Some brief notes on Champagnes I’ve had over the last month or two.
2008 Grongnet Champagne Special Club - France, Champagne (5/3/2021)
The last of my 3 bottles and the best showing yet. This small estate owns 35 acres of vines and produces about 70,000 bottles per year. The estate is currently run by Cecile Grongnet who makes low dosage wines without malolactic fermentation. Her Special Club is normally a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Great depth and texture in this wine. Lovely. 96 points. (96 pts.)
NV José Michel & Fils Champagne Cuvée du Père Houdart - France, Champagne (5/3/2021)
2nd time with this wine. This wine is a blend of older vintages (1971, 1975, 1976, 1982 and 1984) together with some 2011 and released in 2018. The cepage is 40% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. 4 g/l dosage. Deeper and richer than the other Champagnes on this list with an aged profile. 92 points. (92 pts.)
2007 Roland Champion Champagne Grand Cru Special Club - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (5/1/2021)
Opened by a friend. This wine is 100% Chardonnay and 100% Grand Cru from Chuoilly in the North end of the Cote des Blancs. 1000 cases made. Aged 4 years before disgorgement. 6 gm/ltr of sugar. 5th time I’ve had this and still showing well with a young and crisp profile. In fact, this was the best showing yet. 93 points. (93 pts.)
2015 Besserat de Bellefon Champagne Triple B - France, Champagne (4/24/2021)
The top wine from this estate which I do not believe is an RM. Purchased for $35. Brut Nature. A blend of Chardonnay (10%), Pinot Noir (60%) and Pinot Meunier (30%) from 37 year old vines in the Marne Valley. Light yellow color. A fuller body than I expected. Notes of brioche, citrus and Ann earthiness. 93 points. (93 pts.)
2004 Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Grand Cru Special Club Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (4/4/2021)
Last bottle. This was creamier than previous bottles. Slightly holder in color as well. Nots of brioche and chalk. Drink now. 92 points. (92 pts.)
2012 L. Aubry Fils Champagne Le Nombre d’Or Sablé Blanc des Blancs Brut Nature - France, Champagne (3/14/2021)
Purchased on sale for $40 (normally $75). A blend of 25% Chardonnay, 25% Arbanne, 25% Petit Meslier, 25% Pinot Blanc. Zero dosage. I last had the 2007 version of this wine. Interesting and unique bottling. Very crisp with chalk and citrus notes. Lighter body with a fine bead. 92 points (92 pts.)
And a Sekt:
1992 Peter Lauer Saar Riesling Brut Reserve - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (5/1/2021)
Opened by friend. 4th time I have had this. Peter Lauer has been releasing late disgorged Sekts from his Saar winery for several vintages now. This wine was aged for 2 decades on it’s lees and disgorged June 2016. 100% Riesling. Zero dosage (the first time Lauer has done this with his Reserve Sekts). Drinking very well with tons of character. 94 points. (94 pts.)
VM