I recently learned that Champagne Gaston-Chiquet was perhaps the original ‘grower-producer’ Champagne when the estate was divided over 100 years ago.  Their Blanc de Blancs was especially fine; with precisely defined fruit flavors; an...

Wine Country: France Wine Subregion: Champagne Wine Sub-subregion: Vallee de la Marne Both of the Gosset wines were very good, the Reserve Brut showing perfect balance of fruit, acidity, minerality and bubbles.  Lush and round freshness supported...

#16 PRIMA’s ’24 for 24’ Best Wines Of The Year Alexandra Sainz Brut Heritage Grand Cru Champagne 750 ml Our Brut Héritage is a sharp selection of the highest quality plots in Bouzy, blended with the best reserve wines...

The Hebrart Rosé is another broadly textured, powerful Champagne whose rich character is tightly wound.  Very delicate pink color from the addition of barrel-aged Pinot Noir, its aftertaste goes on forever and ever.  Really superb! ...

The Charles Heidsieck Brut was a crowd favorite because of its easy-going texture, rounded fruit flavors and moderate oak nuances.  Very good everyday bubbles from a highly respected Champagne house.  **+(FR)As Frank says, this is an easy wine...

Wine Country: France A great way to begin the walk-around portion of our Champagne Extravaganza, the Duval-Leroy has lots of open, broad (mouth-filling) fresh fruit flavors that carry through to the lovely finish, showing a bit of mint and floral notes...

Definitely more structured than the above wine, with a lush, polished texture that conveys apple and pear nuances.  Very classy wine, indeed. *** (FR)Now we’re talking complexity and gravitas.  This is a silky, complete wine with a very...

The 2014 Millèsime is more forward than the 2013 bottling, with tremendous complexity from the Grand Cru vineyard source and 9 years on the lees.  It is simply wonderful on its own, spectacular with food and certain to age beautifully if you...

We are always thrilled to have Alexandra Sainz join us for our grand tasting and this year she was spot on with three new disgorgements.  Her first-ever Brut Nature is glorious, made with 100% old-vine Pinot Noir, the wine is super-complex and...

Wine Country: France Wine Subregion: Champagne The Paillard Blanc de Noirs was one of my top picks from the lineup.  I described the wine as “monumental”, meaning deeply concentrated and powerful with being overpowering.  Its...

I’m a huge fan of the Blanc de Blancs style and the Charles Heidsieck was a particular favorite of mine with its pristine, polished fruit flavors, floral aromas and brilliant acidity.  Great minerality adorned with the addition of 25% reserve...

Champagne Colcombet, a relatively new producer and new to the west coast, is really lovely with an appealing freshness, scintillating brisk palate and super clean finish.  It’s complete, balanced and tremendously complex, especially for its...

 The Chiquet Brut had a bouquet of fresh-washed stones and subtle mintiness.  The vinosity (wine-like quality) is especially evident which is not surprising considering its Premier Cru status, generous amount of reserve wine and extended lees...

 I think John Rittmaster put it best when described the Henri Giraud Champagnes as “natural wine meets Champagne.”  Henri Giraud enjoys an almost cult-like status with his novel approach to crafting fine Champagnes; like his...

Wine Country: France Wine Subregion: Champagne Wine Sub-subregion: Vallee de la Marne The pair of Marc Hebrart wines were both at the top of my list as the superstars of the tasting.  The ‘Mes Favorites’ shows extraordinary vinosity,...

Wine Country: France Wine Subregion: Champagne  The Paillard Rose is vibrantly fresh, with delicate fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry.  Delicate and lacy, it still has the backbone to pair wonderfully with all sorts of food.  With a...

As mentioned above, Colcombet is a newcomer to the marketplace and this Brut Sabré, basically a Blanc de Noirs, is quite rich and mouth-filling.  Generous in all aspects of fine Champagne; fruit, complexity, toastiness and balance...

Wine Country: France Wine Subregion: Champagne Wine Sub-subregion: Vallee de la Marne The Gosset Rosé has plenty of immediate appeal but the Grand Cru villages that go into its make-up suggest a serious side. It has the weight, richness and...

What Henri Giraud accomplishes with his Esprit Nature is amplified in the unique Dame-Jane Rosé.  Firm structure, balanced complexity and youthful fruit flavors in a powerful, yet approachable rose. ***(FR)No.  Not me.  This had too...

This wonderful Rose is brimming with fresh fruit aromas and flavors, particularly strawberries.  Its youthful exuberance in held in check by a solid core of bright acidity and a fine mousse. ***+(FR)Oh yeah.  The Roses today were amazing and...