2004 Horizontal Dinner (Tunglok Peking Duck Novena): Deep straw with a slight bronze hue, and fine beads. Quite richly nutty, as if marzipan and chestnut on the nose, and a feel of zing. Soft mousse and soft acids, in fact pretty creamy, whilst with ripe, nearly dried apricot. Good feel about it, but seems to be a little straightforward
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Expressive, yeasty, biscuity nose. Rich on palate, with lemon and grapefruit flavours. Very long finish with baked apple flavours, reflecting the richness of this wine. Linear it is not!
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I'm writing this a couple of weeks after drinking. This was really good and considering that I picked this up for just £34, this represents great value. I think this fits the pattern I found with Moet et Chandon and Lanson: the NV is nothing special but the vintage cuvee is better by a huge margin. Given just 3-5 years age after release, the vintage wines of these houses all represent good value and my belated new-year's resolution is to start laying some of these wines down.
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Opened by Billhike. A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote des Blancs and the Montagne de Riems and also some Marne Valley sites. All first pressings. This had a skunky nose which simply does not belong in a champagne. The flavors on the palate were very nice though. A creamy texture with notes of lemon curd and dough. Lighter bead. Thought the 2000 and 2002 vintages of this wine were better than this bottle. 88 points.
Nose with ripe apple, some baked apple, some spice and development. Medium bodied(+), palate with ripe fruit, good concentration, some spice. 90 p. From magnum.
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Le Salon du Vin de la Revue du Vin de France 2012 (Brussels): Aromatically very rich at the nose; a truly complicated bouquet. Lots of body on the palate with ripe yellow fruit, under this most evident layer of flavors there is a subtle chalky character. Rich seductive style.
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A very good mousse and with lots of biscuits and smoke, with citrus in the background. I get the impression that this champagne is ready for drinking. I would serve it with food.
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Uncorked for three hours, served chilled. Color: Light Yellow. Nose: Red Apple, Floral notes, Cinnamon, Lemon. Palate: see nose. Finish: Medium. Acidity: Medium. Alcohol: 12 % showing a little. Medium bodied mouthfeel with initial citrus flavors. Mid-palate turns sour apple transitioning into a floral finish. A great food Champagne right now needs more time to fully come together. 89-90 points.
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Lovely pale colour, very fine mousse; wonderful aromas of (acacia) honeyed ripe yellow Chardonnay-fruit, tangerine/orange and a hint of coconut; on the palate the characteristic silky-smooth Taittinger-style, very elegant and seamless, ripe but lively and fresh (in spite of a highish dosage); excellent finish with estery cherry fruit from the 50% Pinot Noir. A very successful 2004 Champagne, withhout the coiled energy or the weight of the very best, but smooth and stylish. Drink sooner than later, excellent value at GBP 34.99 (Heathrow Terminal 5).
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Already open for business. Lots of mature chardonnay and pinot. Dosage on the high side. No complexity yet, but still an enjoyable drink to be served before rather than to dinner.
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Pale yellow color. Fairly large heavy bead. Nose of lemon and yeast. Rich lemon palate with minerals and toast. Lots of body. Nice acidity holding it together. This is substantial enough to be enjoyed with or without food. Drinking well right now. Not sure if it a long term saver but right now it is quite enjoyable
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Outstanding! 50/50 blend of Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Light golden color with a fine mousse. Beautiful fresh nose with yeasty citrus aromas. Medium-full bodied palate: apple, yeast, and a lingering zesty minerality. Medium-long finish. Drinking fantastically already at such a young age – keep your eye on this one – great potential.
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Very nice structure with fantastic bubbles, the balance is perfect and the taste is very long. the taste of toast that I often find overpowering is nicely integrated.
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Fine bubbles, lifted and fresh with some toastiness. Good creaminess and toastiness on palate with long finishing. Still very young and continue to improve over 3 hours. I will keep my remaining bottles for at least 5 years.
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Retailer tasting, quick notes. Fantastic forward nose, displaying aromas of pear, applesauce, yeast, caramel, and sea salt. Lots of depth on the palate, showing stewed red apple, more caramel and yeast, as well as some citrus. A bit sweet, with medium acidity (would be nice if there were a touch more), and tart lime notes on the finish. Very good.
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This is a fine champagne, but not really my style. Fruit is a bit too forward -- not subtle at all. Minerality is not well detectable and the bubbles are quite large and robust. This is a bit brutish for a champagne, and not terribly elegant. Nothing wrong with it, but not consistent with some more traditional producers.
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Very fine mouse, delicious balance of all things traditional in champagne. Loved the delicate yeasty/toasty aromas. A tasting friend commented "fine lace" which I would agree with. We agreed that this was event champagne best enjoyed alone for it's delicate characteristics ( as opposed to a food enhancer). With equally delicate food it would be delightful.
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Nick Wittman visits San Diego (Quarter Kitchen - San Diego, CA): Robust notes of ripe pears, green apples, and pound cake. The palate is rich and creamy and saturated with fruit. Could use a bit more cut and definition, time certainly, but certainly a nice way to begin the evening. 88-89 points.
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This is damn fine champagne, very nearly the best I've had. A delicious combination of all the traditional "champagne" notes, a fine mousse that tickled the tongue in that way that one imagines when champagne is described in storie. Top drawer and good value at it's price point as well.
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On opening the bottle there were pleasant yeasty aromas. Pouring produced a fine mousse with small bubbles and pale golden colour. Taste was fresh - with some bicuit and yeast notes and a pleasant finish
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Info on the wine: 50% Chardonnay Grand Crus of Cote des Blancs, 50% Pinot Noir Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims. Vinified in inox tanks with full malolactic fermentation. 10gram dosage
Info on the vintage: Despite the low temperatures and the unpresented rainfall in August, the grapes were saved by a prolonged heatwave in September and the largest harvest in history
Gold color, warm nose, round, ripe fruits and flowers. Round mouth, citrus, nice acidity, quite balanced, very fresh, medium aftertaste. Champagne for food.
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Vintage Champagne Masterclass (Landmark Hotel. London, U.K.): Somewhat bold creamy nose with moderate wood and musk. Delicate fruit dances in the background. Dry, high crisp acidity and round palate. Its a touch short though, the flavors of unripe peach and pear are a bit simplistic and they come and go very quickly. Light spice and med-small bubbles are nice. I don't know what it is butIi never have been a fan of the Taittinger style... That being said this was highly regarded by Essi Avellan MW and many tasters at the event.
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Pure, concentrated apple-pear notes, graphite, ginger, bread, complex, intense, rich with very fine bubbles, drinking very well now. Lovely vintage Champagne. Huge step up from the Brut.
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K&L Champagne Tent Event 2010 (Hollywood, CA): Quick Grade: D (Our dog recently got sprayed by a skunk and then promptly rubbed it around in the house. It took a week of cleaning to get the smell out. On the first whiff we were both shocked to find that same smell smacking us up front and center! This obviously got our lowest score for the night.)
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Excellent, didn't expect much but very nice! Fresh, citrussy and well structured. Suppose it would keep considering its young age, but I would drink now.
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7/14/2023 - vinhonotte Likes this wine: 90 Points
2004 Horizontal Dinner (Tunglok Peking Duck Novena): Deep straw with a slight bronze hue, and fine beads. Quite richly nutty, as if marzipan and chestnut on the nose, and a feel of zing. Soft mousse and soft acids, in fact pretty creamy, whilst with ripe, nearly dried apricot. Good feel about it, but seems to be a little straightforward
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1/11/2022 - Zed57 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful toasty cherry orange brioche. Drinking really well and is not in jeopardy of passing it’s peak but it has likely plateaued.
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1/2/2020 - winesteward Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deeply flavored, yeasty, sourdough, bready champagne in a style I favor. Pretty good now.
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1/1/2018 - David_K wrote:
A funky nose on the initial pour blew off with time, but this never really pulled itself together. A little advanced and disjointed.
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12/31/2017 - nigelb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Expressive, yeasty, biscuity nose. Rich on palate, with lemon and grapefruit flavours. Very long finish with baked apple flavours, reflecting the richness of this wine. Linear it is not!
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3/4/2017 - Patrik H Likes this wine: 89 Points
On the nose: Bread, roasted nuts, citrus
On the palate: Nuts, citrus, hint of gunpowder, mineral.
Medium + finish
Day 1 hint of bitter and not balanced. Day 2 better and cleaner.
88-90
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5/25/2016 - nigelb Likes this wine: 92 Points
With prawn omelette. Second night (stoppered). This impressed me. Complex and very long finish.
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3/1/2016 - SLIMES Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm writing this a couple of weeks after drinking. This was really good and considering that I picked this up for just £34, this represents great value. I think this fits the pattern I found with Moet et Chandon and Lanson: the NV is nothing special but the vintage cuvee is better by a huge margin. Given just 3-5 years age after release, the vintage wines of these houses all represent good value and my belated new-year's resolution is to start laying some of these wines down.
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6/29/2015 - Dryckesupplevelser Likes this wine: 91 Points
Härligt rostad ton Av nötter, apelsin, citrus och rostbröd. Lång och medelfyllig eftersmak.
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12/29/2014 - V8 BUGS Likes this wine: 90 Points
I think this will go a lot further, but already showing signs of that classic vintage taste. Vanilla, straw, acidic/sharp, very nice.
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5/14/2014 - Vino Me wrote: 88 Points
Opened by Billhike. A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote des Blancs and the Montagne de Riems and also some Marne Valley sites. All first pressings. This had a skunky nose which simply does not belong in a champagne. The flavors on the palate were very nice though. A creamy texture with notes of lemon curd and dough. Lighter bead. Thought the 2000 and 2002 vintages of this wine were better than this bottle. 88 points.
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1/11/2014 - Vintomas wrote: 90 Points
Nose with ripe apple, some baked apple, some spice and development. Medium bodied(+), palate with ripe fruit, good concentration, some spice. 90 p.
From magnum.
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4/1/2013 - Shaddo wrote:
Pleasant, not exceptional, mouthfeel seems a little too spritzy.
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1/2/2013 - St Paul wrote: 93 Points
This is a much better champagne than I expected it to be. Lovely and elegant with sweet bubbles. New Years champagne!
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12/7/2012 - Bisty Likes this wine: 91 Points
Complex and intriging nose, minerality, salmiak. Very good potential!
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11/10/2012 - stassivo wrote:
Le Salon du Vin de la Revue du Vin de France 2012 (Brussels): Aromatically very rich at the nose; a truly complicated bouquet. Lots of body on the palate with ripe yellow fruit, under this most evident layer of flavors there is a subtle chalky character. Rich seductive style.
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9/29/2012 - Sundbyberg wrote: 92 Points
A very good mousse and with lots of biscuits and smoke, with citrus in the background.
I get the impression that this champagne is ready for drinking.
I would serve it with food.
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6/29/2012 - dhammer53 wrote:
Pale yellow. Tiny bubbles. Airy. This was an Oh Boy wine. Drank at Peking Duck House in NYC.
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5/25/2012 - lator wrote: 89 Points
Uncorked for three hours, served chilled. Color: Light Yellow. Nose: Red Apple, Floral notes, Cinnamon, Lemon. Palate: see nose. Finish: Medium. Acidity: Medium. Alcohol: 12 % showing a little. Medium bodied mouthfeel with initial citrus flavors. Mid-palate turns sour apple transitioning into a floral finish. A great food Champagne right now needs more time to fully come together. 89-90 points.
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5/25/2012 - Xavier Auerbach wrote: 92 Points
Lovely pale colour, very fine mousse; wonderful aromas of (acacia) honeyed ripe yellow Chardonnay-fruit, tangerine/orange and a hint of coconut; on the palate the characteristic silky-smooth Taittinger-style, very elegant and seamless, ripe but lively and fresh (in spite of a highish dosage); excellent finish with estery cherry fruit from the 50% Pinot Noir. A very successful 2004 Champagne, withhout the coiled energy or the weight of the very best, but smooth and stylish. Drink sooner than later, excellent value at GBP 34.99 (Heathrow Terminal 5).
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4/16/2012 - Vintomas wrote: 89 Points
Champagnedagen 2012 (Grand Hotel, Stockholm): 89-90 p.
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3/3/2012 - Tavastgatan wrote: 89 Points
Already open for business. Lots of mature chardonnay and pinot. Dosage on the high side. No complexity yet, but still an enjoyable drink to be served before rather than to dinner.
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2/2/2012 - Oskiwawa wrote: 91 Points
Airplane and Airport Lounge Wines BA FC Heathrow
Pale yellow color. Fairly large heavy bead. Nose of lemon and yeast. Rich lemon palate with minerals and toast. Lots of body. Nice acidity holding it together. This is substantial enough to be enjoyed with or without food. Drinking well right now. Not sure if it a long term saver but right now it is quite enjoyable
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1/15/2012 - BrandrB wrote: 91 Points
Outstanding! 50/50 blend of Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Light golden color with a fine mousse. Beautiful fresh nose with yeasty citrus aromas. Medium-full bodied palate: apple, yeast, and a lingering zesty minerality. Medium-long finish. Drinking fantastically already at such a young age – keep your eye on this one – great potential.
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12/30/2011 - hubas wrote: 92 Points
Very nice structure with fantastic bubbles, the balance is perfect and the taste is very long. the taste of toast that I often find overpowering is nicely integrated.
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12/22/2011 - hkm520240 wrote: 91 Points
Fine bubbles, lifted and fresh with some toastiness. Good creaminess and toastiness on palate with long finishing. Still very young and continue to improve over 3 hours. I will keep my remaining bottles for at least 5 years.
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11/12/2011 - MattTM wrote:
Retailer tasting, quick notes. Fantastic forward nose, displaying aromas of pear, applesauce, yeast, caramel, and sea salt. Lots of depth on the palate, showing stewed red apple, more caramel and yeast, as well as some citrus. A bit sweet, with medium acidity (would be nice if there were a touch more), and tart lime notes on the finish. Very good.
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9/24/2011 - Omar Khayyam Likes this wine: 90 Points
Inauguration dinner sept 6 - Ordre des coteaux de champagne; grand chapitre de Stockholm (grand hotel, Stockholm, Sweden): perhaps the mousse is not as fine as one would hope for, but the palate is clean and pure with good balance, some body and quite a lot of energy.
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9/17/2011 - Keith Levenberg wrote: 92 Points
Lots of personality in this one -- just packed with flinty mineral and toast.
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7/16/2011 - monkeylug wrote: 88 Points
This is a fine champagne, but not really my style. Fruit is a bit too forward -- not subtle at all. Minerality is not well detectable and the bubbles are quite large and robust. This is a bit brutish for a champagne, and not terribly elegant. Nothing wrong with it, but not consistent with some more traditional producers.
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4/22/2011 - RobinHeimdahl wrote: 92 Points
Just fantastic. Drinking well now. 92 now with potential to go higher.
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3/20/2011 - jmcmurtry wrote: 93 Points
Very fine mouse, delicious balance of all things traditional in champagne. Loved the delicate yeasty/toasty aromas. A tasting friend commented "fine lace" which I would agree with. We agreed that this was event champagne best enjoyed alone for it's delicate characteristics ( as opposed to a food enhancer). With equally delicate food it would be delightful.
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3/19/2011 - Paul Lin wrote: 88 Points
Nick Wittman visits San Diego (Quarter Kitchen - San Diego, CA): Robust notes of ripe pears, green apples, and pound cake. The palate is rich and creamy and saturated with fruit. Could use a bit more cut and definition, time certainly, but certainly a nice way to begin the evening. 88-89 points.
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1/2/2011 - jmcmurtry wrote: 93 Points
This is damn fine champagne, very nearly the best I've had. A delicious combination of all the traditional "champagne" notes, a fine mousse that tickled the tongue in that way that one imagines when champagne is described in storie. Top drawer and good value at it's price point as well.
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12/25/2010 - quickben wrote:
On opening the bottle there were pleasant yeasty aromas. Pouring produced a fine mousse with small bubbles and pale golden colour. Taste was fresh - with some bicuit and yeast notes and a pleasant finish
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12/24/2010 - thewiz wrote: 89 Points
Youthful on the nose and on the palate. Very generous '04, but as most of them it tends to be a bit vague on the finish.
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11/14/2010 - kostaslonis wrote: 93 Points
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter; 11/13/2010-11/14/2010 (Landmark Hotel, London): (Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)
Info on the wine: 50% Chardonnay Grand Crus of Cote des Blancs, 50% Pinot Noir Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims. Vinified in inox tanks with full malolactic fermentation. 10gram dosage
Info on the vintage: Despite the low temperatures and the unpresented rainfall in August, the grapes were saved by a prolonged heatwave in September and the largest harvest in history
Gold color, warm nose, round, ripe fruits and flowers. Round mouth, citrus, nice acidity, quite balanced, very fresh, medium aftertaste. Champagne for food.
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11/14/2010 - dre wrote: 88 Points
Vintage Champagne Masterclass (Landmark Hotel. London, U.K.): Somewhat bold creamy nose with moderate wood and musk. Delicate fruit dances in the background.
Dry, high crisp acidity and round palate. Its a touch short though, the flavors of unripe peach and pear are a bit simplistic and they come and go very quickly. Light spice and med-small bubbles are nice.
I don't know what it is butIi never have been a fan of the Taittinger style... That being said this was highly regarded by Essi Avellan MW and many tasters at the event.
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11/2/2010 - Double-A Likes this wine: 90 Points
Aromatic, citrus, coconut and mineral nose. Fresh, precise palate; very good finish.
4/5
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10/25/2010 - peternelson wrote: 92 Points
Pure, concentrated apple-pear notes, graphite, ginger, bread, complex, intense, rich with very fine bubbles, drinking very well now. Lovely vintage Champagne. Huge step up from the Brut.
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10/23/2010 - tp096255 wrote:
K&L Champagne Tent Event 2010 (Hollywood, CA): Quick Grade: D
(Our dog recently got sprayed by a skunk and then promptly rubbed it around in the house. It took a week of cleaning to get the smell out. On the first whiff we were both shocked to find that same smell smacking us up front and center! This obviously got our lowest score for the night.)
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10/4/2010 - hubas wrote: 80 Points
Felt a bit unbalanced.
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7/30/2010 - Wising wrote: 90 Points
Excellent, didn't expect much but very nice! Fresh, citrussy and well structured. Suppose it would keep considering its young age, but I would drink now.
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5/29/2010 - Omar Khayyam wrote: 91 Points
Taittinger tasting (Reims, at the old cave): This has quite some nose: with cream, patisserie, citrus fruit and more. very fine mousse.
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3/8/2010 - Xavier Auerbach wrote: 92 Points
Gala Dinner with Daniel Boulud *** and Jean-Philippe Delmas (Rheingau Gourmet & Wine Festival Hattenheim, Germany): Charming, lovely yellow chardonnay fruit, cream and brioche, fine minerality. Now - 2014.
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