Was in Noble Rot on Friday night with Mark and Dan. It ended up becoming quite a big evening and we had some nice wines. How did we manage in…
Champagne highlights from 2016, and a resolution for the New Year
It’s new year’s day! It’s normally the time for resolutions, but I’m struggling to think of any. This year I drank quite a bit of Champagne, but there’s room for…
Grower Champagne focus: Vilmart et Cie Grande Reserve Premier Cru NV France
Vilmart makes some excellent Champagne. I’ve included them as a grower even though technically they aren’t because they source some grapes as well as relying on their own production, but…
Three prestige Champagnes: Krug, Dom P and Comtes
Tried these three yesterday. They are all really good, and all quite different. The Comtes was the star; the Dom P accessible yet serious; the Krug still tight and youthful,…
Champagne Janisson & Fils Grand Cru NV
Based in Verzenay, Champagne Janisson made the transition from grower to Champagne house in 2014, when they also built their futuristic new winery. This NV Grand Cru really impresses: Jansson’s…
Grower Champagne focus: A. Lavasseur from the Marne
Tried these lovely, distinctive Champagnes yesterday at the Red Squirrel (UK importer) tasting. They are from a small grower from Cuchery in the Marne, Champagne A. Levasseur, which since 2003 has been…
Champagne Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2008
This is the new Vintage cuvée from Veuve Clicquot, and it’s really good. It’s a fresh, quite complex wine with lovely focus. This is the first vintage made by current…
Grower Champagne Focus: Léclapart, Charlot-Tanneux, Emmanuel Brochet, Chevreaux-Bournazel
I had these lovely grower Champagnes in a wine bar in Reims (the excellent Au Bon Manger, 7 Rue Courmeaux). Anyone who thinks of Champagne merely in terms of the…
Grower Champagne Focus: Selosse Initial
I really liked this Champagne. Selosse’s Initial. Thrilling. Champagne Jacques Selosse Initial Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV France This is the March 2013 disgorgement. It’s a thrillingly rich and…