Arriving end of March 2017, the complete range of bio-dynamic Champagnes from Jerome Bourgeois-Diaz, and great Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru from Philippe Glavier. Get onto the subscription list for exclusive limited pre-arrival pricing.
The truth about biodynamic viticulture. There is much talk about this type of viticulture. Lots of strange preparations. No herbicides, no pesticides. Copper allowed. Stuff fermented in cow horn etc. etc. Some of the weird concoctions are: Preparation 500 (horn … Read More
This chart has been around in French for a while, here is an English version I have created with a few tweaks. You can download the hires version.
Arriving in January are the iconic Champagnes from maybe the king and queen of Ambonnay – Eric Rodez and Marie-Noelle Ledru. Eric combines subtle oak maturation with an extensive array of older reserve wines. Marie-Noelle makes classic wines from carefully … Read More
Bertrand Lilbert is one of the masters of Cramant terroir, and Stephane Coquillette is a master of Chouilly terroir who also creates a profound Blanc de Noir from Ay. Subscribe to get onto the exclusive email list.
Arriving in October are the sensational oak matured no malo wines from Frederic Miniere in Hermonville. Also more favourite chardonnay from Voirin-Jumel in Cramant.
Hello Champagne aficionados, April is a busy time in Champagne region – with growers launching new tasting salon exhibitions left right and centre. There was only one Salon eight years ago “Terres et Vins” – now there are 21 ! … Read More
Two of my photos have won some nice awards during the year. This one of Emmanuel Lassaigne disgorging Champagne has captured him at just the right moment. This image is of Anselme Selosse – one of gurus of Champagne – … Read More
April is a busy time in Reims and Epernay with a number of grower groups running exhibition salons. Most tastings are now in Reims. Confirmed: Origines de Champagne – 16th and 17th April – Pierry Le Cercle des Créateurs de … Read More
Champagne de Vigneron is alive and well – searching for vinous Champagnes that speak loudly of the terroir and the wine maker. Arriving in March are some terroir focused wines for Melbourne clients. Stunning wines from Philippe Glavier, Hélène Beaugrand, … Read More
A nice masterclass run by David Donald – using my stock of 1996 Champagnes. My notes are my personal view. 1996 Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs. This is the regular bottling. Pure and mineral but still showing quite a bit of … Read More
Monday October 12th at Black Events Melbourne. There were two sessions – Trade first then public in the evening. There was a mix of the usual big house brands, small house brands and growers. Sadly across all market segments, big … Read More
1995 Bollinger Grande Annee A slightly evolved style – a nice drink but maybe not in pristine condition. 2000 Launois Maxime BdB Very pure and intense, classic Chardonnay from a great village. Long and subtle with the dosage perfectly integrated. … Read More
Just a few observations on Champagne Export statistics. Here we have graphs showing different perspectives. You can click on the graphs for a larger popup version. First, the total bottle statistics for top ten counties. Here we have the total … Read More
Montgueux is a remarkable wine region – totally unique in its structural makeup. Classified as being in the ‘Cote des Bars’ region which can be often further colloquially known as the ‘Aube’ – but in fact it has little in … Read More