The nose shows loads of dark fruit with a surprising kick of fresh mint. The palate is sweet and nutty, blackberry jam and toasted hazelnuts. Mint shows again on the mid-palate. Drink with strong cheeses and toasted nuts. Recommended. DH WHO: Hart's Desire WHAT: 95% Syrah Noir, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon Read More
The color is very pale yellow with a caramel tinge, bubbles are small and moderately active. The nose is lovely, deep with an underlying umami richness beneath fresh pears and apples. On the palate tart apples take the lead, driven as much by bright acids as apple flavors. The apple Read More
Raisin and honey aromas, with a wisp of umami leather too. Raisin, honey, leather and wood spreading out on the palate. Moderate finish with a touch of lemony fig at the very end. Good with savory foods from beef stew to the classic port pairing of blue cheese (Stilton) and Read More
Very light, almost clear, copper color. The nose is interesting, a bouquet of white flowers and pencil shavings. On the palate it has huge flavors of pencil shavings with flint, rose water, pepper, and red currants. Smoke lingers on the finish. Pair with a fruit tart dessert. Recommended. DH WHO: Read More
Interesting nose showing apples with a light background of wood smoke. Baked pear with a lemon background lead on the attack. The Pineau d’Aunis makes its presence known on the mid-palate, with pencil lead and wood smoke. It is full-bodied with a mid-length finish. Acids are quite bright. Drink with Read More
Pale yellow color. Delicate white blossom and mineral (iodine) nose. Quite linear champagne, almost flinty on the palate, some citrus notes and a lingering saline finish. Pair with sashimi. WHO: Paul Goerg WHAT: Champagne WHERE: Vertus, Champagne, France WHEN: NV disgorged in 2011 HOW MUCH: around $50 (media sample) Read More
Light golden color with small elegant bubbles. Tangerine, acacia honey and apple blossom on the nose. Crisp and zesty champagne with flavors of Meyer lemon, a little brioche and iodine. A hint of tangerine in the lingering finish. Pair with oysters or drink as an aperitif. WHO: Tarlant WHAT: Champagne Read More
Light yellow in color. Meyer lemon and apply nose; elegant champagne, with flavors of quince, red apple and Meyer lemon. A little brioche and great mineral notes in the longish finish. Drink as an aperitif or pair with grilled scallops. WHO: Ayala WHAT: Champagne WHERE: Ay, Champagne, France WHEN: NV Read More