Another crack at this from the same lot shows that a year or two more on its side might do it well. It is slightly angular (especially when side-by-side with a much silkier 2012 Taittinger Comtes).…
This version was a later disgorgement date and higher dosage than previous bottles (June vs April; 4g vs 3g). Although it displayed nearly the same profile as its former siblings, this bottle was a…
Last bottle of this from the cellar, with a later disgorgement date and higher dosage than previous bottles (June vs April; 4g vs 3g). Similar profile, with spiced apple cider (but not cidery at…
As before, pear, cardamom, ginger, lemon, limestone, and olive oil notes all make for a compelling experience. The perfect amount of acid and cut to counterbalance the enveloping volume saturating…
This particular bottle was really torqued up and super linear on the first pass. More chalky and white fruited, with a chiseled profile that was night and day compared to the much more giving 2016…
A fantastic showing, and the best yet from this bottling, the Heurtebise displays wonderful pear, ripe lemon, and melon fruit flavors that are perfectly carried on a limestone and chalk carriage.…
Firm and precise on entry, this bottle is another strong showing. As before, ginger, Mirabelle plum, brown, red, and yellow pear, honey, wood, and granite lead the charge, followed by a salty bite…
A strong showing, and one that outshines the 2020 Orizeaux on complexity and weight, Les Barres is a beautiful balance of energy and volume. Ginger, Mirabelle plum, brown, red, and yellow pear,…
This bottle seemed more vinous and focused than the bottle from the same batch last month. Similar apple, Mirabelle plum, and ginger notes, with a prickly pear and pulverized granite tail that whips…
Half the bottle open decanted for two hours vs. half the bottle left in-bottle. Though the decanted version was certainly more relaxed and approachable, I found the sample directly from the bottle to…
Ripe red berry and apple notes dominate, with Mirabelle plum, bruised fig, and pulverized granite flavors leading the attack on the front end. The mid is rich and slightly heavy, with bitter mineral…
Much better this time around, especially with extended air. Compelling cut and drive. A slight herbal note shows up on first splash, but dissipates with swirling. Lovely drive from this bottle. Less…
Best bottle of this so far. A nice bead of minerality to counterbalance the spiced apple, lemon, limestone, olive oil, and salty yuzu flavors. After an hour or two it really opens up beautifully.
An upfront yeastier showing this go-around. Time in the glass shows more evolved white melon, yellow pear, lemon, and travertine flavors. Drink or hold, though I would recommend the latter. On day…
Another go with this. As before, medium intensity overall, with fuller and rounder notes of grilled lemon, yuzu, olive oil, ripe yellow pear flesh, poached pear, and limestone. Drinks fine on the…
Cut and paste much of my note from December 2024, this bottle from the same batch continues on the upswing, with spicy pear, grilled lemon, orange rind, lime, limestone, cardamom, coriander, olive…
I need to keep my hands off of these. After a few hours, it really gets into gear. With its extra tick of intensity and focus, the 2019 out performs the less-honed 2018.
Like a baby Hors Serie, the Couarres is a nice balance of freshness and vibrancy with subtle oxidative notes that sneak up on the back end. This carries white and yellow fruit, with a youthful push…
One thing I can say with a high degree of certainty is that these Hors Serie wines from Chartogne-Taillet are built for the long haul and are generally spun up, locked up, balled up, torqued up, and…
Astringent, bitter (especially on the finish), bent out of shape, angular, lacking any fruit, and generally angry as all getup for the first hour of consumption. I would have called this flawed if I…
Well this is a pleasant little sipper. Unique with its array of flavors, leading with spicy pear, red apple flesh, orange rind, lime, river rocks (more limestone than chalk), citrus pith, melon rind,…
I'm liking this a bit more than the 2018, which was rounder and more medium-bodied by comparison. This 2019 carries notable energy and lift, as well as an extra gear that is missing in the 2018. The…
Whoa.! A strong nose of Bananas Foster and vanilla signals an oak influence that is initially more than a bit worrisome. Is this going to be a sweet bourbon-tini of a Champagne?! Wildly (and…
Excellent precision and drive marks the front end of the attack here, with bright and fresh lemon juice, chalk, sea spray, limestone, yellow and green pear skin, and hints of lime zest making for a…
Similar to my notes from last year. There is a profile here that reminds me a bit of Krug in that it contains a beautiful richness that is compelling and flavorful without being heavy or overly…
