Yes it is.
VM
I quite enjoyed this and thought the three grapes were blended very well (given my lack of enthusiasm for PM). And even thought it is Brut Zero, it came across as pleasantly sweet which is an interesting data point to the argument that dosage is need to balance Champagne’s naturally tart acidity.
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It needed an hour or two open didn’t it?
I’d say so. Patience isn’t one of my virtues, too often the last tastes tell me I should have gone slower.
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(I’ve been absent here for a while, busy moving house to some slightly less cheap seats!)
This evening, celebrating a new home, a wine that has been much praised in this thread (thanks for the recommendations), and which I was very pleasantly surprised to find for ~US$35.
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Congrats on the new abode! 
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That’s a great price on the Mousse Eugene.
-Al
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Extracted from a thread just posted: Dinner with a good friend and 2004 Cristal, 2002 Girardin Charmes-Chambertin and 1999 Rieussec
2004 LOUIS ROEDERER CRISTAL BRUT- poured blind for me; 53% Pinot Noir and 47% Chardonnay; following its youthful light yellow color came mild and pleasant aromas of fresh citrus fruit and a sense of elegance which was confirmed in spades once tasted; it was sublime in every way, sporting a taste profile of lemon dominated citrus with a touch of orange zest coming in at the end; it had a perfect complimentary frothy, cotton candy like mousse which further served to suggest this was very youthful; after an hour or so, it started to evolve and gain more flavor, density and complexity and now its starting to act like an exotic mature wine while still maintaining ideal balance throughout.
My first thought early on was this was a 2014 or thereabouts and probably Laurent-Perrier. When it expanded and gained more weight and intensity, I started thinking an older vintage, but still L-P, maybe 2008. I was shocked to discover what it was and super motivated to add some to the cellar as it seems the 2004 vintage is approaching another level of excellence.
Cheers,
Blake
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Congrats on the move!
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One of the good things about living in Hong Kong - a very competitive and active wine market!
Julien Prelat Presle BdB, 100% Chardonnay.
My first and only bottle of this. This only stood for one day after shipment, so it may have been impacted by the shaking. The cork came out with an aggressive pop and bubbles fizzed out for several minutes. Very, very pale yellow color. There was still very fine and delicate mousse, but not a whole lot, and soon it was practically a still wine. But what a fantastic still wine it was! All honey notes - slightly underripe honeydew, honeysuckle blossoms, and a light honey sweetness that was in no way cloying. Delicious stuff. I’d happily drink this again if I could.
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Disgorged 4/2024. This took a minute to open up, then floral and lemon zest scents. Lemon, dough and green apple flavors, and a slightly sweet note that calls to mind apple cider. Amiable enough but didn’t leave a lasting impression.
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If you have another, try it again in 7 months. These need about 18 months of post disgorgement aging to strut their stuff.
Good to know. I picked this up as a one off just to try, but will see if my shop has another w/ same disgorgement date. Is 18 months post-disgorgement useful as a general rule with sparklers, or just this bottling in particular?
For this bottle in particular. I try, but often fail, not to open bottles until they have 24 months of post disgorgement. I have had some bottles that drink well at 6 months, better luck at 12 months, but so many are neutral at this age. 24 months seems to to be enough to ensure the wine has recovered from disgorgement.
This bottle, in my experience, develops a lush, creamy palate at 18 months, though i have only a handful of experiences with it.
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Last night at Chambers. Thought the 05 was drinking very well. Still rather rich and opulent. Freshness. Maybe lacks a little verve, but no complaints
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this. With some time sideways, this producer really seems to pop. I opened a bottle too early (NV rosé) and was disappointed that I had more. Another bottle two years later was absolutely ripping.
Edit: the bottle @E.Thompson is enjoying above me, here!
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Good rule of thumb for all Champagne, IMHO. If you’re an “I enjoy my Champagne super fresh” kinda person, maybe 6 mos - a year, but I really think a bit of time post-release helps even the NV bottles of Champagne knit together.
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