NEW GROWER THEME AT PUN IM HOME DINING - (14/8/2025)
- 2018 Dhondt-Grellet Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Les Nogers - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
Disgorged Nov 2023, 1.5g/l dosage. Guessed as a Chard-dominant blend despite the rich nature of the wine because of the crisp, linear nature of the citrus fruit. Developed some oxidative and natty notes that I got the last time but with better precision. One of my favourites in the line-up - guessed Chartogne-Taillet because I liked this a lot. (93 pts.) - 2019 Laculle Frères Cuvée James Barber Val Moignot - France, Champagne
Disgorged Jul '23. Rich, toasty nose but the palate was terribly austere (possibly because it was 100% Pinot Blanc). Severely lacking in fruit especially for a vintage like '19. (87 pts.) - NV Lacourte Godbillon Champagne Premier Cru Terroirs d’Ecueil - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
Blend of 30% 2021, 79% reserve wines. 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay. Disgorged 4 Sep 2024, 3g/l dosage. Red-fruited nose with a salmon pink colour, lovely cut to the rich, textural strawberry fruit from the oak use. Distinct, unique saline note. My first guess was Gaspard because I liked this a lot, turns out they are from the same village. Been wanting to try this producer and not disappointed. (93 pts.) - NV Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne Premier Cru Rosé de Blancs Brut - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
Not blind. Base 2021, 93% Chardonnay and 7% Pinot Noir from Bouzy. Disgorged Oct 2023, 5.5g/l dosage. The typical Gimonnet firmness and chalkiness dominated despite the high dosage, would have preferred more depth and breadth. (89 pts.) - 2016 Champagne Herbert & Co. Cuve X - France, Champagne
Guessed as a Chardonnay-dominant blend because of the crisp green apple fruit. Similar in style to his father’s DH2 that I tried a few weeks ago (which was a PN that I guessed as a BdB) - precise with a nice salinity. Definitely a new maker to watch out for. (92 pts.) - 2020 Antoine Chevalier Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Carkonnia - France, Champagne
Disgorged 15 May 2024, 0/8g/l dosage. Agree with the previous note that this is not the most refined champagne with a slightly bitter finish. Not a fan of champagnes that are rich texturally but with austere fruit at the same time. (88 pts.) - 2020 Antoine Chevalier Champagne Tecta Silva Blanc des Blancs Extra Brut Les Renardes - France, Champagne
Disgorged 15 May 2024, zero dosage. Better balance than the Carkonnia alongside, rich texture but with rounder and riper fruit that I guessed as a Pinot Noir (but I guessed the Carkonnia as a Pinot too). My takeaway is that this maker is too serious for his own good as I didn’t get much pleasure from both of his wines. (90 pts.) - NV Paul Gosset Champagne Premier Cru Au Fil du Temps: L’Automne - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
My contribution. Equal blend of 2018 and 2019, 100% Pinot Noir. Disgorged 11 Sep 2023, 4g/l dosage. 1312 bottles produced. My first time trying this producer and was afraid that it would be too natty but was pleasantly surprised. Slightly bitter as expected for a saignee but not too overbearing, what impressed me the most was the intensity and purity of strawberry fruit (as what I would expect a good grower to achieve in vintages like '18 and '19). Hint of campari and orange peel as others have noted. Will seek out more of his wines. (93 pts.) - NV Domaine Nowack Champagne Autre Cru - France, Champagne
Brought for a friend. 100% Meunier, base 2017. Disgorged May 2021, zero dosage. Rich and slightly oxidative red apple fruit but without the tropicality of Meunier. Pleasurable albeit lacking a little drive. No sulphur and it felt like this shouldn’t be aged for much longer. (91 pts.)
