Wine reviews Archives

Wine Review: Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont is an elegant and sustainable choice for Valentine’s Day!

I invite you to immerse yourself in elegance and sustainability this Valentine’s Day with a bottle of Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont. This champagne will not only tantalize your palate but also exemplify environmentally sustainable practices.

Réserve de la Terre is a non-vintage cuvée made from three harvests: 2020 at 70%, 2019 at 15%, and 2018 at 15%, with blends of three grape varieties: Meunier at 37%, Chardonnay at 43%, and Pinot Noir at 20%.

Tasting Notes: a delegate gold hue and on the nose, it presents a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, white flowers, and subtle hints of brioche. The palate is well-balanced with flavors of green apple, and plum with a hint of spice, complemented by a fine and persistent mousse. The finish is long and refreshing, with a mineral undertone that adds complexity and depth to the overall profile.

I found this champagne to be sophisticated and elegant, while simultaneously offering a delightful sensory experience.
93 Points
Liz Palmer

History of Telmont: The House of Telmont was founded in 1912 by Henri Lhopital in Damery, a village in the heart of the Champagne region in France. Over the years, Telmont has built a reputation for producing high-quality champagnes that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The family-owned estate has always been committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, which is evident in their organic and biodynamic vineyard management. In recent years, Telmont has taken significant steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity, making them a pioneer in the world of sustainable viticulture. Telmont has converted its 24.5ha estate to organics. The Organic Cuvée Telmont Réserve de la Terre is a testament to their dedication to preserving the environment while crafting exceptional champagnes.

Wine Reviews: Embark on a Journey with these Exceptional Vintages from the Wagner Family of Wine: Caymus, Mer Soleil, and Caymus-Suisun

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet

The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to half a century of winemaking excellence, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Caymus Vineyards.

The Caymus Vineyards was established in 1972 by the Wagner family in Napa Valley, California. Over the past 50 years, the winery has become synonymous with exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, earning a reputation for producing wines of remarkable quality and consistency. The 2022 vintage marks a significant milestone, celebrating five decades of dedication to the art of winemaking.

Tasting Notes:
The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable wine that embodies the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of Caymus Vineyards. This vintage presents a deep, garnet color with a bouquet that is both complex and inviting. Aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries are complemented by subtle hints of cocoa, vanilla, and a touch of tobacco. On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and well-structured, with velvety tannins and a harmonious balance of fruit and oak. The flavors mirror the nose, with an added layer of spice and a long, satisfying finish.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

Accolades and Awards: The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered critical acclaim, including high ratings from renowned wine critics and publications. It has been praised for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.

Food Pairings: This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops, and hearty beef stews. It also complements aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.

Coastal Elegance: 2022 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey County

Mer Soleil, established by the Wagner family, has been producing exceptional Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands since 1981. The 2022 Reserve Chardonnay continues this tradition of excellence, offering a captivating expression of coastal terroir, offering a delightful blend of elegance and complexity.

Tasting Notes:
The 2022 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey County showcases a brilliant golden hue and an enticing bouquet of tropical fruits, citrus, and a hint of butterscotch. On the palate, this Californian Chardonnay is rich and creamy, with flavors of pineapple, lemon zest, and ripe pear, balanced by a touch of vanilla and toasted oak. The wine’s vibrant acidity and smooth texture lead to a long, refreshing finish.

91 Points
Liz Palmer

Accolades and Awards: This Chardonnay is a versatile and opulent wine. It has received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 90+ points from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.

Food Pairings: This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes including grilled or roasted chicken, s king crab legs, pork loin topped with pineapple, creamy pasta dishes, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, and salads with citrus vinaigrette, enhancing the savory notes, subtle smoky undertones, fruity characteristics, and vibrant acidity of the wine.

2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif Suisun Valley Petite Sirah

Caymus-Suisun, part of the Wagner family’s portfolio, has been producing high-quality Petite Sirah in Suisun Valley since 1992. The 2021 vintage showcases the winery’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines from this historic region.

Tasting Notes:
The 2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a powerhouse wine, boldly showcasing the depth and richness that the Durif grape, better known as Petite Sirah, is capable of. Picture a glass filled with deep, inky purple goodness, and you’ll have a glimpse of what awaits. On the nose, you’re met with an inviting medley of blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, all elegantly intertwined with hints of mocha, vanilla, and a subtle touch of black pepper. The palate doesn’t disappoint, delivering a full-bodied and robust experience with velvety tannins and well-structured acidity that beautifully balances the concentrated fruit flavors. Layers of dark chocolate, licorice, and toasted oak add complexity, leading to a long and satisfying finish., making it a standout in any collection.

92 Points
Liz Palmer

Food Pairing: The 2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes such as braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, stews, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.

Wine Spectator unveils its “Top 10 Wine Values of 2024”

Wine Spectator has recently announced its Top 10 Wine Values of 2024, with the Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022 earning top honours as the Wine Value of the Year. This exceptional wine, produced by a venerable winery with a 130-year legacy, is not only widely accessible with over 100,000 cases produced but also affordable at just $26. It has garnered a rating of 93 points from Wine Spectator.

This curated list highlights the most economically advantageous wines of the year. It features bottles that have achieved a rating of 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale and are priced at $40 or less. The selection spans a diverse array of regions, from California to Italy to New Zealand, showcasing global excellence in winemaking.

“For the fourth consecutive year, our editors have selected their top values of the past 12 months. From Sonoma to Tuscany to Mendoza, the wines on this list all showcase top-tier winegrowing regions at their most budget-friendly, each of them finding a way to overdeliver on quality for the price,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher, Wine Spectator. “We are pleased to present a selection of wines that are as affordable as they are delicious”

The Top 10 Wine Values of 2024 include:

Source: Wine Spectator

Wine Review: Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne

The Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne stands out as one of my favorite champagnes, not only for its exceptional quality but also for its unique and elegant metal jacket adorned with intricate petal designs.

Tasting Notes:

Laurent-Perrier’s Metal Jacket Petals Edition Brut Cuvée Rosé presents a refined expression of the house’s signature elegance and craftsmanship. On the nose, it unveils a bouquet of fresh red berries, predominantly strawberry and raspberry, intermingled with hints of rose petals and subtle notes of currant. The palate is marked by a lively acidity that enlivens the delicate fruit flavors, with a touch of minerality adding complexity. The finish is long and crisp, leaving a refreshing impression. The fine bubbles enhance the champagne’s light and airy texture, making it an ideal choice for celebratory occasions.
Score: 94

Technical Details:

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alc./vol.: 12%

Dosage: Brut

Aging: Minimum of five years on the lees

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)

The Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne reflects Laurent-Perrier’s dedication to excellence and luxury. The unique metal jacket, adorned with petal designs, not only protects the bottle but also serves as a tribute to the elegance and refinement that define the house’s creations. This is a standout choice for this holiday season, combining luxury and exceptional taste in one exquisite presentation!

Historical Background

Laurent-Perrier Estate was founded in 1812 by André Michel Pierlot and has grown to become one of the most esteemed champagne houses in the world. The estate is located in Tours-sur-Marne, in the heart of the Champagne region, and has been guided by a dedication to tradition and innovation over the centuries.

Laurent-Perrier is renowned for its pioneering spirit, especially in the production of rosé champagne. The house’s Brut Cuvée Rosé was first created in 1968 by the visionary Cellar Master, Bernard de Nonancourt. Unlike many other rosé champagnes, Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Cuvée Rosé is made using the saignée method, which involves allowing the grape juice to remain in contact with the skins until the desired color is achieved. This technique imparts a rich and distinctive character to the wine.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture practices. Laurent-Perrier emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in its vineyards and has adopted measures to minimize its environmental impact. The house’s meticulous approach to winemaking includes hand-picking grapes and employing traditional methods in its state-of-the-art facilities.

Champagne Review: Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 Brut Champagne

Laurent-Perrier’s “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 is a meticulously crafted multi-vintage blend, incorporating 65% 2012, 25% 2008, and 10% 2007 vintages. This cuvée is also composed of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, exclusively sourced from grand cru vineyards. The Chardonnay component is selected from Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, and Oger, while the Pinot Noir is derived from the prestigious terroirs of Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzy.

Tasting Notes:
Aged for a decade sur lattes, this champagne offers an extraordinary aromatic profile, with complex layers of ripe apple, white peach, fresh-baked brioche, and mineral-rich chalkiness. Delicate undertones of caraway seed, dried florals, with a hint of smokiness which adds depth. On the palate, it demonstrates remarkable purity and structure, presenting a full-bodied profile with a refined mousse and finishes with length and complexity, showcasing impeccable balance and a vibrant core of fruit.

Although this wine is still youthful, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years, rewarding patience with further layers of complexity.

Rating: 98+