Comparing and contrasting is such a valuable way to learn and appreciate this stuff, Jon. I think when the reload of my 2013s come in next month (or so), it’ll be time to side by side the 12 and 13 again. I like both vintages, but would again like to know why they are different for me too.
The back-and-forth inspired me to pull one of our last of this batch. 2009 base, I believe, 52 months on lees, Nov 2014 disgorgement.
Corrected - we have plenty more if this iteration, not at all the last of the batch.
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NV Robert Moncuit Reserve Perpetuelle BdB Extra-Brut
Magnum. A balanced wine with the elegance of Le Mesnil Chardonnay. Chalky minerality with vibrant fruit; apple, pear, apricot, subtle almond. Despite being Pinot-free, there’s a surprising touch of red fruit in the profile. In my previous 750s, the wine had the same freshness as this magnum, but seemed more oxidative. My purchase of both magnums and 750ml bottles appears to be a good decision.
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Best part is that I’ve already paid!
Alfred Gratien Brut Rosé NV
First time with this modestly priced Champagne (~$50) and we both enjoyed it. Not a ponderable wine maybe, but one worth paying attention to I think. The Pinot Meunier is prominent with spicy fruit. Also a nice chalky mouthfeel. Evolves to become softer and even more appealing as it warms from refrigerator temperature. Fine-ish bubbles persisted.
Recommended
Our Garden Frog is watching as we enjoy this Champagne out in the backyard on a nice evening
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This and the blanc are my favorites at the price and the closest thing I have to a house Champagne.
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And you still followed your buying moratorium!
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This Margaine bottle is a spot on match for sushi. Leaner style with great balance and chalky minerality. What stands out here, though, is the texture. Super unique and amplifies what is already a pretty textural meal with sushi. Really fun.
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Had to try one.
Mostly red fruits and picking up some orange citrus with bread crust and a really nice hint of ginger on the finish. It’s full bodied and I’m guessing 5 or 6 grams dosage but balanced acidity. This has a place in my cellar.
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Yowza. Just humming with life. A little mushroomy but really not into dead butterscotch territory. Still quite a bit of lively fruit although bubbles barely a prickle at this point. If you like 'em with age, this is what it’s all about 
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And…?
Updated OP
Warren,
We have one of these queued up (in the fridge) for this weekend. Magnum with same disgorgement date. Terrific coincidence!
Thanks for the note; I was juggling when to open, and you have helped me figure it out.
We also bought both sizes.
I only wish I could duplicate a lot more of your buying habits. We probably enjoy as often as you, so the spirit is the same…
I really like this house. Their cuvée Wm. Deutz and Amour de Deutz can stand toe-to-toe with almost any bottling. I haven’t had any wines from them I didn’t enjoy. They also provided the best experience of all of the growers and grands marques we visited when we were in Champagne. Thanks for the note.
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I’ll look forward to your notes. For the price, it’s hard to find a more enjoyable bottle, as long as you’re a fan of the slightly oxidative brioche-ey style. Even if you’re not, I think you’ll be smitten by the freshness, texture and chalky minerality.
Cheers,
Warren
I have had them within a couple of weeks of each other 2 or 3 times, but never side by side. I would like to try that. Dinesh and I did the '12/'13 Cristal rose SbS and we had the somm blind us, but it was pretty easy to pick out which was which.
First time with this…100% Pinot Noir, 6g/l, 2021 DG…really nice, easy drinkin…lot of dried candied red fruits, as well as savory dried orange…red apple sour skin…bubble tingle that fades pretty quickly…not much mousse. Simple, yet tasty and chuggable(in champagne proper way)! I think I will get more for the $40 paid!
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Ruppert-Leroy Pappillon brut nature. 100% pinot noir, 2019. This is just so frickin’ good. I don’t usually gravitate to brut nature or particularly dry/steely Champage but this one totally floats my boat. Color is very pale pink but the pinot noir intensity of this is really remarkable and that stunning fruit combined with the structure, salinity makes this absolutely mouth watering and wanting more. This is back up the truck good. Excellent to outstanding, 4 easy, maybe 4+ (out of 5).
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