. Though, would be nice for it to fill out a bit more.
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5/4/2019 - Richard P Howden Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic BdB nose of lemon, tart apple, some brioche, minerals. Crunchy minerally citrus tart palate, very long refreshing with good balance. Youthful intensity, will try to hold off at least a year on the next bottle. Also, very good counter to the Pinot Noir Longues Voyes which was richer redder, both very classic.
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3/10/2019 - r.o.man Likes this wine: 93 Points
First vintage of this wine. Aurelien's trademark Chardonnay pushed to a high end level. Two very old vineyards (1953 and 1978), disgorged 1/2018, dosage 4gr. Typical Laherte sour green apple freshness that makes your saliva running. Some exquisite slate and saline notes on the nose, beautiful yeast. On the palate very youthful, opening very slowly to some very interesting deep mineral scents. Typical Laherte purity and balance. Now and for some next years great as an aperitif, but this has structure to mature to some serious beauty. Only 4014 btls produced.
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