Probably like you I surmise, I have always bought wine to share with others and never bought wine with the idea of selling them.
It took me a few decades to get to the place that I started doing the same thing {bringing some of my best bottles} for family members who initially were not that interested, but now have reached a point of appreciation, but not yet to the point of asking questions, etc. That’s ok with me because it all about their experience and preferences such as my sister and her husband’s preference for Cook’s Sparklng Wine, Rombauer Chardonnay and Meiomi Pinot Noir when they can afford, Salon, Grand Cru white and red Burgundy. I did get them to buy Riedel Vinum stemware 25 years ago. A step
I can feel the joy and delight you receive from sharing with them and that is so worth it alone.
I found his first iteration was crazy reductive across the range. That’s why I always stop his bubbles overnight regardless of vintage. Haven’t run into bottle variation yet.
I agree on this. Can’t wait to see how well Marcus’s bubbles turn out with extra sur lies time.
Opened before dinner. An estate that we visited back in 2013. 70% Pinot Meunier. 15% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir from 40 year old vines. 73% of the base wine comes from 2016. Disgorged March 2023. 5g/l dosage. My last bottle although I may buy more. Fuller body with almond and hibiscus notes. 91 points.
Upon opening, I was liking this a bit more than @P_a_u_l_Christensen, as I found nicely floral aromas, a hint of yeast and only mild apple notes. But then those apple/cider characteristics kind of took over and this became a heavier and more monochromatic drink than what I prefer. Ok, but not my cuppa.
This had a pretty nose with white peach and toasted biscuit on the nose, with strong acidity and a bit subdued fruit on the palate, cascading into a long finish. Not quite as sublime as a bottle earlier this year.
2008 Krug Vintage Brut
I was very interested to see how this was showing as some people had mentioned it being open lately and it was indeed wide open for business. There was lemon zest and a hint of lime on the nose along with a bit of flint. The palate had more fruit than the 164 with a hint less but still prominent acidity and the finish was longer and more elegant.
2008 Krug Clos de Mesnil
This had a bit more reduction on the nose initially and was more aromarially muted, but opened up into a stunning nose with pure Meyer lemon and brioche. The palate had immense power and depth with a fine bead and crisp mousse. There was much more fruit and precision than the last two wines and the finish was long and elegant. This had much more stuffing than the 06 last year.
2008 Bollinger Vielles Vignes Francaises
Crazy nose with a symphony of aromas including lemon zest but also tea and a hint of smoke. The palate was vinous and elegant with more richness and many flavors. The finish was ever changing and long. In comparison to the 2006 this wasn’t quite as friendly but had more power and depth.
I find the balance in the 164 perfection. Just had the 08 Vintage…more ox…wonderful freshness stream of citrus..but find the 164 even fresher and electric…and more complex with the juice back to 1990. I just get IT in this wine!!
I preferred the 164 to the 2008 that night. It was an embarrassment of riches, as while both the 164 and 2008 were great, I liked the CdM even more and the VVF was my favorite of the flight. I’ve had the 2008 a couple of times since then and still prefer the 164, though I haven’t had them side by side again.
I’m sure they’ll continued to be opened side by side on a regular basis. I’m happy to have many of all 3 (well not that many cdm) in the cellar. Should have pulled the trigger on those 08 cdm magnums (weird that it was released when 08 vintage krug mags aren’t) last year for a low price though.
2013 Maurice Vesselle Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé
Opened by a friend. 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. Disgorged June 2023. This is an Extra Brut with 5g/l dosage. 3rd time I have had this wine. Medium yellow color with a lighter bead. Notes of brioche, clotted cream and white fruit. 90 points.
Some more bottles shared with family on our visit to Florida.
Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Édition 168ème
Tight when served cold. Much better after warming and airing in the glass. Complex flavors and aromas; ginger, red fruit, orange, lemon, toast. Seems quite young to my taste.
Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée
Really fine last night. Always good, but this bottle shows their triumph in 2013. One of my favorite Vilmart wines in recent memory. Layered and energetic, chalky and rich, with a gorgeous melange of fruit. I may need to rethink my strategy of buying more GCd’O than this cuvée.
André Clouet Champagne Un jour de 1911…
Followed the Vilmart CdC last night. So different than the Vilmart but still so good. More red fruited, including some dried fruit. Deep and complex. This was an older bottle. I’ve been singing the praises of this cuvée for years, and this bottle provided no impetus to stop the song.
NV Maison Raday Champagne Ramosa Ripa Brut Nature - France, Champagne (3/14/2026)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over a couple hrs on Day 1; revisited on Day 2 –
– 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay –
– Tirage: August 2022 –
– Disgorgement: July 2024 –
– Dosage: {none} –
– 2020 vintage –
NOSE: Nose leans a bit vinous with its bready/appley aromas; hint of vinegar on the Nose, too.
BODY: medium brassy color; active, medium-fine bubbled bead; medium-full bodied.
TASTE: dry; XMas spice — oaky; not oxidative, but a touch vinous; lovely, medium+ acidity; strikes me as a poor man’s Egly – not bad!! DAY 2: oak very pronounced today – too much. I liked this, but am unsure about the QPR: will likely try again with a different vintage. As for this vintage/disgorgement: Drink or Hold.
With dinner last night. Always complex, energetic, and simply excellent, this was no exception. And a double dose of travel shock. It flew round trip with us in checked luggage from Seattle to South Florida and back, yet seemed none the worse for it.
Continuing my exploration of Drappier wine this evening with my first NV BdB. I continue to like many of their wines and for me the blanc vrai is what really grabs my attention here.
NV Drappier Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut - France, Champagne (07/05/2026)
95% chardonnay, 5% blanc vrai (pinot blanc). 5% matured in barrels. 36 months on lees. Disgorged 12/25, dosage 5g/l.
The nose is quite forward - white fruit (peach), strong floral notes, perhaps a touch of pears. The palate follows, with quite a strong floral element, smooth, rounded, just (but for my palate only just) enough acidity to keep it in balance. Mineral notes emerge, particularly on the finish, as the wine warms.
Overall this is an excellent, vinous bottle of fizz. The blanc vrai drives the character of the wine, despite being only 5% of the blend. For me, it's a wine that needs food, and it needs to be kept reasonably well-chilled to avoid beginning a feel a bit cloying.
At the ~US$57 that I paid this is a definite repeat buy. (91 points)
.
