I have drunk a lot of '06 Comtes, from both 750 and magnums and I have rarely come across a reductive bottle. Ironically at an event 2 weeks ago we had a reductive bottle.
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This was a great bottle of BdM. Most bottles over the best couple of years have been on the downslope, but this one appeared to be at peak. I think it helped that it was followed by a bunch of old Rioja.
From a lunch earlier this week. The Agrapart was nice, crisp and clean, good way to start. This '07 R.D. that followed was nutty, slightly oxidative, but showing stone fruit and good acidity. Only complaint was that it was a bit short on the finish.
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New label for that wine from Bonville.
-Al
Any Bonville label is new to me, and I really enjoyed this bottle. Looks like '16 is the current release and I plan on getting a bottle to try.
I think that’s their top wine.
-Al
I’ve had a recent question about the 95 BdM: does anyone know how you determine the disgorgement date of a bottle of 95 BdM? They have a lot of different disgorgements IIUC.
Agree with your and Blake’s assessment, think the 2014 Bollys are the only vintage that I have enjoyed as I am not a big fan of their oxidative style.
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Jon, I liked the one bottle I’ve had too, but in a blind tasting, Bollinger GA was not even in my long list of possibilities. Nor was the similar style of Krug.
And thank God, I’ve never had a reductive 06 
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Bonville is a popular producer on the West coast especially because it has been marketed though K&L who sources lots of small growers after personal onsite tastings. I’ve had many a bottle and always liked them. Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne - SKU 1002262
AR Lenoble is another one that you may want to sample.
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I look forward to the next 2013 Comtes after your remarks as I’ve never had one that could match the depth, complexity and power of the 2008, but did have the preferred lemony character that I love.
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My first Marie-Courtin.
I really liked this. As my friend put it a very “vinous” experience. I didn’t miss any dosage here as the vintage delivers plenty of fruit.
Didn’t get to experience it with more air as it was gone within an hour. But still very youthful now.
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I’ve had four that I can recall, but there have probably been more. But I don’t mind a little reduction in my BdB’s.
One of my perennial favorite rosé Champagnes, the 2009 Cuvée Elisabeth showed beautifully last night. Generous layers of red fruit: strawberry and cherry plus orange and floral notes. Consistent with the typical full-bodied style, this vintage also reveals the warmth of 2009. A softer profile compared to cooler years. Elegant and plush.
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I think Comtes was a good guess.
The paper labels were the earliest disgorgements, but I don’t know when or how many of those they did. The bottle pictured is the later disgorgement. I recall hearing there was a '14 and a '17 disgorgement of these new look bottles.
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I find young CdC to show reductive aromas often. Matchstick/gunpowder, not Alban-like rotten eggs/rubber. I don’t mind the former in small doses, but loathe the latter.
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Haven’t had a '96 since shortly after release. Nose is a little muted and a little tight in the mouth but otherwise very good. Lots of length on the finish. Should start thumping in a few years. A ripper 
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I have one bottle I’m saving for our 30th anniversary. The timing should be good.
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