Which Champagne are you drinking?

[AD Northup]

Tonight:
2007 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée
2015 Roses de Jeanne La Presle

Can look at CT (adnorthup) for my note on the Vilmart, Bouchard was very much the same as last time

[Frank Murray III]

Andrew, good work. You're drinking well this weekend.....find joy, man!

Here is my Friday night contribution to the ongoing thread here...by the way, bravo to my pal Steve Nordhoff for starting this thread so many months ago.

• 2015 Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Le Rosé - France, Champagne (7/31/2020)
  Disgorged 02/2019, mainly 2015 base, from PN, PM and Chard, dosed at around 7 g/l. Same peach color as previous bottles. Bit of a spicy note in this, like a cinnamon. Joined by green apple, strawberry and a pungent cherry. Finishes with a spicy, pippin apple finish. Better with a chill, as when it is warmer it seems a little glossy to me.

Posted from CellarTracker

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[Blake Brown]

2 nights later:

The initial notes- 2006 BILLECART-SALMON CUVEE NICOLAS FRANCOIS BRUT- the inaugural release of this cuvee was in 1964 to pay tribute to the co-founder (who married Elisabeth Salmon); it is typically made of 60% Grand Cru Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay; 5% of the wine is vinified in old oak barrels before spending 11 years on its lees and undergoing partial malolactic fermentation; it is sugar dosed at 4 gpl; following the mild yellow color came aromatics of nice citrus fruit, especially lemon; on the palate, it gave up more of the same plus mild honeyed orange, apple and pear along with a surprising and undesired touch of straw/ hay/ grass, Sauvignon Blanc like, that eventually blew off to allow for the more charming nuances to be experienced; it had bright acidity and a wondrous creamy mouthfeel; I was so expecting this to be stellar out of the gate, but it took at least 40 minutes before the straw accent dissipated and allowed for it to be experienced for the glamorous wine it is intended to be IMHO.

Update- Thankfully, its showing beautifully now and NO grassy notes, just fresh, ripe citrus fruit and a super smooth mouthfeel plus all else above.

Cheers,
Blake

[AD Northup]

Tonight:
2007 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée
2015 Roses de Jeanne La Presle

Can look at CT (adnorthup) for my note on the Vilmart, Bouchard was very much the same as last time

Add NV Vilmart Grand Cellier disgorged October 17

[AD Northup]

Tonight:
2007 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée
2015 Roses de Jeanne La Presle

Can look at CT (adnorthup) for my note on the Vilmart, Bouchard was very much the same as last time

Add NV Vilmart Grand Cellier disgorged October 17

Which is absolutely delicious...

[Mike Van1]

Celebrated a special occasion last night with this.

[Blake Brown]

Celebrated a special occasion last night with this.

Very nice- had a bottle a couple of months ago and it was several;y oxidized- Yuk!

[Merrill Lindquist]

Ruinart Rose from 375. So delicious, and since it was a gift, so rewarding!

[Brian S t o t t e r]

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[Neal.Mollen]

2014 Benoit Lahaye la Violaine - Vintage not labeled but cork was stamped '2014', disgorged 4/2019. Bottle acquired from Sec Wines. Stunning wine, one of the more unique profiles tasted. Cellar temp fennel caraway herbs and hints of cucumber balancing lean semi sweet green apples (chardonnay fruit?) and rich yet never heavy red pinot fruit. Tart grape skins and almost mouth puckering salinity. This is one of the few wines that showed equally well (to me) both at cellar temp and warmer. Cooler temps emphasized herbs cucumber and other green aspects while warmer temps emphasized apple and pinot noir fruits. The latter fruit becoming richer over time but never heavy. The wine is lithe yet powerful, possessing powerful rich fruit yet remaining light on its feet. I drank this over three days. The second day the salnety was intense and evne more prominant balancng out the fruit which had become richer and more prominant (yet not heavy). The fennel caraway fruit remained prominant as well. By the third day I had only a glass left (sob). The fruit seemed to be a bit more pinot noir dominant and the fennel carraway herbs, more eintegrated but otherwise relatively unchanged save for being more of a still wine at this point.

This wine is unique to me compared to other similar made grower Champagne in the emphasis on fennel and caraway spices which were both prominent but integrated. My tasting of sans soufre Champagne is limited but I have yet to come across such a lovely prominent herbal profile.

This is my first tasting of a Lahaye wine but I have his Brut Nature up on deck for my next tasting. I already asked Eric to hold another bottle and plan on seeking out other vintages o this special wine as well as other Lahaye wines. This is one of those wines that changes ones perception of wine –even in the realm of grower Champagne which already challenges and pushes limits.

I have to thank Neil of the sadly now defunct Brooklynguy’s Wine and Food Blog for initially inspiring me to try this wine. I read his description of this and other Lahaye wines years ago and was intrigued. Only my ample supply of René Collard Champagne kept me from trying a bottle at the time. I also appreciate the fellow Beserkers who have posted about this and other Lahaye wines. I would love to hear from folks who have La Violaine – both from this and earlier vintages.

Hi Mary. I had Benoit Lahaye la Violaine (not this vintage) for the first time at lunch at Les Crayeres -- one of the top 5 meals in my life. I had never even heard of the producer, and told the somm to pick a couple of bottles that likely would never make it to the states. It was blissful. After lunch we went straight to Caves du Forum to buy a few bottles to smuggle back to the states

Agree with the praise for the 09 Cristal. Just a sensational wine.

Last night, we opened a 2006 Chas Heidsieck Rosé with fried chicken from Unconventional Diner. Both were absolutely delicious.

[Warren Taranow]

Earlier this week, we opened my last NV André Clouet . I bought three of these, as they were bundled with three 1996 Phillipponant Clos des Goisses in an auction lot. I've always considered Clouet a nice fairly priced Champagne, but the bottles I have opened were wonderful. These are old bottles, based on the condition and oxidation of the foil. They were imported by The Rare Wine Company. I'm guessing they're from the nineties since RWC opened in '89, but the bottles look even older. The oxidized foil stuck to the bottle and cork, and while the cork never expanded after opening, this still had a good "pop" and a generous mousse. This would convince anyone that NV Champagne can age beautifully. It was still very lively and clean, with great complexity. Full bodied, red fruit, brioche, mushroom, and a hint of subtle hazelnut. I love it; what a nice surprise from an auction bycatch.

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Last night, 2010 Vilmart Grand Cellier Rubis. A glorious success in a challenging vintage. This was blissful at all stages: the color and appearance, the nose, and the mouthfeel and flavors on the palate. While some champagnes scream "lemon", this yelled "orange!" Even the color. Creamy Cara Cara, Blood orange, tangerine, with strawberries and sweet brown spice thrown in, marzipan in the background. Just delicious, and sadly my last bottle. I often feel let down with other tête de cuvée rosés, but I will always look forward to this one. Vilmart has mastered rosé.

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Since there were four of us, we needed a second bottle, and with no remaining vintage GC Rubis, I opened a NV Vilmart Cuvée Rubis. While the '10 was on another level, this did not disappoint. Crisp red fruit, strawberries, a little bitter spice, great lift and freshness. One of my favorite NV Rosés

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Cheers,
Warren

[Blake Brown]

Very nice Warren. Great notes and pics.

[Frank Murray III]

Warren, I still have one bottle left of the 2010 Vilmart CR.....sounds like a good time to drink it, yes?

Andrew, good duo there, man. The 2012 CdC is coming soon........saving my budget for that!

[Brian S t o t t e r]

Warren, I still have one bottle left of the 2010 Vilmart CR.....sounds like a good time to drink it, yes?

Andrew, good duo there, man. The 2012 CdC is coming soon........saving my budget for that!

Any intel on when we may start seeing this at U.S. retail?

[J a y H a c k]

• 2008 Henriot Champagne Brut Millésimé - France, Champagne (8/2/2020)
  Brought to X2O to eat our anniversary dinner outdoors. The 200th anniversary for the house and our 44th. They were going to give us flutes, but I requested Burgundy glasses, and they gladly complied. A lot of lemon curd with lime and even a bit of pineapple. Crushed rock minerality and somewhat higher than average acidity. Just a tiny whiff of yeasty brioche but very light. I got a case of this from somewhere for $60 each. I consider that to have been a bargain. If I could get it again, I would get more. (93 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

[Merrill Lindquist]

Hure Freres Invitation. I picked this up for $37 and am not disappointed. Just a well-balanced wine to sip while watching the Boston Celtics in a winning quarter.

[Jim Stewart]

Hure Freres Invitation. I picked this up for $37 and am not disappointed. Just a well-balanced wine to sip while watching the Boston Celtics in a winning quarter.

Whoa, I had a mental disconnect for a minute reading that in August! Then I remembered the times we are in.

[Merrill Lindquist]

Hure Freres Invitation. I picked this up for $37 and am not disappointed. Just a well-balanced wine to sip while watching the Boston Celtics in a winning quarter.

Whoa, I had a mental disconnect for a minute reading that in August! Then I remembered the times we are in.

In this game, we are in great times. Nice to be able to forget about the current state we are in...even if the sound is piped in and the bodies in the seats are, well, what are they?

[Frank Murray III]

Warren, I still have one bottle left of the 2010 Vilmart CR.....sounds like a good time to drink it, yes?

Andrew, good duo there, man. The 2012 CdC is coming soon........saving my budget for that!

Any intel on when we may start seeing this at U.S. retail?

What I am hearing is Fall. Between this and the new Emotion labeling, I'd be happy to lock both of these in.

[Warren Taranow]

Warren, I still have one bottle left of the 2010 Vilmart CR.....sounds like a good time to drink it, yes?

Andrew, good duo there, man. The 2012 CdC is coming soon........saving my budget for that!

Any intel on when we may start seeing this at U.S. retail?

What I am hearing is Fall. Between this and the new Emotion labeling, I'd be happy to lock both of these in.

Frank,
What the difference between the Emotion Rubis and the GC Rubis? Are they the same?
Cheers,
Warren

[D@vid Bu3ker]

Tonight it was Marc Hebrart Rosé NV - delicious.

[Andrew M]

.

[Frank Murray III]

Not Andrew but he is correct.

I dig the new label. From the two times I have heard Laurent talk about it, he is very proud of it, too. This will show you the label.

https://www.laywheeler.com/product-detail?id=1312264A

[Steve Nordhoff]

06 Hebrart Rive Droite- my last one from a six pack. Gentle bubbles and akin to a white burg. Touches of pear, apple, spice and oak. Went well with the cheeses and nuts to start.

[Brian S t o t t e r]

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Celebrating having taken my subspecialty boards with some Franck Bonville.

[Jim Stewart]

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Celebrating having taken my subspecialty boards with some Franck Bonville.

Mineralité or Liberté, Brian?

[Brian S t o t t e r]

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Celebrating having taken my subspecialty boards with some Franck Bonville.

Mineralité or Liberté, Brian?

Mineralite. Does champagne well. I’m interested in trying the Liberte at some point but the GGG (which I have) looks very similar in size/shape.

[Sean S y d n e y]

Celebrating having taken my subspecialty boards with some Franck Bonville.

Congratulations on something that sounds very important and hard!

Never even heard of this producer.

[Brian S t o t t e r]

Celebrating having taken my subspecialty boards with some Franck Bonville.

Congratulations on something that sounds very important and hard!

Never even heard of this producer.

Thanks! Me neither, took a flyer from Envoyer awhile ago.

[Al Osterheld]

K&L in the US sells a lot of Bonville champagne, pretty much their whole line but what is in stock tends to vary.

-Al

[AD Northup]

2008 Henriot

[Warren Taranow]

Celebrating having taken my subspecialty boards with some Franck Bonville.

Congratulations on something that sounds very important and hard!

Never even heard of this producer.

Thanks! Me neither, took a flyer from Envoyer awhile ago.

Congrats! What subspecialty?

WT

[Brian S t o t t e r]

Congratulations on something that sounds very important and hard!

Never even heard of this producer.

Thanks! Me neither, took a flyer from Envoyer awhile ago.

Congrats! What subspecialty?

WT

I’m a pediatric nephrologist

[Michael Klein]

Earlier this week, we opened my last NV André Clouet . I bought three of these, as they were bundled with three 1996 Phillipponant Clos des Goisses in an auction lot. I've always considered Clouet a nice fairly priced Champagne, but the bottles I have opened were wonderful. These are old bottles, based on the condition and oxidation of the foil. They were imported by The Rare Wine Company. I'm guessing they're from the nineties since RWC opened in '89, but the bottles look even older. The oxidized foil stuck to the bottle and cork, and while the cork never expanded after opening, this still had a good "pop" and a generous mousse. This would convince anyone that NV Champagne can age beautifully. It was still very lively and clean, with great complexity. Full bodied, red fruit, brioche, mushroom, and a hint of subtle hazelnut. I love it; what a nice surprise from an auction bycatch.

E84ABC82-3518-4DB6-8EA2-972E9D422D5E_1_201_a.jpegIMG_8643.jpegIMG_8645.jpeg

Warren - just an FYI this is not the standard NV from Clouet - this is "un jour de 1911" and it's one of my absolute fav champagnes. 1911 bottles produced each year and IMO one of the most complex champagnes available at any price point. Sounds like you scored a winner!!

[Blake Brown]

Back in this thread, I posted some notes about 2 different bottles of the NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois. I've also mentioned experiencing a style change in the NV Brut Rose.

On both matters, I contacted them and received some friendly, informative feedback which I just posted in a separate thread on Wine Talk.

[Warren Taranow]

Earlier this week, we opened my last NV André Clouet . I bought three of these, as they were bundled with three 1996 Phillipponant Clos des Goisses in an auction lot. I've always considered Clouet a nice fairly priced Champagne, but the bottles I have opened were wonderful. These are old bottles, based on the condition and oxidation of the foil. They were imported by The Rare Wine Company. I'm guessing they're from the nineties since RWC opened in '89, but the bottles look even older. The oxidized foil stuck to the bottle and cork, and while the cork never expanded after opening, this still had a good "pop" and a generous mousse. This would convince anyone that NV Champagne can age beautifully. It was still very lively and clean, with great complexity. Full bodied, red fruit, brioche, mushroom, and a hint of subtle hazelnut. I love it; what a nice surprise from an auction bycatch.

E84ABC82-3518-4DB6-8EA2-972E9D422D5E_1_201_a.jpegIMG_8643.jpegIMG_8645.jpeg

Warren - just an FYI this is not the standard NV from Clouet - this is "un jour de 1911" and it's one of my absolute fav champagnes. 1911 bottles produced each year and IMO one of the most complex champagnes available at any price point. Sounds like you scored a winner!!

Michael,

That's great information, and it makes sense. This seemed more like an aged tête de cuvée than an old basic NV. One of the better bottles I've opened this year.

Cheers,
Warren

[Sarah Kirschbaum]

Looking back over July and the first week in August, we've done very well in the champagne department! 21 bottles in all encompassing:

NV Eric Rodez Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée des Grands Vintages

NV Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Cuvée Prestige Blanc de Blancs - 2 750's and 2 mags

MV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Edition 163eme

NV Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Brut Rosé - 3 bottles

2007 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année Rosé

NV Francis Boulard Champagne Les Murgiers Extra Brut - 4 bottles

NV Marc Hébrart Champagne Premier Cru Brut Rosé - 2 bottles

1996 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut

1985 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon - magnum

NV Ployez-Jacquemart Champagne Extra Brut Rosé

NV Piollot Champagne Cuvée de Reserve Extra Brut

NV Eric Rodez Champagne Grand Cru Brut Rosé

I have to say, I love having both variety and familiar friends in the cellar. Every single champagne in the last month and a half has showed well to very well indeed. I love champagne.

[Warren Taranow]

Looking back over July and the first week in August, we've done very well in the champagne department! 21 bottles in all encompassing
I have to say, I love having both variety and familiar friends in the cellar. Every single champagne in the last month and a half has showed well to very well indeed. I love champagne.

Sarah,

It's great you're finding cause to celebrate life in 2020! That's a fine summer of Champagne so far!
Looking back to the beginning of July, here's my list (smaller than yours, as work has been crazy):

2009 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée (too young!!!)
2006 Taittinger Champagne Comtes Blanc de Blancs (as good as ever)
1988 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle (an epiphany wine)
2008 Agrapart Minéral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (drinking very well now)
NV Ployez-Jacquemart Rosé (I wait for this to go on sale annually; I've been successful with this strategy for years)
NV Vilmart Cuvée Rubis (this wine needs no comment)
2013 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé (love this each vintage)
2008 Philipponnat Cuvée 1522 (too young)

More to come! Here's to sharing champagne virtually, and to an eventual post-COVID Berserker Champagnefest we can all attend.

Cheers,

Warren

[Sarah Kirschbaum]

Looking back over July and the first week in August, we've done very well in the champagne department! 21 bottles in all encompassing
I have to say, I love having both variety and familiar friends in the cellar. Every single champagne in the last month and a half has showed well to very well indeed. I love champagne.

Sarah,

It's great you're finding cause to celebrate life in 2020! That's a fine summer of Champagne so far!
Looking back to the beginning of July, here's my list (smaller than yours, as work has been crazy):

2009 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée (too young!!!)
2006 Taittinger Champagne Comtes Blanc de Blancs (as good as ever)
1988 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle (an epiphany wine)
2008 Agrapart Minéral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (drinking very well now)
NV Ployez-Jacquemart Rosé (I wait for this to go on sale annually; I've been successful with this strategy for years)
NV Vilmart Cuvée Rubis (this wine needs no comment)
2013 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé (love this each vintage)
2008 Philipponnat Cuvée 1522 (too young)

More to come! Here's to sharing champagne virtually, and to an eventual post-COVID Berserker Champagnefest we can all attend.

Cheers,

Warren

It doesn't feel like there's much to celebrate these days, except perhaps the ability to still drink champagne despite it all!

[Andrew K.]

Had the 2002 DP P2 for the first time on Saturday for our anniversary. It was good, but wasn't overwhelmed. Was surprised by the sweetness. Not sure if that's a phase or the style. Was great with the right food, but alone, it was bordering on too sweet. Was definitely a bit more refined at this point than the 08 DP, but at the price point, will happily stick with the 08.

2002 Dom Pérignon Champagne P2 - France, Champagne (8/8/2020)
Good weight and balance. Light brioche/yeast with a lot of primary fruit. Finish was a bit sweeter than the 2008 DP. (94 pts.)

[Merrill Lindquist]

Looking back over July and the first week in August, we've done very well in the champagne department! 21 bottles in all encompassing
I have to say, I love having both variety and familiar friends in the cellar. Every single champagne in the last month and a half has showed well to very well indeed. I love champagne.

Sarah,

It's great you're finding cause to celebrate life in 2020! That's a fine summer of Champagne so far!
Looking back to the beginning of July, here's my list (smaller than yours, as work has been crazy):

2009 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée (too young!!!)
2006 Taittinger Champagne Comtes Blanc de Blancs (as good as ever)
1988 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle (an epiphany wine)
2008 Agrapart Minéral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (drinking very well now)
NV Ployez-Jacquemart Rosé (I wait for this to go on sale annually; I've been successful with this strategy for years)
NV Vilmart Cuvée Rubis (this wine needs no comment)
2013 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé (love this each vintage)
2008 Philipponnat Cuvée 1522 (too young)

More to come! Here's to sharing champagne virtually, and to an eventual post-COVID Berserker Champagnefest we can all attend.

Cheers,

Warren

I'd be very happy to drink with you, Warren!

[Warren Taranow]

Looking back over July and the first week in August, we've done very well in the champagne department! 21 bottles in all encompassing
I have to say, I love having both variety and familiar friends in the cellar. Every single champagne in the last month and a half has showed well to very well indeed. I love champagne.

Sarah,

It's great you're finding cause to celebrate life in 2020! That's a fine summer of Champagne so far!
Looking back to the beginning of July, here's my list (smaller than yours, as work has been crazy):

2009 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée (too young!!!)
2006 Taittinger Champagne Comtes Blanc de Blancs (as good as ever)
1988 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle (an epiphany wine)
2008 Agrapart Minéral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (drinking very well now)
NV Ployez-Jacquemart Rosé (I wait for this to go on sale annually; I've been successful with this strategy for years)
NV Vilmart Cuvée Rubis (this wine needs no comment)
2013 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé (love this each vintage)
2008 Philipponnat Cuvée 1522 (too young)

More to come! Here's to sharing champagne virtually, and to an eventual post-COVID Berserker Champagnefest we can all attend.

Cheers,

Warren

I'd be very happy to drink with you, Warren!

Next year in California!

[Neal.Mollen]

Just wait for the 2019 Cristal.... It will be a number of years, but I think it will be better than the 2012 (which I think is slightly better than the 2009.... which I think is slightly better than the 2008). Best young Cristal I have ever tasted is the 2019 and the next best (2012) is not all that close. Just amazing texture, bright aromatics, precise, long, flavors, and a finish that coats the mouth and leaves your cheeks watering.

But, yeah, that 2009 is downright delicious and will continue to be so for a long, long time.

What do you think of the 2012 Roederer Brut? (For some reason I can't access your 2013 note through CT). I have a few coming, and wonder if I should have a few more

[Sean S y d n e y]

Coming in hot with an interloper - méthode cap classique from SA! 2013 Anthonij Ruppert L'Ormarins Blanc de Blancs

A vintage, traditional method wine for $25 CAD? You won't do much better than this. A nice lightly bready aroma greets you on the nose with a bit of apricot, a hint of the tropical when it warms up and a touch of stoniness. The palate is really lean and incisive; fresh and awash in citrus with a fine mousse. Not much of a finish. Great apéritif.

[AD Northup]

2014 Laherte Freres Les Grands Crayeres

Really really delicious already

[Steve Nordhoff]

2014 Laherte Freres Les Grands Crayeres

Really really delicious already

Indeed, my bottle last week was excellent.

2013 Prevost-these are always excellent. I am not sure how he coaxes such luscious fruit from those PM vines and yet still keeps the tension, acidity and balance. A true crowd pleaser. It will be interesting to see if these are long agers and where they go. A buy every year.

[D@vid Bu3ker]

Tried to have some Champagne tonight for our 31st wedding anniversary. In 2020 style it was corked.

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[Brian S t o t t e r]

2014 Laherte Freres Les Grands Crayeres

Really really delicious already

Wish I bought more bottles of this, still have one. Have you tried the 2015?

[AD Northup]

2014 Laherte Freres Les Grands Crayeres

Really really delicious already

Wish I bought more bottles of this, still have one. Have you tried the 2015?

Won’t have my 15’s until the Fall shipping window, but expecting big things given my other experiences with the vintage...if 15 meets expectations will become a much larger purchase each year going forward for sure

[Phil T r o t t e r]

Tried to have some Champagne tonight for our 31st wedding anniversary. In 2020 style it was corked.
56AF08CE-2FB0-4EF6-A466-46D826729AF1.jpeg

Sorry to hear that. I'm hoping it wasn't your first bottle of this because I would love to get your thoughts. I can get my hands on some 2017 (available tonight starting at midnight EST) and would love to know if it's a zero, one or three bottles first purchase...

Also, any experience with Les Grandes Lignes Brut Nature (2016)?