TNS: 02 Bernard Hatte Special Club, 98 Mayacamas Chardonnay, 09 Chermette Roches

WINE TALK
1

Some Thanksgiving wines that hit the spot.

2002 Bernard Hatte Special Club
Orchard and tropical fruits have tons of sap and meld into a honeyed, nectarine/mango marmalade on the finish. Very rich and exotic tasting, reminiscent of Vilmart’s Cuvee Creation. Odd that it’s present where Hatte apparently no longer utilizes oak and opts for steel tanks instead. Rich and broad flavors, with plenty of precision, a singular wine.

1998 Mayacamas Chardonnay
Mayacamas never seems to disappoint. The 98 Chardonnay looks a little dark, but isn’t premoxed by any means, still plenty of life left. Lots of rich, tropical fruit notes and creme brulee - but acidity keeps everything fresh and lifted. Delicious.

2009 Domaine du Vissoux Chermette Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches
A stunning gamay, the soaring aromatics are of Grand Cru Burgundy quality - fresh picked blackberry/black raspberry, spice and mineral/earth notes. Wide open with a very weighty texture, it manages to be both serious and gulpable. A special wine.

2

Great to hear about the Hatte as I have several on the way. Although it sounds as if this is drinking great now, would a few years in the cellar be a good idea?

3

Russ - if you like the style, there’s no shame in opening one. I popped n poured yesterday and it was accessible out of the gate.

Boils down to you if you like aged/mature/secondary note Champagnes or not. If you do, no harm in tucking these away. Even if you don’t, it’s still a pup.

4

Just poured a glass (Champagne doesn’t last in my house to see day two often, but we had a bevy of treats yesterday so I was able to resist the second half) and it’s as fresh as yesterday. Seems to have tightened up just a tad, but my impression is the same today.

5

Thanks for the Hatte note. Sounds like its in my wheelhouse.