{"title":"Jan: French Cheese and Top Wines","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"chateau-rieussec-les-carmes-de-rieussec-sauternes-bordeaux-france-2016-375ml","title":"Château Rieussec, Les Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France, 2017 (375mL)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Y_f-pkTfcX0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Artboard2copy7.png?v=1670452112\" width=\"901\" height=\"301\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe history of this famous Chateau, which is located in the commune of Fargo, close to Château d'Yquem, stretches back centuries. Once \u003cspan class=\"blt\"\u003eChateau Rёssek\u003c\/span\u003ewas owned by the Carmelite monks. Origin of the name Rieussec remains unknown, although Clive Coates in the \"Grands Vins\" writes that the name may be an abbreviation of Ruis - river flow that passes between Rёssek and Yquem. After the revolution of the XVIII century the estate was nationalized and changed many owners. For several generations, Château Rёssek along with Château d'Yquem was among the leading producers of wines of Sauternes. Even in 1868, Charles Cocks remarked that \u003cem\u003e\"Rёssek produces wines that are very similar to Yquem wines\".\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday vineyards \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"blt\"\u003eChateau Rieussec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoccupy one of the highest points in Sauternes, adjacent to the east with vineyards d'Ikem and cover 90 of the 130 hectares of the total area of the Chateau Rёssek. Soils are mainly gravel mixed with limestone. Vines average 25 years, 90% of the land given to the variety Semillon, holds 7% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle. At the winery, fully restored Rothschild in 1989, installed pneumatic presses that help a thorough treatment of the fruit. In winemaking used small barrels so that each vintage can be individually controlled and evaluate it. Before aging wines undergo a rigorous selection, selected as the \"Grand Vin\" ripen up to 26 months in oak barrels, of which about half is updated every year. If the quality does not match, the wine is classified as a second - \"Carmen de Rёssek\", named after the first owners - Karm de Langon monks. Chateau also produces wine \"Clos Laber\" and \"Chateau de Cos,\" as well as a dry white wine \"R de Rieussec\", made from grapes nebotritizirovannogo and consisting of roughly equal proportions of the varieties Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Total Château produces about 10,000 bottles of wine, depending on the crop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlivier Trégoat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuscadelle, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBordeaux, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRieussec's second wine, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCarmes de Rieussec\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, takes its name from the founders of the estate, the Carmelite Monks. The same care and attention that goes into the Grand Vin is also used for the second wine. A blend of 80-90% Sémillon with the rest a balance of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, Carmes de Rieussec is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Notes of acacia flowers, fresh pear, candied citrus and apricots compliment a well rounded structure with tight acidity and a long, satisfying finish. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Ian Blackburn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThis 2nd label is so seductive!  at less than $30 it is a crowd pleasure.  Straw yellow hues, honeyed grapefruit rind and Orange marmalade with spices and zippy acidity.  Color 13\/15 (youthful), Aroma 23\/25, Body 23\/25, Overall 31\/35 = 90 points which I think is a great score for a young, drink me now Sauternes of this price.  I recommend this highly as a way to improve the quality of everyday life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese reviews are for the first wine of Rieussec, we have the second. The 2016 got 96+, the 2017 got 97.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2017)\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA blend of 83% Semillon and 17% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 Rieussec is pale to medium lemon-gold colored. To begin, the nose blows you away with intense lemon tart, lime cordial, mango and quince notes followed by a second wave of floral, orange blossoms and honeysuckle scents, and then notes of crushed rocks, crème caramel and marzipan join the party. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still very tightly wound with concentrated sweetness and a racy backbone to match, delivering layer upon layer of citrus and savory flavors, finishing on a persistent mineral note.\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePale lemon colored, the 2016 Rieussec comes sashaying out of the glass with a beautiful floral and citrus perfume of orange blossom, pink grapefruit, yuzu, lime leaves, lemongrass and fallen leaves with hints of nutmeg and candied ginger. Having shed a lot of the puppy fat from when I last tasted this from barrel, the palate reveals loads of elegant, tightly wound layers and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Sample. Made by the Lafite-Rothschild team, this is a powerfully dense wine. It has intense botrytis and fine acidity, as well as sumptuous ripe marmalade and apricot flavors. This is certainly for long-term aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuite fresh, with acacia and honeysuckle notes out front, followed by a stream of mirabelle plum, yellow apple, pineapple and white peach flavors. Offers an unctuous feel on the finish while staying on the brighter side. Among the top efforts in the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2035. 500 cases made.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis wine will roll into 2017 when current inventory of 2016 ends.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39747565322282,"sku":"","price":28.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/ChateauRieussec_LesCarmesdeRieussec_Sauternes_Bordeaux_France_2017_375mL.jpg?v=1762528302"},{"product_id":"chateau-talbot-saint-julien-bordeaux-france-2016","title":"Château Talbot, Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France, 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis imposing estate owes its name to Connetable Talbot, the English general and governor of the province of Guyenne who was defeated at the famous Battle of Castillon in 1453.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTalbot's vines grow in an ideal location bordering an estuary, on some of the region's most highly prized gravel rises which alone produce great wine. Talbot is one of the oldest estates in the Medoc, and its reputation has been in the hands of experienced managers, and always shown itself to be worthy of its inclusion in the 1855 classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwners of Talbot since the early 20th century, the Cordier family have perpetuation the commitment to quality of their predecessors. At Talbot, wine is very much past, present, and future. Therefore, tradition and technical innovations both count a great deal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Click here to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":2561,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":0}}' data-sheets-hyperlink=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WbD2IZ8A9KE\" data-sheets-hyperlinkruns='{\"1\":6,\"2\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WbD2IZ8A9KE\"}{\"1\":10}'\u003eClick \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uDtIpISQxxM\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLorraine Rustmann and Nancy Bignon-Cordier\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSaint-Julien, France \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUndeniably, Talbot is one of the most famous Médoc wines. Having been in the same family for more than a century, this estate with more than one hundred hectares of vines produces wine that is recognized for the consistent quality of its vintages. ‘For many, Talbot embodies the ideal Saint Julien, a generous bouquet, extremely stable and dependable during aging,’ emphasize Bettane and Desseauve in their Guide to French Wines. It’s true, Talbot is a champion of longevity; even young Talbot is pleasant and rounded, always characterized by silky, mild and very civilized tannins. Talbot possesses an expansive character. It’s never withdrawn into itself and has the courtesy of being in a good mood every day. It’s a racy wine, with complex marks of Havana tobacco and licorice, classically delicious without ever the slightest hint of austerity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePoints - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is already a beautiful St.-Julien that’s ripe and elegant with not a jot too much oak or tannin, but a very fresh and lively finish that keeps on going. However, there are some serious reserves in this wine that need time to be released. Already very harmonious, but better from 2021.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe smooth texture of this wine is deceptive. Behind its ripe black fruits and acidity, the wine has a strong sense of structure to give shape and potential to the freshness and fruit. The wine will age, not perhaps for the really long term but certainly it is worth waiting until 2025.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe anthocyanes are clearly on display in this inky purple wine. Touches of rusticity and earth sit alongside the rich cassis and bilberry fruit. It's a big, sculpted, gorgeously confident wine with a low pH and plenty of power. Matured in 50% new oak. Bottled in May 2018.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrought up in 50% new oak, the 2016 Château Talbot is a winner and certainly over-delivers. Powerful notes of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and leafy herbs all give way to a silky, seamless Saint-Julien that has remarkable purity of fruit and building, fine tannins. It’s the texture as well as the purity that set this apart, and readers looking for a great value should purchase a case of this beauty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2016 Talbot is medium garnet-purple colored and opens with pretty floral notes of roses and lavender with a core of cassis, blackberry preserves and kirsch plus wafts of cigar box and spearmint. Medium-bodied with a lovely intensity of black and red fruit flavors, it has a ripe, grainy texture and compelling freshness, finishing savory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39896939135018,"sku":"","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/ChateauTalbot_GrandCruClasse_Saint-Julien_Bordeaux_France_2016.jpg?v=1767904400"},{"product_id":"domaine-fontanel-ambre-rivesaltes-languedoc-roussillon-france-2015","title":"Domaine Fontanel, 'Ambré' Rivesaltes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDomaine Fontanel is an unassuming winery built into the terraced main street of the sleepy town of Tautavel. It couldn’t be owned by a nicer couple in Elodie \u0026amp; Matthieu Collet who took over the Domaine in early 2017 and have set about modernising the winery and applying their own minimal interventionist approach. Pierre Fontanel, the previous owner, remains on the team as consultant wine maker and together they have formed a formidable team of family, tradition and modernity. The Domaine has 20 hectares under vine which are now farmed organically and the youthful philosophy of Elodie and Matthieu is starting to shine through in the vines. The jewel in their crown, are the old barrels of Rivesaltes Ambre that were tucked away in the loft of the winery. These barrels of fortified, sweet Grenache are deliciously versatile pudding wines that, although slightly unfashionable, are terrific value and super popular.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegan, Natural.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eElodie \u0026amp; Matthieu Collet\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrenache Blanc \u0026amp; Grenache Gris\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLanguedoc Roussillon, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDomaine Fontanel Rivesaltes Ambre is a delicious Vin Doux Naturels made from Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. Like Port, the wine is fortified with grape brandy to stop the fermentation and leave the wine higher in alcohol and sweet. It is then aged in large oak barrels so takes on an amber colour and oxidised notes over time. The result is a wine with immense flavour and complexity which is delicious with pudding and cheese. There are sherry type flavours along with Christmas cake aromas, dried fruit, orange peel, figs, dates and walnuts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplex and delicious. Aromas of orange peel and walnuts. As an aperitif, with mature cheeses, almond or walnut desserts. Or to sip at the end of a meal. A fair choice of barrel aging, neither too short nor too long, perfectly adapted to this harvest, and here is a very balanced, supple and elegant wine, where the grilled dried fruits accompany the candied citrus and the softness of the dried apricot and raisined grapes. A beautiful freshness in the finish suggests an iced accompaniment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Winewise","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50443883675953,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/DomaineFontanel_Ambre_Rivesaltes_Languedoc-Roussillon_France_2015.jpg?v=1733966221"},{"product_id":"maison-lou-domont-bourgogne-passe-tout-grains-burgundy-france-2022","title":"Maison Lou Dumont, Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains Burgundy, France, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorn in 2000 from a meeting: that of Koji and Jae Hwa and their shared passion for wine, Maison Lou Dumont is today based in the heart of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is with work and resilience that they have built a reputation over the years among their peers in Burgundy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanied by a multicultural team, Maison Lou Dumont continues to develop both in terms of the quality of the wines and the quantity of bottles produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor over 20 years, Koji and Jae Hwa have been buying grapes and must from other producers in the region, most of whom have become friends. It is thanks to these loyal partners that Maison Lou Dumont tries year after year to produce new quality vintages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAround thirty appellations are vinified each year at the estate, with a majority of red wine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe annual production, which is now around 80,000 bottles, allows the wines to be distributed in over 30 different countries around the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKoji and Jae Hwa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSaint-Joseph, Rhône Valley, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrapes\/Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90% Pinot Noir, 10% Gamay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimpid, brilliant and good balance. It has a complex nose with aromas of strawberry and raspberry. On the palate we can found light aromas of spices. This wine is elegant in its entirety. Limestone soil, 17 months in 20% new French oak barrels (Nevers). No filtration before bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - CT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shiverick","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50699449467185,"sku":null,"price":28.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Maison_Lou_Dumont_Bourgogne_Passe-tout-grains_Burgundy_France_2022.jpg?v=1739111977"},{"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":"domaine-vacheron-sancerre-les-romains-loire-france-2023","title":"Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre \"Les Romains\" Loire, France, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Y_f-pkTfcX0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Vacherons are without question Sancerre’s leading winemaking clan. From the family’s pioneering work in identifying and exploiting the region’s top terroirs to their leading position in biodynamic viticulture today, there are few if any artisans in Sancerre as exacting or as respected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat-grandfather Maurice Vacheron tended a few vines back when Sancerre was but a stop on a village road. His son, Jean, was the first of the family to specialize in producing wine, paying particular attention to the influence of terroir on Sauvignon Blanc. Jean’s sons, Denis and Jean-Louis, solidified the Vacheron name in Sancerre, showcasing the family’s talent with not only Sauvignon Blanc but also Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Denis’ son, Jean-Laurent, and Jean-Louis’ son, Jean-Dominique, have taken the estate to a whole new level of quality, championing biodynamic viticulture and selecting singular vineyard parcels that the family has observed for generations (and planted with their own hands) to bottle as single-vineyard wines, with the goal of showcasing the heights that Sancerre can reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more than two decades we’ve brought these world-class wines to the United States, and it has been exhilarating to watch the family’s vine-growing and winemaking expertise deepen with each vintage. To wit, the family has always made fine Sancerre; yet the current generation has pushed the estate to a level of quality that transcends appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBiodynamic.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJean-Laurent \u0026amp; Jean-Dominique Vacheron\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLoire Valley, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAromas of crisp pears, lemon zest, wildflowers. Stone fruit and citrus, with a finish that echoes the terroir’s smoke and sea-salt notes. Complex and very age-worthy. Suggested to pair with rich seafood; white meats; cream sauces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling (2022 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA bright, delicious and refined Sancerre with notes of sliced apples, fresh herbs and stones. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and character. Precise with volume and poise. Well rounded, crunchy and flavorful, with excellent length. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Berkeley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51486666916145,"sku":null,"price":87.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Domaine_Vacheron_Sancerre_Les_Romains_Loire_France_2023_cd2bd5d1-768b-48c5-956f-96306af7da2f.jpg?v=1758936566"},{"product_id":"hugel-classic-gewurztraminer-aoc-alsace-france-2022","title":"Hugel, Classic Gewurztraminer, AOC Alsace, France, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn the cellars, the oldest of which dates back to 1551, can be seen rows of oak wine casks, over one hundred years old, crafted by the forefathers of the present generation of Hugels now running the company. Near them is the oldest cask in the world still in use: the Sainte Caterine, which has a capacity of 8,800 litres. It was built in 1715, the year in which Louis XIV died.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company has always maintained its family character and is determined to keep it that way. The vineyards are owned and farmed by individual members of the family whereas the company owns the buildings and machinery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJean-Frédéric Hugel and Marc Hugel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Gewurztraminer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAlsace, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe spice of Alsace and one of Famille Hugel’s signature wines. It is both aromatic and extroverted through its floral and spicy notes. Gewurztraminer is an invitation to accompany a variety of spicy dishes. Originally from northern Italy, this is the emblematic grape of our region due to its slow maturation with cool nights giving its full varietal expression. Dry but intensely aromatic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA bright colour with clear legs that herald what is to come, the aromas rapidly announcing that this is a very charming and almost heady wine. Delicate floral notes of rose and jasmine interact with hints of yellow fruit: peach, Mirabelle and tropical fruit: lychee, mango, dragon fruit. The bouquet is expressive but not overly so; it retains a sense of refinement and nuance, a true Hugel wine. On the palate it is fine and delicate, not too weak; it invites you to travel afar and enjoy it with strong flavoured dishes. The precision of the final note could even lead some of its detractors to become reconciled with this strong-headed grape variety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGewurztraminer is an invitation to accompany a variety of spicy Asian dishes as well as smoked salmon and strong cheeses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Ian d'Agata Wine Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBright full yellow. Very nice aromas and flavours of mango, tangerine, rose and grapefruit, with hints of cloves and cinnamon, black olives. Clean long and bright, with excellent sweetness\/acid balance, this is not over the top at all and will prove a very easy to like Gewurz. Bring on the Cantonese-styled sweet and sour pork and the orange chicken! Drinking window: 2024-2030.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2022 Gewurztraminer Classic is very clear, fresh and precise on the pure and even coolish nose, although it comes from a super sunny and warm year. Peach, stones and in a rather discreet way also classical Gewürztraminer aromas on the nose lead to a round, lush and fresh, very elegant and balanced wine with a very long and salivating, even tensioned finish. It's quite complex and tastes dry, even though there are 12 grams of well-hidden residual sugar. 14.5% stated alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52019099828529,"sku":null,"price":31.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Hugel_Classic_Gewurztraminer_AOC_Alsace_France_2022.jpg?v=1762458867"},{"product_id":"louis-roederer-collection-246-brut-champagne-france-nv-375ml","title":"Louis Roederer, Collection 246, Brut, Champagne, France, NV (375mL)","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\u003e54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% 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\u003eAged in our cellars for almost four years, Collection 246 is a champagne of freshness, vibrancy and ethereal finesse. Carried by the tension and balance of the vintage, the freshness of the Perpetual Reserve, and the complexity of the oak-aged reserve wines, it unfolds with grace and delicacy, revealing an accomplished fruit, evocative of mirabelle plum and candied citrus, complemented by a subtle touch of oak and charming toasted and iodised overtones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect with gastronomy and endowed with a long cellar ageing potential, it can be enjoyed now but it can also be kept back for several years during which it will further evolve to unveil another facet of its identity. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA harmonious Champagne that shows impeccable balance, with depth and focus to its flavors of white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, while retaining vibrancy and grace. A chalky underpinning comes to the fore on the creamy finish, joining delicate spice and floral accents. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Drink now through 2030\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe NV Brut Collection 246 is positively stellar. It’s a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. There are no hard angles or awkward contours. The 246 is based on 2021, an extremely tricky vintage for Champagne. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon bumped up the percentage of Chardonnay considerably and focused on Pinots from the Montagne de Reims. About 30% of the lots underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the edges. Twenty-four percent of the wines were fermented in oak, the rest in tank. The 246 is a blend of 55% base 2021 vintage wines described above, plus 30% perpetual reserve going back to 2012 (mostly from Cumières, Vertus and Verzy) in tank and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask. The final blend is 54% Chardonnay (as opposed to the more typical 44%), 35% Pinot Noir and 11% Meunier. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. More importantly, the 246 is impeccably done and absolutely delicious. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis has pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. It’s silky, fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with very soft bubbles. Based on 2021, with reserve wine from a perpetual reserve created in 2012, plus reserve wines kept in oak from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.\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: 375ml\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":52196260118833,"sku":null,"price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Louis_Roederer_Collection_246_Brut_Champagne_France_NV_375mL.jpg?v=1765562723"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/jan-french-cheese-and-top-wines.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}