Never had anything from this producer. I would appreciate any input on their lineup. Thanks.
FWIW the 1969 and 1971 Special Clubs were great 4-5 years ago. The NV bottlings are high quality, if not exciting.
Josh
The 2002 Special Club is bloody fantastic. Young, but fantastic.
Has anyone had the 2004 Special Club? I would assume that it is quite differed than the 02.
I had this once. Not a fan. Too yeasty and doughy for me, lacking cut and verve. YMMV.
The Special Club has always been a different animal to me than the rest of the range. The rest of range (NV and vintage) has always been best enjoyed young for its easy drinking, down-the-middle of the road style. Doesn’t stand out, but isn’t bad for the price. The Special Club ratchets things up a notch and mixes in a lot of sharpness and a decent dose of minerality in most vintages. It ages well and goes creamy with time. The 02 Club is typical 02 Chardonnay in that it is open and tasty now. The 04 Club is typical 04 Chardonnay in that it is more classical and elegant. Drink the 02 now and save the 04 for later. Both are good wines that accurately reflect the 2002/2004 vintage character of Chardonnay in the Cote des Blancs.
Michael, from my perspective both vintages were fairly Run of the mill. Much better wines out there for the same dollars IMO
Mike,
While I agree that they might not be great (I don’t own a single bottle of Launois and haven’t bought any in years for any purpose other than to taste), I don’t think they are bad values. The Special Club is $60 in the US and performs fine for the price and ages well.
I’m a little surprised, considering where this is sourced, that it’s not stronger than it apparently is. Thanks to all who responded.
Launois has great property, but the wines underperform One reason may be that they use tourists to pick their grapes (I kid you not). They don’t have to pay pickers; the tourists pay for the privilege, but it takes a long time to pick the grapes.
The '02 BdB has held up well. The Quartz is a good entry to the portfolio (was called Sable once upon a time, and is more of a cremant stule). Worth trying, if you’ve never had them, and priced well.
Had the NV BdB 6 months ago, and based on my tasting note, it was ok but nothing special. This might be due to style as I mainly got chalk, mineral, lime rather than any fuller fruits/oxidation/brioche that I prefer. If you like more refreshing/lighter champagnes you might like it, could work with sushi/light seafood.
Had the BdB GC 2004 - and the regular brut - both good, also good value (really not expensive), but nothing special.
(odd bottle, however)
This is a true case of YMMV. I read chalk, mineral, lime, and say lemme at it!