N.V. H. Billiot Champagne Brut Reserve Grand Cru- France, Champagne, Ambonnay, Champagne (11/14/2009)
June 2009 disgorgement. Lovers of dense, creamy, pinot driven bubbly will adore this wine. It’s all graham cracker, pie crust and ripe red berries - layered and dense but not flabby. Like Bollys NV on Big Papi’s “vitamins.” Finish lasts forever.
Sounds delicious, Peter. Aaron & Poppy introduced me to this producer earlier this year and I’m always on the look-out for their bottlings. Thank you for your note.
It’s $50-53 locally. Still good for the quality but still hurts.
Was talking to the rep for Bollinger last night lamenting how the Special Cuvee has gone up from $35 to over $50 in two years. He said he’s seen like 4 price increases in a year and a half or something similar. Not just my imagination.
Find of the night was the Fourny et Fils. They poured a BdB and a 70/30 Ch/PN blend with the blend being a very good wine. AND it’s only $33. Bdb is a buck or two more. In talking to their rep she said she also sells Lassalle and I mentioned I really like their 02 Cuvee Angeline. She said the 02 Fourny is even better. I was going to pick up a bottle to try at $48 but when we left that place the registers were closed.
DCowell - I was a little hesitant as it’s been only several months on the cork, but this was wide open. I believe this isn’t dosed either fwiw, according to Thiese’s recent catalog (though he mentions a disgorgement a full year earlier).
Thoroughly enjoying this. Had over a course of two days. Color: yellow-gold. Nose: Rich. Some toast, cognac, almonds. Taste: Tart Granny Smith green apple skin and Red Delicious apple pulp. More richness on the palate, cognac again and a little yeast with good acidity played out. Peter C… had some NV Bollinger today, and totally agree with your call on that!