TN: NV Charles Ellner Carte Blanche

WINE TALK
1

Champagne on a Thursday afternoon? Why the hell not?
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Binny’s had these for only $28 a pop, so, of course I had to pick one up. The nose is straight apple skins, with the slightest touches of floral, and baking spice. The apples come through super clean on the palate with a spritz of lemon and a hint of bread. The sugar is definitely there but it’s kept in check by a gorgeous spiciness and acidic spine. The finish is super clean with a nice cut of chalk beneath the sugar. At $28, this is such a no-brainer when you’re looking for a serviceable Champagne under thirty bones. 89+ pts.
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2

I’ve had a couple of these in the past year from Vin. While I agree with your tasting notes, I had it scored a little lower, closer to 87-88. It’s very serviceable but IMO this is where you start to see a major fall off in Champagne quality. I’ve enjoyed many cavas and domestic sparklers that I find are similar quality wise at about 1/2 to 2/3 of the price.

3

I promise I won’t bring any to the next offline.

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4

But yeah, I definitely agree that some non-Champagne alternatives come very close on the quality level for a fraction of the price. Definitely hit me up with some recs as I’m always looking for great QPRs. I had a rant a ways back about white Burgundy crushing Champagne in QPR, but of course that’s not an apples to apples comparison and I have mad love for white Burgs.

flirtysmile

5

LOL my first SNORT!

That did read a little snortish…

6

Don’t worry, Michael. I’ve already got (what I feel) is a nicer bottle lined up for the Champagne offline. The Ellner was a “this is pretty cheap, let’s see if it’s any good” impulse buy.

7

HA! no worries mark. I actually LIVE for the “this is pretty cheap, let’s see if it’s any good” impulse buy!

8

I have found the entire Ellner line to be regularly discounted on line, and every example to be too acidic and simple for me. I’ve ben surprised that even the Rose has been so. I have had more pleasure from the Wines 'Til Sold Out Champagne offerings, as better wines, and less cost than Ellner.