Top Vintages
Top Vintages
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Delight your palate with the distinguished Tarlant Vigne D'Or Blanc Meuniers 2004, an exquisite testament to the craftsmanship of the Tarlant family. This seductive potion was birthed in the vineyards of France's esteemed Champagne district, where tradition meets innovation. Hand-harvested from the house's oldest Blanc de Meuniers vines, Vigne d’Or is a single-varietal Meunier farmed organically and matured in oak barrels. The 2004 vintage strikes a harmonious balance of freshness and maturity, evocative of its unique terroir. Produced by Maison Tarlant, renowned for their biodynamic practices, this rare Blanc de Meuniers 2004 signifies a blend of the family’s meticulousness and history. Taste the charming complexity of dried fruits and bakery flavours, enriched with vibrant mineral undertones that encapsulates the passion and precision of Tarlant. A glass of the Tarlant Vigne D'Or Blanc Meuniers 2004 is more than wine; it's a journey through one of wine’s premier destinations.
Inc. TAX€981.34 -
Inc. TAX€513.34 -
Decanter (97)
Racy and thrilling, this hits the spot in terms of direct and punchy yellow fruit flavours - lemon, grapefruit, orange and quince with a crisp texture and fine bubbles that fill the mouth. Such tension and precision. It has a sharp yet also mouthwatering acidity giving you a push pull of intensity and generosity. It's super dry and gives a raciness to the overall impression with very tiny hints of sweetness providing the round feel that's so appealing. Shines brightly and still feels so youthful, such a long ageing potential yet. I like the energy and the persistence here, it's clean and finessed. Not trying too hard but so easy to drink. 100% Chardonnay of white 90% comes from grands crus vineyards. Dosage 4g/L. Disgorged February 2022.Inc. TAX€364.69 -
Decanter (97)
The second vintage released on the Place de Bordeaux, a 100% Chardonnay from Avize made with no malolactic fermented and aged only in stainless steel tanks. A beautiful light, white gold colour in the glass, belying its 12 year age. So lifted, fresh and lively on the nose, pure and precise with citrus fruit and green orchard fruit aromatics - lemon and lime zest. Clean and clear on the palate, a true and transparent expression of succulent Chardonnay with energy, focus and interest. Balanced and harmonious, nothing out of place, not too sharp or too intense - a dosage of 2g/l 'was sufficient' says winemaker Nicolas Uriel and it really works to give a generous but controlled mouthfeel with lift, brightness and cool freshness all the way through, especially on the finish. Satisfying and extremely drinkable. From vines averaging 80 years old on pure limestone.Inc. TAX€259.61 -
Timothee Stroebel Coteaux Champenois Le Vin Tranquille Blanc 2018 epitomises elegance and craftsmanship from the esteemed Stroebel estate in Champagne. Meticulously produced from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested in 2018, this blanc showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Fermented in stainless steel vats to preserve its crisp acidity and refined fruit nuances, the wine undergoes a careful ageing process to enhance its complexity. The terroir of Coteaux Champenois imparts distinctive minerality and vibrant citrus notes, underpinned by subtle floral undertones. Timothee Stroebel, renowned for his dedication to sustainable viticulture, ensures each bottle reflects his passion for quality and finesse. Ideal for pairing with delicate seafood dishes or as a sophisticated aperitif, this 2018 vintage stands as a testament to exceptional French winemaking.
Inc. TAX€170.35 -
Wine Advocate (100)
I'm trying to conserve my few bottles of Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2014) 60 months, but temptation got the better of me as I wound down my barrel tastings of the Côte d'Or's 2022s this December. If anything, this wine has only become more spectacular since my initial review, and it's certainly even more expressive. Wafting from the glass with complex aromas of pear, hazelnuts, honeycomb, buttered toast, pomelo, iodine and smoke, it's full-bodied, deep and vinous, with a satiny attack that segues into a seamless, layered palate of striking intensity, concluding with an immensely long, sapid finish. Its greatness is testament both to Collin's unstinting work ethic and remarkable vision for vineyards that, a decade ago, no one had heard of.Inc. TAX€681.96 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.Inc. TAX€1,176.72 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.Inc. TAX€2,363.77 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The Les Roises from Ulysse Collin, based on the 2013 vintage, testifies to why this producer has such a devout following. Apple crumble, grilled hazelnut and lemon verbena emerge on the nose that has beautiful definition and real intensity. It gains volume in the glass and shimmers with delight. The palate has a soupçon of reduction on the entry that merely lends tension, effortlessly counterbalancing the power of this champagne. There is a lovely edge and nervosité on the finish that urges you back for another sip. What a brilliant sparkling start to the evening.Inc. TAX€681.96 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The most refined of these new releases, the NV (2008) Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons wrap around the palate with endless layers of sensual fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and subtle spices waft from the glass, but the Maillons is all about weightless, crystalline purity, tension and grace. From a purely textural standpoint, the Maillons stands apart for the finesse of its mousse and its exceptional overall harmony. Readers who can find the Maillons should not hesitate, it is insanely beautiful.Inc. TAX€1,529.89 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The most refined of these new releases, the NV (2008) Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons wrap around the palate with endless layers of sensual fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and subtle spices waft from the glass, but the Maillons is all about weightless, crystalline purity, tension and grace. From a purely textural standpoint, the Maillons stands apart for the finesse of its mousse and its exceptional overall harmony. Readers who can find the Maillons should not hesitate, it is insanely beautiful.Inc. TAX€433.56 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The most refined of these new releases, the NV (2008) Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons wrap around the palate with endless layers of sensual fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and subtle spices waft from the glass, but the Maillons is all about weightless, crystalline purity, tension and grace. From a purely textural standpoint, the Maillons stands apart for the finesse of its mousse and its exceptional overall harmony. Readers who can find the Maillons should not hesitate, it is insanely beautiful.Inc. TAX€1,108.32 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Disgorged in March 2020 with 2.4 grams dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2014) 60 months is based on the 2014 vintage. Indeed, it's the same tirage that was released last year after 48 months on lees, but its additional year sur lattes has transformed it into an altogether different wine, one that attains new levels of texture, sapid nuance and quite simply excitement. Unwinding in the glass with scents of freshly baked bread, honeyed pears, pomelo, blanched almonds, praline and white flowers, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a textural attack segueing into a deep and concentrated mid-palate that's pure and precise, girdled by racy acids and complemented by an elegantly pillowy mousse, concluding with a long, intensely mineral finish. It is testimony to Olivier Collin's immense ambition and relentless work ethic that he has achieved such results not in the celebrated terroirs of the Côte de Blancs or the Montagne de Reims, but rather in the little-known Val du Petit Morin, and in the process, he is expanding the parameters of the possible in Champagne.Inc. TAX€3,041.89 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Disgorged after 60 months on the lees, which will now be the standard for this cuvée, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2016) unwinds in the glass with complex aromas of crisp Anjou pear and stone fruits mingled with pastry cream, toasted almonds and white flowers. Full-bodied, satiny and seamless, it's deep and complete, with racy acids, terrific texture and unerring precision. While my allegiance varies between Les Enfers and Les Roises, depending on the year and the disgorgement, in 2016 it's impossible to choose: both wines are benchmarks for contemporary Champagne.Inc. TAX€4,970.26 -
Inc. TAX€2,387.77 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Among the strongest releases of this cuvée, the NV Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons (2016 base), built on the 2016 vintage and incorporating a notable proportion of reserve wines—mostly from 2015—is particularly compelling. Disgorged in March 2020 with a dosage of 2.4 grams per liter, it emerges from the glass with aromas of mirabelle plum, almond paste and apricot mingled with mandarin and freshly baked bread. Medium- to full-bodied and elegantly muscular, the palate is structured around a deep, concentrated core of fruit and racy acidity, concluding with a long, persistent finish. One of the most elegant and precise renditions of Les Maillons to date, it stylistically recalls the superb 2013-based release that forever changed how this estate is perceived.Inc. TAX€2,621.77 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged this year after 36 months in tirage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons (2018) is based on the 2018 vintage, incorporating fully 60% reserve wines from the 2017 vintage. Opening in the glass with scents of sweet mirabelle plum, honeycomb, orange oil, bee pollen and spices, it's full-bodied fleshy and seamless, with a satiny attack that segues into a vinous, enveloping mid-palate that's complemented by a fine, pillowy mousse. Concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish, 2018 was the first vintage in which Collin employed his new Coquard press, and it doesn't seem fanciful to imagine that this contributes to the notable finesse of this release.Inc. TAX€1,229.22 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.Inc. TAX€2,705.77 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises (2015) 60 months is an arresting, thrilling wine that bursts with aromas of peach, confit lemon, mandarin oil, buttery pastry, almonds and white flowers. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with huge concentration and mid-palate amplitude, it's vibrant and precise, with a pillowy mousse and an immensely long and intensely saline finish. Despite my best intentions, as soon as I tasted this Les Roises, I knew that my self-imposed embargo on any further 100-point scores for Champagne in 2021 would have to be broken. And the frightening thing is that Collin shows no signs of relenting in his quest to expand the parameters of the possible in Champagne! While bottles of this tiny disgorgement won't be easy to find, anyone eager to taste one of the region's contemporary benchmarks should make every effort to seek one out.Inc. TAX€3,041.89 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Disgorged this year after 60 months on the lees, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises (2016) is brilliant, offering up complex aromas of confit orange, peach, citrus blossom, nutmeg and freshly baked bread, followed by a full-bodied, satiny and layered palate that's broader and more textural than Les Enfers, its deep core of fruit underpinned by racy acids and chalky structure. As I remarked on the wine's palpable levels of dry extract, Collin observed that due to the smaller size of the grapes Les Roises produces (due to fan leaf virus, or court-noué), he's obliged to press harder to liberate the juice, delivering simultaneously more dry extract and a slightly higher pH than adjacent Les Enfers. In addition to the supplemental concentration those smaller berries provide, this surely helps to explain some of the wine's texture and body.Inc. TAX€4,970.26 -
Indulge in the exquisite Valentin Leflaive 16 40 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru Avize NV, a remarkable Champagne of the highest order. Crafted by renowned producer Valentin Leflaive, this Chardonnay-only blend originates from the esteemed Avize Grand Cru vineyards, nestled in the heart of France's Champagne region. Infused with a delicate balance of depth and vivacity, this vintage reflects the essence of its chalky terroir perfectly. Ravishing notes of ripe pear, fresh apple and subtleties of toasted almond waft from the glass, hinting at the wine's awe-inspiring complexity. On the palate, it's strikingly vibrant with an elegant dance of creamy brioche undertones, zesty citrus compounds and a tantalisingly crisp, clean finish. Meticulously made using traditional methods, this Extra Brut carries a gracefully attenuated sweetness, ensuring a profound tasting experience. The Valentin Leflaive 16 40 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru Avize NV is a treasure to uncover for any discerning wine devotee.
Inc. TAX€382.57 -
(6x75cl) NVVinous (93)
The NV Brut Grand Cru is 100% Chardonnay from Avize, Oger and Cramant. Bright and sizzling in the glass, the Grand Cru captures the essence of the Côtes des Blancs in its chiseled personality. Citrus, floral, slate and mineral notes lend vibrancy throughout. The 10 grams of dosage are not at all evident. Impressive. Disgorged: May 10, 2021.Inc. TAX€398.23 -
Vinous (94)
The NV Extra-Brut Cuvée de Jean Fannière Origine is 100% Chardonnay, vintages 2015 and 2014 from the 50 year-old vines in Chemin de Châlons, one of the most highly regarded sites in Cramant. Rich and ample, the Origine possesses superb depth and resonance that build with time in the glass. The flavors are so remarkably pure. In the glass, the Origine is bold and enveloping to its core, not to mention a Champagne of gravitas ad character. Apricot, tangerine oil, smoke, almond, sage and chamomile linger on the substantial close. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 7, 2017.Inc. TAX€470.23 -
Hailing from the celebrated Oger terroir of Champagne, France, the Vauversin Rossignol Grand Cru 2016 is one to savour. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this wonderfully balanced Chardonnay Grand Cru is delight for true connoisseurs. Its maker, the distinguished Vauversin family, employ meticulous traditional methods for an exquisite production. For three generations, the Vauversins have maintained an unwavering commitment to quality, manipulating lees with utmost care to infuse the wine with a remarkable maturity.
The Vauversin Rossignol Grand Cru 2016 embodies excellence with an enticing golden hue and sparkles of brilliant green. A nose replete with floral and citrus nuances gives way to an elegant palate, presenting crisp apple and lemon zest with a delicately creamy finish. This is a testament to the finer intricacies of winemaking, a vintage that decants the Vauversin pedigree into every glass. For an indelible journey into the world of fine wine, the Vauversin Rossignol Grand Cru 2016 marks the route.
Inc. TAX€232.72 -
Inc. TAX€622.07 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2008 La Grande Dame Rosé is a very pretty wine. Not surprisingly, the 2008 is starting to show signs of age, not in a negative way per se, but there is also little doubt that time seems to bring out the natural vinous intensity and gamey character of Pinot Noir. The 2008 is like a teenager going through adolescence. I had had the privilege of tasting La Grande Dame Rosé going back many decades. Those experiences left me with the strong impression that the Rosé is best enjoyed either relatively young or quite old, as the wine can be something of a moving target in between those two distinct phases.Inc. TAX€1,985.77 -
(2x75cl) 1995Vinous (92+)
Deep but youthfully unevolved aromas of toffee apple, lemon and mint. Penetrating, rich and thick, with a deep, yeasty, baked bread component. At once brisk and seamless but brooding more than expressive today. Finishes long, dry and backward. This may ultimately merit a score in the mid-90s.Inc. TAX€774.43 -
(6x75cl) 1995Vinous (92+)
Deep but youthfully unevolved aromas of toffee apple, lemon and mint. Penetrating, rich and thick, with a deep, yeasty, baked bread component. At once brisk and seamless but brooding more than expressive today. Finishes long, dry and backward. This may ultimately merit a score in the mid-90s.Inc. TAX€2,104.42 -
(1x75cl) 1998Vinous (92+)
Light gold. Rich, smoky aromas of buttery pear, peach and smoked meat, complemented by exotic spice accents and a hint of white flowers; seems livelier on the nose than the deep, rich 1996 version. Weighty citrus and orchard fruit flavors are framed by juicy acids, and come across as a bit youthfully stunted right now. With air a note of poached pear emerged, along with a suggestion of toffeed hazelnut. Give this a few years.Inc. TAX€229.02 -
Vinous (93)
(made from fruit grown in eight different grand crus, mostly Verzenay and Avize; lot 5122815): Vivid gold. Heady aromas of orange, white peach and smoky minerals, with a note of buttered toast adding depth. Densely packed citrus and pit fruit flavors show chewy texture and a bright mineral quality that adds vivacity. Rich but lively and precise, finishing very long, with notes of candied fig and toasty lees.Inc. TAX€213.96
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Delight your palate with the distinguished Tarlant Vigne D'Or Blanc Meuniers 2004, an exquisite testament to the craftsmanship of the Tarlant family. This seductive potion was birthed in the vineyards of France's esteemed Champagne district, where tradition meets innovation. Hand-harvested from the house's oldest Blanc de Meuniers vines, Vigne d’Or is a single-varietal Meunier farmed organically and matured in oak barrels. The 2004 vintage strikes a harmonious balance of freshness and maturity, evocative of its unique terroir. Produced by Maison Tarlant, renowned for their biodynamic practices, this rare Blanc de Meuniers 2004 signifies a blend of the family’s meticulousness and history. Taste the charming complexity of dried fruits and bakery flavours, enriched with vibrant mineral undertones that encapsulates the passion and precision of Tarlant. A glass of the Tarlant Vigne D'Or Blanc Meuniers 2004 is more than wine; it's a journey through one of wine’s premier destinations.
In Bond€794.00 -
In Bond€404.00
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Decanter (97)
Racy and thrilling, this hits the spot in terms of direct and punchy yellow fruit flavours - lemon, grapefruit, orange and quince with a crisp texture and fine bubbles that fill the mouth. Such tension and precision. It has a sharp yet also mouthwatering acidity giving you a push pull of intensity and generosity. It's super dry and gives a raciness to the overall impression with very tiny hints of sweetness providing the round feel that's so appealing. Shines brightly and still feels so youthful, such a long ageing potential yet. I like the energy and the persistence here, it's clean and finessed. Not trying too hard but so easy to drink. 100% Chardonnay of white 90% comes from grands crus vineyards. Dosage 4g/L. Disgorged February 2022.In Bond€294.00 -
Decanter (97)
The second vintage released on the Place de Bordeaux, a 100% Chardonnay from Avize made with no malolactic fermented and aged only in stainless steel tanks. A beautiful light, white gold colour in the glass, belying its 12 year age. So lifted, fresh and lively on the nose, pure and precise with citrus fruit and green orchard fruit aromatics - lemon and lime zest. Clean and clear on the palate, a true and transparent expression of succulent Chardonnay with energy, focus and interest. Balanced and harmonious, nothing out of place, not too sharp or too intense - a dosage of 2g/l 'was sufficient' says winemaker Nicolas Uriel and it really works to give a generous but controlled mouthfeel with lift, brightness and cool freshness all the way through, especially on the finish. Satisfying and extremely drinkable. From vines averaging 80 years old on pure limestone.In Bond€210.00 -
Timothee Stroebel Coteaux Champenois Le Vin Tranquille Blanc 2018 epitomises elegance and craftsmanship from the esteemed Stroebel estate in Champagne. Meticulously produced from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested in 2018, this blanc showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Fermented in stainless steel vats to preserve its crisp acidity and refined fruit nuances, the wine undergoes a careful ageing process to enhance its complexity. The terroir of Coteaux Champenois imparts distinctive minerality and vibrant citrus notes, underpinned by subtle floral undertones. Timothee Stroebel, renowned for his dedication to sustainable viticulture, ensures each bottle reflects his passion for quality and finesse. Ideal for pairing with delicate seafood dishes or as a sophisticated aperitif, this 2018 vintage stands as a testament to exceptional French winemaking.
In Bond€138.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
I'm trying to conserve my few bottles of Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2014) 60 months, but temptation got the better of me as I wound down my barrel tastings of the Côte d'Or's 2022s this December. If anything, this wine has only become more spectacular since my initial review, and it's certainly even more expressive. Wafting from the glass with complex aromas of pear, hazelnuts, honeycomb, buttered toast, pomelo, iodine and smoke, it's full-bodied, deep and vinous, with a satiny attack that segues into a seamless, layered palate of striking intensity, concluding with an immensely long, sapid finish. Its greatness is testament both to Collin's unstinting work ethic and remarkable vision for vineyards that, a decade ago, no one had heard of.In Bond€565.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.In Bond€974.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.In Bond€1,950.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The Les Roises from Ulysse Collin, based on the 2013 vintage, testifies to why this producer has such a devout following. Apple crumble, grilled hazelnut and lemon verbena emerge on the nose that has beautiful definition and real intensity. It gains volume in the glass and shimmers with delight. The palate has a soupçon of reduction on the entry that merely lends tension, effortlessly counterbalancing the power of this champagne. There is a lovely edge and nervosité on the finish that urges you back for another sip. What a brilliant sparkling start to the evening.In Bond€565.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The most refined of these new releases, the NV (2008) Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons wrap around the palate with endless layers of sensual fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and subtle spices waft from the glass, but the Maillons is all about weightless, crystalline purity, tension and grace. From a purely textural standpoint, the Maillons stands apart for the finesse of its mousse and its exceptional overall harmony. Readers who can find the Maillons should not hesitate, it is insanely beautiful.In Bond€1,265.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The most refined of these new releases, the NV (2008) Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons wrap around the palate with endless layers of sensual fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and subtle spices waft from the glass, but the Maillons is all about weightless, crystalline purity, tension and grace. From a purely textural standpoint, the Maillons stands apart for the finesse of its mousse and its exceptional overall harmony. Readers who can find the Maillons should not hesitate, it is insanely beautiful.In Bond€358.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The most refined of these new releases, the NV (2008) Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons wrap around the palate with endless layers of sensual fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and subtle spices waft from the glass, but the Maillons is all about weightless, crystalline purity, tension and grace. From a purely textural standpoint, the Maillons stands apart for the finesse of its mousse and its exceptional overall harmony. Readers who can find the Maillons should not hesitate, it is insanely beautiful.In Bond€917.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Disgorged in March 2020 with 2.4 grams dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2014) 60 months is based on the 2014 vintage. Indeed, it's the same tirage that was released last year after 48 months on lees, but its additional year sur lattes has transformed it into an altogether different wine, one that attains new levels of texture, sapid nuance and quite simply excitement. Unwinding in the glass with scents of freshly baked bread, honeyed pears, pomelo, blanched almonds, praline and white flowers, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a textural attack segueing into a deep and concentrated mid-palate that's pure and precise, girdled by racy acids and complemented by an elegantly pillowy mousse, concluding with a long, intensely mineral finish. It is testimony to Olivier Collin's immense ambition and relentless work ethic that he has achieved such results not in the celebrated terroirs of the Côte de Blancs or the Montagne de Reims, but rather in the little-known Val du Petit Morin, and in the process, he is expanding the parameters of the possible in Champagne.In Bond€2,525.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Disgorged after 60 months on the lees, which will now be the standard for this cuvée, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers (2016) unwinds in the glass with complex aromas of crisp Anjou pear and stone fruits mingled with pastry cream, toasted almonds and white flowers. Full-bodied, satiny and seamless, it's deep and complete, with racy acids, terrific texture and unerring precision. While my allegiance varies between Les Enfers and Les Roises, depending on the year and the disgorgement, in 2016 it's impossible to choose: both wines are benchmarks for contemporary Champagne.In Bond€4,130.00 -
In Bond€1,970.00
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Wine Advocate (98)
Among the strongest releases of this cuvée, the NV Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons (2016 base), built on the 2016 vintage and incorporating a notable proportion of reserve wines—mostly from 2015—is particularly compelling. Disgorged in March 2020 with a dosage of 2.4 grams per liter, it emerges from the glass with aromas of mirabelle plum, almond paste and apricot mingled with mandarin and freshly baked bread. Medium- to full-bodied and elegantly muscular, the palate is structured around a deep, concentrated core of fruit and racy acidity, concluding with a long, persistent finish. One of the most elegant and precise renditions of Les Maillons to date, it stylistically recalls the superb 2013-based release that forever changed how this estate is perceived.In Bond€2,165.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged this year after 36 months in tirage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons (2018) is based on the 2018 vintage, incorporating fully 60% reserve wines from the 2017 vintage. Opening in the glass with scents of sweet mirabelle plum, honeycomb, orange oil, bee pollen and spices, it's full-bodied fleshy and seamless, with a satiny attack that segues into a vinous, enveloping mid-palate that's complemented by a fine, pillowy mousse. Concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish, 2018 was the first vintage in which Collin employed his new Coquard press, and it doesn't seem fanciful to imagine that this contributes to the notable finesse of this release.In Bond€1,015.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.In Bond€2,235.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises (2015) 60 months is an arresting, thrilling wine that bursts with aromas of peach, confit lemon, mandarin oil, buttery pastry, almonds and white flowers. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with huge concentration and mid-palate amplitude, it's vibrant and precise, with a pillowy mousse and an immensely long and intensely saline finish. Despite my best intentions, as soon as I tasted this Les Roises, I knew that my self-imposed embargo on any further 100-point scores for Champagne in 2021 would have to be broken. And the frightening thing is that Collin shows no signs of relenting in his quest to expand the parameters of the possible in Champagne! While bottles of this tiny disgorgement won't be easy to find, anyone eager to taste one of the region's contemporary benchmarks should make every effort to seek one out.In Bond€2,525.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Disgorged this year after 60 months on the lees, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Roises (2016) is brilliant, offering up complex aromas of confit orange, peach, citrus blossom, nutmeg and freshly baked bread, followed by a full-bodied, satiny and layered palate that's broader and more textural than Les Enfers, its deep core of fruit underpinned by racy acids and chalky structure. As I remarked on the wine's palpable levels of dry extract, Collin observed that due to the smaller size of the grapes Les Roises produces (due to fan leaf virus, or court-noué), he's obliged to press harder to liberate the juice, delivering simultaneously more dry extract and a slightly higher pH than adjacent Les Enfers. In addition to the supplemental concentration those smaller berries provide, this surely helps to explain some of the wine's texture and body.In Bond€4,130.00 -
Indulge in the exquisite Valentin Leflaive 16 40 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru Avize NV, a remarkable Champagne of the highest order. Crafted by renowned producer Valentin Leflaive, this Chardonnay-only blend originates from the esteemed Avize Grand Cru vineyards, nestled in the heart of France's Champagne region. Infused with a delicate balance of depth and vivacity, this vintage reflects the essence of its chalky terroir perfectly. Ravishing notes of ripe pear, fresh apple and subtleties of toasted almond waft from the glass, hinting at the wine's awe-inspiring complexity. On the palate, it's strikingly vibrant with an elegant dance of creamy brioche undertones, zesty citrus compounds and a tantalisingly crisp, clean finish. Meticulously made using traditional methods, this Extra Brut carries a gracefully attenuated sweetness, ensuring a profound tasting experience. The Valentin Leflaive 16 40 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru Avize NV is a treasure to uncover for any discerning wine devotee.
In Bond€299.00 -
(6x75cl) NV
Vinous (93)
The NV Brut Grand Cru is 100% Chardonnay from Avize, Oger and Cramant. Bright and sizzling in the glass, the Grand Cru captures the essence of the Côtes des Blancs in its chiseled personality. Citrus, floral, slate and mineral notes lend vibrancy throughout. The 10 grams of dosage are not at all evident. Impressive. Disgorged: May 10, 2021.In Bond€309.00 -
Vinous (94)
The NV Extra-Brut Cuvée de Jean Fannière Origine is 100% Chardonnay, vintages 2015 and 2014 from the 50 year-old vines in Chemin de Châlons, one of the most highly regarded sites in Cramant. Rich and ample, the Origine possesses superb depth and resonance that build with time in the glass. The flavors are so remarkably pure. In the glass, the Origine is bold and enveloping to its core, not to mention a Champagne of gravitas ad character. Apricot, tangerine oil, smoke, almond, sage and chamomile linger on the substantial close. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 7, 2017.In Bond€369.00 -
Hailing from the celebrated Oger terroir of Champagne, France, the Vauversin Rossignol Grand Cru 2016 is one to savour. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this wonderfully balanced Chardonnay Grand Cru is delight for true connoisseurs. Its maker, the distinguished Vauversin family, employ meticulous traditional methods for an exquisite production. For three generations, the Vauversins have maintained an unwavering commitment to quality, manipulating lees with utmost care to infuse the wine with a remarkable maturity.
The Vauversin Rossignol Grand Cru 2016 embodies excellence with an enticing golden hue and sparkles of brilliant green. A nose replete with floral and citrus nuances gives way to an elegant palate, presenting crisp apple and lemon zest with a delicately creamy finish. This is a testament to the finer intricacies of winemaking, a vintage that decants the Vauversin pedigree into every glass. For an indelible journey into the world of fine wine, the Vauversin Rossignol Grand Cru 2016 marks the route.
In Bond€186.00 -
In Bond€511.00
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2008 La Grande Dame Rosé is a very pretty wine. Not surprisingly, the 2008 is starting to show signs of age, not in a negative way per se, but there is also little doubt that time seems to bring out the natural vinous intensity and gamey character of Pinot Noir. The 2008 is like a teenager going through adolescence. I had had the privilege of tasting La Grande Dame Rosé going back many decades. Those experiences left me with the strong impression that the Rosé is best enjoyed either relatively young or quite old, as the wine can be something of a moving target in between those two distinct phases.In Bond€1,635.00 -
(2x75cl) 1995
Vinous (92+)
Deep but youthfully unevolved aromas of toffee apple, lemon and mint. Penetrating, rich and thick, with a deep, yeasty, baked bread component. At once brisk and seamless but brooding more than expressive today. Finishes long, dry and backward. This may ultimately merit a score in the mid-90s.In Bond€639.00 -
(6x75cl) 1995
Vinous (92+)
Deep but youthfully unevolved aromas of toffee apple, lemon and mint. Penetrating, rich and thick, with a deep, yeasty, baked bread component. At once brisk and seamless but brooding more than expressive today. Finishes long, dry and backward. This may ultimately merit a score in the mid-90s.In Bond€1,735.00 -
(1x75cl) 1998
Vinous (92+)
Light gold. Rich, smoky aromas of buttery pear, peach and smoked meat, complemented by exotic spice accents and a hint of white flowers; seems livelier on the nose than the deep, rich 1996 version. Weighty citrus and orchard fruit flavors are framed by juicy acids, and come across as a bit youthfully stunted right now. With air a note of poached pear emerged, along with a suggestion of toffeed hazelnut. Give this a few years.In Bond€187.00 -
Vinous (93)
(made from fruit grown in eight different grand crus, mostly Verzenay and Avize; lot 5122815): Vivid gold. Heady aromas of orange, white peach and smoky minerals, with a note of buttered toast adding depth. Densely packed citrus and pit fruit flavors show chewy texture and a bright mineral quality that adds vivacity. Rich but lively and precise, finishing very long, with notes of candied fig and toasty lees.In Bond€175.00
