{"title":"Feb 22: Champagne Lobster","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"diebolt-vallois-tradition-brut-champagne-france-nv","title":"Diebolt-Vallois, “Tradition” Brut, Champagne, France, NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished in 1959 in the village of Cramant, this family-run domaine has 22.5 acres of vines, primarily in the Côte des Blancs, where chalky soil provides the perfect home for Grand Cru Chardonnay. One of the most highly respected producers in France, Jacques Diebolt is a passionate and outgoing winemaker. Together with his wife, Nadia Vallois, daughter, Isabelle, and son, Arnaud, he produces magnificent Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiebolt-Vallois Champagnes are classic and refined, creamy and balanced, with fine, elegant bubbles. Their two top wines, Fleur de Passion and Cuvée Préstige, are some of the best values in Champagne today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e40% Chardonnay, 30-40% Pinot Noir, 20-30% Meunier\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChampagne, France  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePale color. Perfumed aromas of lime blossom and nutmeg. Strong mousse. Ripe and rich but quite lively, with harmonious balancing acidity giving the flavors good definition. Finishes ripe, long and generous, with excellent cut.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike an orchard in late spring, this blends floral and fruit notes of ripe apple, white cherry and apricot. There's a firm backbone of zesty acidity and underlying minerality, with a lingering hint of ginger on the finish. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31659278336042,"sku":"","price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Diebolt-Vallois-Tradition-Brut-Champagne-France-NV.jpg?v=1762526110"},{"product_id":"thienot-cuvee-alain-thienot-millesime-champagne-france-2007","title":"Thiénot, Cuvée Alain Thiénot Millesime, Champagne, France, 2007","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChampagne Thiénot symbolizes the very essence of Champange and Bordeaux, France with its exclusive, global and contemporary profile. For 25 years, Alain Thiénot has built the foundations for a new champagne house, with the greatest respect for a number of core values: quality, modernity and luxury, values which have enabled the vineyards to show their true potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Thiénot approach is family-orientated, where modernity combines with a respect for tradition, creativity meets quality, and where passion unites with exacting standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChampagne is an art without compromise. The Thiénot approach combines individuality, flair and selectiveness to create a unique style: Finesse, elegance and subtlety. This approach has helped Champagne Thiénot gain international stature, uniting prestige and innovation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChampagne, France\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExemplifying the trademark savoir-faire and exacting standards synonymous with the Champagne House, Cuvée Alain Thiénot is a stunning blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Only crafted in outstanding years, this is exceptional Champagne of great complexity and perfect harmony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhite flowers and almonds give fragrance to this Chardonnay-dominant Champagne. It is a concentrated wine, full of ripe white fruits, with a tight core of acidity. Named after the producer's owner, it is a flagship wine, intense and just ready to drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Blackburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39993508397098,"sku":"","price":148.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Thienot-Cuvee-Alain-Thienot-Millesime-Champagne-France-2007.jpg?v=1762528789"},{"product_id":"champagne-gremillet-blanc-de-noirs-brut-champagne-france-nv","title":"Champagne Gremillet, Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne, France, NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eIt was only in 1979 that my father decided to create his own Champagne. His first endeavour was in the export market and more particularly with the diplomatic network.  No more than fifty embassies and consulates around the world select Gremillet for their prestigious receptions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCovering 48 hectares, the majority of our vines are planted in an area called Côte des Bars. Limestone soils, interspersed with clayey marls, mainly planted with pinot noir (85%). An exceptional terroir in which the steep and sunny slopes reveal all the power and fruitiness of the grape variety. The rest of the vines is devoted to Chardonnay for its finesse and freshness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJean-Michel Gremillet \u0026amp; Jean-Christophe Gremillet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eChampagne, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt would be served with a roasted sea bass, a doe fillet or a warm pie with caramelized fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe taste is rich, full-bodied and voluptuous, quite satisfying and thirst quenching all while inducing us to indulge further.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Ian Blackburn\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAbsolutely Delicious!  The nose is like a white cherry - the mouth is round and smooth.  Really a fantastic producer - I recommend this tiny producer for outstanding value.  14\/24\/24\/32\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a rich, full Champagne, balanced between white and citrus fruits and textured minerality that gives it shape. The wine is full, with a creamy texture and tangy, crisp aftertaste. Drink now.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden State","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44638085873969,"sku":"","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/ChampagneGremillet_BlancdeNoirsBrut_Champagne_France_NV.jpg?v=1762530960"},{"product_id":"guy-charlemagne-blanc-de-blancs-brut-reserve-champagne-france-nv","title":"Guy Charlemagne, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, Brut Reserve, Champagne, France, NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe Champagne Guy Charlemagne embodies the excellence and heritage of a family dedicated to creating exceptional Champagnes. Founded by Guy Charlemagne himself, this house of Champagne is located in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the heart of Côte des blancs, one of the most renowned wine-growing regions of Champagne.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"manufacturer_description font-weight-light h2_to_h3 h-thin justify\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"desclose\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history of the Charlemagne family goes back several generations, when Guy Charlemagne decided to continue the family tradition of winemaking. Driven by his passion for vines and wine, he created his own Champagne house in 1892 and laid the foundations for a line of winemakers dedicated to excellence. The Charlemagne family attaches great importance to integrated viticulture and the preservation of the environment. The vines are worked with care, favoring nature-friendly practices and minimizing the use of chemicals. Soil health and biodiversity are at the heart of their approach, guaranteeing the exceptional quality of the grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe harvests at Guy Charlemagne are carried out by hand, allowing careful selection of the ripest and healthiest bunches. This attention to detail ensures that only the highest quality grapes are used to make the cuvées. Winemaking at Guy Charlemagne is the result of a combination of tradition and innovation. The grapes are gently pressed, and the juices are vinified in stainless steel vats to pRéserver purity of aroma and freshness of fruit. Some of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation to bring creamy texture and additional complexity to the cuvées. The Champagnes Guy Charlemagne are aged in stainless steel vats and oak barrels, creating aromatic richness and silky texture. Cuvées age on lees for varying periods, giving them characteristic depth and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e100% Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChampagne, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe robe is a brilliant pale yellow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose as well as on the palate: a harmonious palette finely chiseled between notes of acacia flowers, touches of citrus fruits such as lime, Florida grapefruit with a small elegant finish on the bergamot of Southern Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is fresh, slightly minty, melting with touches of fresh hazelnuts accompanied by a palette of pastry\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eRestrained citrus notes, particularly fresh, with lime, chalk powder and tarte tatin pastry. Medium-bodied, tight palate that’s super-zesty, with silky, persistent mousse and a polished, mineral finish full of salinity. Elegant and tight. Drinkable now, despite the exuberance, though there’s potential for aging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50202380108081,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/GuyCharlemagne_BlancdeBlancsGrandCruBrutReserve_Champagne_France_NV_6c83f43d-ca0a-4589-bd9d-8920dc7965eb.jpg?v=1733348163"},{"product_id":"veuve-fourny-rose-chardonnay-vertus-france","title":"Veuve Fourny et Fils, Brut Rosé Premier Cru, Champagne, France, NV","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eChampagne is always rich in emotion and in our family it also evokes the passion, that of the artisan winemaker who cultivates a magnificent terroir classified as Vertus Premier Cru. A wealth that we have maintained in our family since 1856. Thus, we are the 5th generation to offer Champagne wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom our grandfather Albert, Roger his son and Mrs. Veuve Fourny, we inherited a know-how as well as a vineyard of old vines, including the Clos Faubourg de Notre-Dame, a rarity in Champagne. It is also a source of pride for us to vinify it because it has been a monopoly of the Fourny family since 1930.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChampagne, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eT\u003cspan\u003ehe rosé from Veuve Fourny is a favorite among the staff in Berkeley. When a special bottle needs to be opened for the right occasion, this is the one we grab. If you like rosé Champagne, don’t miss this wine. If you don’t like rosé Champagne, prepare to be converted. The Fourny Rosé is a delicate light pink in the glass with a very fine mousse. On the palate there is a lovely subtle minerality with a raspberry\/cranberry tartness on the finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe NV Brut Rosé Premier Cru is another deep, flavorful Champagne from Veuve Fourny. Here the blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot (including 15% still Pinot) yields a powerful, resonant Chardonnay. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the Rosé is beautifully persistent, finely cut, and nuanced to the core. Citrus, chalk and white pepper overtones add brightness and cut throughout. What a gorgeous white wine this is. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kermit Lynch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50370356642097,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Veuve_Fourny_et_Fils_Brut_Rose_Premier_Cru_Champagne_France_NV.jpg?v=1732623175"},{"product_id":"louis-roederer-collection-245-brut-champagne-france-nv","title":"Louis Roederer, Collection 245, Brut, Champagne, France, NV (750mL)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eUncompromising Quality:  \u003cspan\u003eChampagne Louis Roederer was founded in 1776 in Reims, France and is one of the rare family owned companies, which is still managed by the Roederer family. In 1833, Louis Roederer inherited the company from his uncle and renamed the company under his namesake. Under his leadership, the company rapidly grew while remaining true to their philosophy of uncompromising quality. Today, the company is under the helm of Jean-Claude Rouzaud and his son Frédéric who continue to place quality before quantity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst-Rate Vineyards:  Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the only French champagne producers to own nearly 75 percent of the grapes in the most desirable vineyards in the Champagne. The property is located on 450 acres in the finest villages of Montagne de Reims, Côtes des Blancs, and Valleé de la Marne. Each region is selected to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the elegance needed for perfectly balanced champagne. The Louis Roederer vineyards rate an average 98 percent based on France’s statutory 100-point classification scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reserve wine is then tasted and graded by a team of Roederer specialists. They choose as many as 40 different wines from several lots for the blend. For the final touch, the wine is then added in order to enhance the cuvee and guarantee consistency while retaining the champagne's characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable and Organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJean-Baptiste Lécaillon\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 24% Meunier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChampagne, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLovely golden yellow hue. Steady lively bubbles. Bouquet of yellow fruits (nectarine) and ripe, concentrated citrus (lemon) complemented by sweet notes of petals, pollen, sugared almonds and wheat. We find an impressively ripe, complex and intense fruit which elevates the pure and intense bouquet interwoven with smoky overtones. The palate is velvety, unctuous, rich and juicy. The bubbles have an almost saline character to them and coat the palate with a broad and concentrated texture. The wine reveals an exceptional balance between structure and a crisp, powdery, saline chalky freshness. Smoky and slightly oaky notes linger on a deliciously well-honed finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAged for nearly 4 years in our cellars, Collection 245 is a complex champagne that has reached great plenitude. Perfect with gastronomy, this champagne is endowed with obvious cellar-ageing potential. The maturity and balance of the vintage year, the freshness of the Perpetual Reserve and the complexity of the oak-aged Reserve wines result in an impressive density of fruit, releasing complex flavours of citrus and yellow fruit; pure, intense notes nuanced by a hint of smoke. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRoederer’s specialty multi-vintage house blend is the annual Collection creation, and this year’s Collection 245 is a finely woven, mineral-laced beauty. Composed of 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 24% Pinot Meunier, the backbone (55%) is from the 2020 harvest, while 35% comes from a Perpetual Reserve of 2012-2019 vintages, and 10% is Reserve Wines aged in oak (2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019). The dosage is just 7 grams per liter. Notes of citron blossom, lemon tart, and lime leaves slowly emerge from the glass, leading to hints of raising bread dough, fresh ginger, and sea spray, with a touch of coriander seed. The light-bodied, very dry, beautifully poised palate is elegantly crafted with intense citrus and mineral layers and a lively yet well-knit backbone, finishing long and chalky. I love the restraint here—unmistakably Roederer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the 245th blend of Roederer's non-vintage Champagne. It is a fine wine, highlighting the blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, bringing in reserve wines to give richness and balance. It is fresh, beginning to show signs of maturity, with an apple aroma and a ripe palate. Drink now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ‘Collection 245’ utilizes a base from the 2020 vintage. Near equal parts come from the “La Rivière” Estate, the “La Montagne” Estate and the “La Côte” Estate. This is bold and rich stuff with toasty brioche, ginger, Pink Lady apple and shades of starfruit on the palate. With a refined mousse, enjoy over the next ten years. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestrained green apple, lemon bush and lime, plus light brioche and chalk. Medium to full body with fine, nicely persistent bubbles and good substance on the mid-palate. Almost biting yet polished at the end, with long, refreshing acidity. Lacks a bit of complexity at the moment, but fresh. Best from 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePart of a new collection that’s just reaching the market now, the NV Champagne Collection 245 is based on the 2020 vintage. (The trilogy of vintages in the collection are from the early ripening 2018, which is lighter and fruitier, the 2019, which is richer and more powerful, and the 2020, which is somewhere in between the other two.) The blend of the 245 is 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and the rest Meunier. It has a reflective straw hue and offers notes of fresh almond, bread dough, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, with a fruity nature, it’s crunchy and fresh in the glass, with a lovely chalky texture, good refinement, a note of fresh nectarine, and a clean finish. Dry, but with a delicate rounded feel and some depth throughout, it opens to show more of its salinity and the delicate reductive smoke that frames the wine with oyster shell-like umami character. It’s approachable now but will age with ease.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe NV Collection 245 is another stellar Champagne from Roederer. Apricot, white flowers, spice, white pepper and tangerine oil all open in the glass. This is a more open-knit style from Roederer. The blend is 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 24% Meunier based in 2020, but with 35% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve of previous editions and 10% reserve wines in oak, meaning the base vintage is not particularly evident. Dosage is 7 grams per liter, but it feels a bit higher than that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBased on the 2020 vintage, Louis Roederer’s NV Brut Collection 245 is stylistically somewhat comparable to the two previous editions, which were based on the 2018 and 2019 vintages. Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon explains that the personality of the wine will change depending on the base year. By identifying the wine with a number, they do not intend to produce the same profile year in and year out, but rather, they will embrace the singularity of each vintage, accepting the different personalities of the base year. It is complemented by a perpetual reserve initiated in 2012, which is stored in large tanks without lees; the reserve provides balance to the warm years like this, as the perpetual component did not go through malolactic fermentation. While a considerable portion of the fruit comes from Louis Roederer's own estates, for this bottling, the blend incorporates purchased fruit as well, particularly Pinot Meunier, which they do not own. Including approximately 43% Chardonnay, the new Brut Collection offers notes of pear, peach and candied orange zest. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, textural and fleshy, laden with vibrant acidity and concluding with a nicely defined, delicately saline finish, even with 7.5 grams per liter dosage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h6\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51327064047921,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Louis_Roederer_Collection_245_Brut_Champagne_France_NV_750mL.jpg?v=1764876554"},{"product_id":"taittinger-comtes-de-champagne-blanc-de-blancs-champagne-france-2013","title":"Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France, 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTaittinger is one of just five Champagne houses to cellar its wines in the famous ‘Crayeres’ of Reims – chalk caves originally dug by the Romans. The house owns four kilometres of Crayeres, nowadays used to age their prestige cuvees.\u003cbr\u003eTaittinger’s history can be traced back to 1734, when it was originally known as Forest-Fourneaux, founded by Jacques Fourneaux who worked closely with local Benedictine monks to learn how to produce wine. As such, the house is the third oldest Champagne producer in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate was bought by the Taittingers – a family of wine merchants – in 1932, and thanks to the great depression and subsequent low land prices, the family also picked up huge swathes of vineyard. From 1945-1960, Francois Taittinger established the cellars in the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise, and after his death in 1960 his brother Claude took over, pushing the estate into a Champagne house of world renown. Such was the status of the label that the Taittinger family soon expanded its business into other luxury goods. However, this eventually led to financial difficulties, and in 2005 the Taittinger brand – including the Champagne house – was sold to the American owned Starwood Hotel Group. The sale was badly received by the Champagne industry, with many fearing the new owners – unfamiliar with the culture of Champagne – would put profit ahead of quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust one year later, Claude’s nephew, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who had always been opposed to the sale, negotiated a €660m deal with the Starwood Group, and the Taittinger family resumed ownership of the company. Taittinger is therefore one of the few remaining independently owned Champagne Houses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVitalie Taittinger\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChardonnay\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChampagne, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCrystal clear, with a beautiful golden shimmer through colours of straw yellow and reflections of gold; the bead is fine, delicate and lively. The vintage captivates a blend of ripe citrus fruit flavors with pastry notes. The nose is fresh, smooth, and reveals a natural expression of radiant flavors. On the palate, the wine's effervescence unfurls into an invigorating sensation. It tightens up on the finish to leave a lingering taste imbued with ginger and liquorice. Possessing a natural delicacy, this Comtes de Champagne 2013 extends its energy with dynamism and a striking purity of aromas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for a special celebration, this champagne is the ideal match for a seafood, shellfish or fish entrée.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFantastic complexity here with aromas of toast, biscuit, lemon, almond, chalk and some fennel. It's long, sleek and mineral, with tight, very fine bubbles and so much tension and precision. Very long and chalky finish. Disgorged end of 2023. Drink or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e98 Points  - \u003c\/span\u003eVinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003csection data-view=\"Product.Information\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-information-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-information-content-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-action=\"tab-content\" data-type=\"information-content\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-id=\"product-details-information-0\" id=\"product-details-information-tab-0\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-panel active\" role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\" id=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container-0\"\u003eThe 2013 Comtes de Champagne is a towering Champagne, as it was last year. Rich, sumptuous and explosive, the 2013 soars out of the glass with a captivating mix of tropical fruit, apricot, passion fruit, baked apple tart, mint and yellow flowers. It is one of the most explosive, extroverted Comtes I have ever tasted. Impressive. 2025-2053 (AG)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e98 Points  - \u003c\/span\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003csection data-view=\"Product.Information\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-information-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-information-content-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-action=\"tab-content\" data-type=\"information-content\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-id=\"product-details-information-0\" id=\"product-details-information-tab-0\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-panel active\" role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\" id=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container-0\"\u003eThis beautiful Chardonnay from five top Grand Cru vineyards is textured with fruit that is still impressively perfumed. Its concentration has allowed it to remain perennially young. Although there are hints of toastiness, the Champagne has many more years of potential. *Cellar Selection* (RV)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e96 Points  - \u003c\/span\u003eDecanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003csection data-view=\"Product.Information\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-information-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-information-content-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-action=\"tab-content\" data-type=\"information-content\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-id=\"product-details-information-0\" id=\"product-details-information-tab-0\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-panel active\" role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\" id=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container-0\"\u003eTasted six months on from release, the restrained quality of this vintage is shining a little brighter with its lime leaf, floral honey and green mango scents, touches of oyster shell and an emerging floral honey depth, with few signs of outgoing creaminess or nuttiness just yet. Citric juiciness drives the narrow, long palate, perfectly built for ageing; this continues to be a vintage to watch. A blend of all the grand cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. (TH)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-type=\"information-content-text\" class=\"product-details-information-tab-content-container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Regal Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51684668997937,"sku":null,"price":255.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Taittinger_Comtes_de_Champagne_Blanc_de_Blancs_Champagne_France_2013_23959376-0c6d-454d-8d58-7dff5d7f6bd1.jpg?v=1757423105"},{"product_id":"dehours-fils-grande-reserve-brut-champagne-france-nv-pinot-meunier","title":"Dehours \u0026 Fils, Grande Réserve, Brut, Champagne, France, NV (Pinot Meunier)*","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnum size also available\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dehours estate was founded by winemaker Jérôme Dehours' grandfather, Ludovic, in 1930 and was among the first independent growers. Jérôme’s father, Robert, then took over the reins, but unfortunately he passed away when Jérôme was young, and a group of financial partners took control of the business. In 1996, Dehours was able to take the estate back into family hands with a focus on sustainable viticulture and an increasing emphasis on the character of individual terroirs. Today, Jerome uses his excellent wines to demonstrate the outstanding potential of Pinot Meunier, which he holds up as the identity of the Marne Valley and of his estate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the words of Peter Liem, “Dehours is increasingly becoming better known among champagne aficionados as a source of mouth-filling, boldly-flavored and terroir-expressive wines.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganic and Sustainable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e70% Meunier, 10% \u003c\/span\u003eChardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMontagne de Reims, Champagne, France \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft gold in color, the nose is dominated initially by bright citrus notes (orange zest and lemon) and ripe white fruit (pear) and yellow (apricot) and then dissolves into deeper, bottom notes of toasted brioche, apple, pine resin and wax. On the palate, sweet spices of cinnamon, vanilla and white pepper with an intense minerality give the wine an extraordinary brilliance and a taste particularly well suited for aperitifs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisgorged with .5 grams per liter dosage, the NV Brut Grande Réserve is based on the 2016 vintage, complemented by around one-third reserve wines from a solera started in 1998. Much like a somewhat earlier disgorgement of the same tirage that I reviewed last year, it's showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of pear, mandarin oil, elder flower, smoke and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly fleshy and precise, with a perfumed core of fruit, lively acids and a pearly mousse, it's beautifully seamless and elegant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sleek, creamy and well-knit Champagne, with racy acidity enlivening flavors of steeped white cherry and raspberry, tea rose, star anise and smoky mineral. Enjoy this with food—grilled fish, for example.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54070998761777,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Dehours-Grande-Reserve-Brut-Champagne-France-NV.jpg?v=1762527878"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/feb-22-champagne-lobster.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}