Tag Archives: brut

Wine of the Day: Cave Mont Blanc 1187 Extra Brut 2012 5-19-2016

Cave Mont Blanc ‘Blanc de Morgex & de la Salle’ 1187 Extra Brut, Vallee d’Aoste 2012 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $28 special

1187 Cave Mont Blanc BubblesThe domaine was founded in the early eighties with the stated purpose of reviving abandoned vineyards along the picturesque slopes of Mont Blanc in the Valle d’Aosta. This northwestern Italian pocket features the highest-altitude vineyard sites in all of Europe; very few machines are even capable of working such extreme topographies – needless to say, they’re seldom employed within the region.

The ‘1187’, made from 100% Prie Blanc, wonderfully tethers the balance between delicate and powerful – it’s a thing of paradoxes. The bubbles are soft yet move quickly along the palate, and the minerals are bracing yet the wine translates as elegant and smooth.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine de l’Ecu La Divina Brut NV 5-7-2016

Bossard DivinaGuy Bossard Domaine de l’Ecu La Divina Brut, Loire NV 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19.90 special

“Domaine de l’Ecu has been organic for 40 years and biodynamic for 25 years.  The land is worked by plowing and vines and grape harvest is completely by hand.  The Divina sparkling wine is made in the traditional method, with the second fermentation in bottle.  It is a blend of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Melon de Bourgogne and a touch of Folle Blanche.  It has subtle notes of red berries and pineapple with a chalky undertone.  In the mouth, it is tart and dry with a note of lemon curd.  Enjoy this fantastic wine with spring vegetables, goat cheeses and light salads.” -Suzanne

Importer note “This sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, and Folle Blanche, with some Cabernet Franc to add complexity and structure.… Read the rest

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne 2006 – April 2016

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now: $219 special

Roederer Cristal 2006James Suckling 97 points “Deep pinot-driven presence is the first and lasting impression. Power with control. Superfine bead, bread and spiced biscuits, candied ripe red fruits and a sense of tight-knit complexity. Some grapefruit, lemon pith & gently flinty notes too – impressive nose. In the mouth it is rich, powerful, mouth-filling and flavoursome with a core of the same biscuity red fruit flavour, savoury nutty notes and a wrap of assertive, persistent acidity that holds rich powerful flavour deep and focused whilst maintaining a polished, gently creamy texture. Long chalky bread and biscuit finish. A superb Pinot-driven vintage.”

Antonio Galloni 96 points “Broad, ample and resonant on the palate, the 2006 Cristal dazzles with its pure richness and volume.… Read the rest

Pol Roger ‘Sir Winston Churchill,’ Champagne 2002 – April 2016

Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill, Champagne 2002 750ML ($279.95) Buy Now: $219 special

Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2002Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2002 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is wonderfully open, expressive and resonant. The richness of the vintage comes through nicely, yet the more overt elements are very nicely balanced by a good deal of freshness. Baked apple, pastry, candied lemon, dried flowers and warm, toasty notes shape the generous, resonant finish. With time in the glass, the 2002 takes a on a striking, vinous character. Readers might want to consider opening the 2002 a few hours in advance, as it really blossoms with air.”

Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s a sense of quiet elegance and grace to this harmonious Champagne. Refined and lacy in texture, with finely wrought acidity lending focus and length to the spice- and graphite-laced flavors of ripe apricot and blackberry, lemon meringue pie, chopped almond and briny mineral.… Read the rest

Piper Heidsieck Rare Millesime Brut, Champagne 2002 – April 2016

Piper Heidsieck Rare 2002Piper Heidsieck Rare Millesime Brut, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $189 special

Wine Spectator 97 points “Impeccably balanced and silky, with finely honed acidity shaping the expansive flavors of toasted brioche, crushed blackberry, lemon preserves and honey, revealing hints of Frangelico liqueur and smoked nut. Rich and vivid, with a lasting finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,500 cases made.” AN

Wine Enthusiast 94 points – Cellar Selection “This is top Champagne from Piper-Heidsieck, offering the delicious airy quality that’s the hallmark of this house, with crisp apple flavor, tangy acidity and the first signs of yeasty, toasty bottle age. Its fruit intensity has transformed into a splendid selection. It’s worth aging for a few more years, though also delicious now.”… Read the rest