I like the tree and fireplace in the background, but would like it even better if you’d managed to include Kita as well. Merry Christmas!
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I didn’t see the Vilmart on the wine list 
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How was dinner? I think Hansel’s wines are fabulous QPR’s and enjoy them from time to time but have yet to go to the restaurant.
Lots of good stuff since last checking in…I must say pics of unopened bottles should result in some sort of WB champagne thread punishment.
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It wasn’t, I brought it with me. I bought a Burgundy off the list. Dinner was solid as always.
I enter a guilty plea with an explanation: sometimes I sneak a photo before dinner to avoid the inevitable eye roll from my partner if I do it during the meal. Just wait unitl I’m earning millions as a wine influencer like Fu. Then we’ll see whose eyes are rolling
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Anyone have an opinion of the Charles Heidsieck Brut vs Blanc de Blanc? Dont hear them talked about often as entry level bottles.
I haven’t tried (indeed have never seen for sale anywhere) the NV BdB, so can’t speak to that. But thr NV Brut is by far my favorite “ordinary” champagne and the single largest holding of any individual wine that I have. Takes VERY well to 6-8 years of bottle age after disgorgement and at that point punches miles above its weight class.
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Thanks for that! Surprised I dont hear more about it…
The Blanc de Blancs is really rich and dense. I personally find it rather obnoxious, though I imagine many would love the style. The Brut Reserve has nice complexity, some richness and less weight. I find it much easier to drink and enjoy.
Really? It seems like it’s recommended almost every time someone asks for a Champagne under $50, esp. in the oxidative style.
If only it was still widely available under $50. Still possible to get it here and there under $50 via sales and whatnot but the standard price has crept up quite a lot.
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Weird, I did a search and came up with like 13 results.
Speaking of ~$50 Any thoughts on Pierre Peters Reserve ?
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Was invited to a 7-course ‘feast of the 7 fishes’ last night. Cooked by a friend of ours for about 30 people. What a spread. I hauled my own bottles with me, and took a quick mental note again of the 2019 V et S Argiles, which is drinking great. A really pure version of Chard. Happy holidays everyone.
- 2019 Vouette et Sorbée Champagne Blanc d'Argile Brut Nature - France, Champagne (12/23/2024)
November 2022 disgorgement. Shared this over dinner last night. Continues to drink great. Pear, green apple, a little drizzle of lemon and some light oxidation.
Posted from CellarTracker
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It’s a nice wine, though not particularly interesting to me. We happily drank through a case purchased for sub $50, but didn’t have any urge to reload.
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I’ll echo Sarah. I like the Peters reserve, but it won’t fool you into thinking it’s a tete de Cuvee with extended lees time. It’s just a very well made entry level wine that does everything right within its parameters.
For similar money, I find Bereche’s reserve to be a bit more interesting and, for less, I think Cedric Mousse’s Eugene is even more so. Lots of great grower bottles around this price
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2017 Elise Dechannes Champagne Tradition - France, Champagne (12/23/2024)
100% PN, 3g/l dosage, disg 5/2020.
Listed as 2017 vintage here, but the back label says there's 20% reserve wine.
Similar note to the previous bottle. Medium-rough fleeting mousse & small lazy bead. Yellow apple, lemon, saline & herbal stems in mid palate, and a refreshing acid finish. It has softened a bit and is in a good place now. I am happy that the disreputable 2017 vintage isn't screeching out of the glass. Comes across as a PN blend rather than 100% PN - even my Bourbon-drinking husband mentioned it. Great value and my favorite of ED's bottling's I have tried so far.
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2009 Guy Larmandier Cuvee Signe Francois VV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero. Exotic and richly expressive. Old vine Cramant Blanc de Blancs from a warm vintage, showing depth and complexity. Surprisingly dense and sappy for a Brut Nature, with layers of toast, citrus, yellow apple, and hazelnut. Despite its BdB origins, there’s a creamy cherry nuance as well as an interesting spice note. While it lacks the grip of the 2008, it delivers ‘09 intensity. Probably best enjoyed on its own, paired with a hearty meal, or as a finish to the evening.
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I reloaded on Roederer 244 at $50 per bottle during Black Friday sales. Nothing beats it for me at that price, and probably up to about $80-$90, currently.
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