Daniel Champion Brut Reserve

Name: Daniel Champion Brut Reserve

Colour: White

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Year: NV

Producer: Daniel Champion

Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Alcohol: 12%

Purchase Price: EUR 13 (Direct from producer)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Made with the traditional grapes from our terroir, cellared for 5 years. The pinot noir makes this wine an exclusive reserve for connoisseurs.

Somnambulist's verdict: (apologies if I have brutalised the translation from French above) – I visited Champagne Champion a while back having tried their wine on recommendation, and was made extremely welcome, tasting all they had to offer! Le Millesime is the pick of the bunch, but this Reserve, at EUR 13 a bottle (before bulk discount!) is a steal. It’s smoother than the regular Brut (which is a little too apple-y for me), with subtle fruits, smokey and fresh, with a biscuit finish. I wrote ‘apple crumble’ on my notes, which I assume was either a summary or my dessert option :-)

Gervrey-Chambertin "Monte-Ronde" 2005

Name: Gevrey-Chambertin “Monte-Ronde”
Colour: Red
Country: France
Region: Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy
Year: 2005
Producer: Bertrand de Monceny
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: EUR 20.00 (wine merchants, France)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – n/a

Somnambulist's verdict: Brilliant! Fresh, rich, complex with a long finish. Hints of strawberries and perhaps tobacco. Couldn’t resist stocking up :-)

Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin Brut Yellow Label NV (magnum)

Name: Brut Yellow Label (Magnum)

Colour: White

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Year: N.V.

Producer: Veuve Clicquot

Grape Varieties: 50-55% Pinot Noir, 15-20% Pinot Meunier, 28-33% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12%

Purchase Price: EUR 155.00 (posh restaurant)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – First, Brut Yellow Label looks beautiful: golden-yellow, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. Next it is so pleasing to the nose: initially reminiscent of white fruits and raisins, then of vanilla and later of brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty aromas following the ageing in the bottle. The first sip delivers all the freshness and forcefulness so typical of Yellow Label with asymphony of fruit tastes following on. Here is a true member of the powerful Brut family, well structured, admirably vinous. The lingering aromas echo and re-echo, with each fruit or spice note distinct. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label manages to reconcile two opposing factors – forcefulness and finesse - and to hold them in perfect balance. This consistent power to please makes it ideal as an aperitif, and perfect as the Champagne to enjoy with a meal.

Somnambulist's verdict: Err.. a bit humbled by the above verbosity. I think this is probably the best of the big name, mid-price-range NV Champagnes (ignore the premium restaurant price above and use the wine-searcher.com link on this page). “Finesse” is the most appropriate characteristic for this spankingly good wine. A fine and fitting parting gift from a good friend.

Esterhazy Pinot Noir Cuvee Reserve

Name: Pinot Noir Cuvee Reserve
Colour: Red
Country: Austria
Region: Neusiedlersee Huegelland
Year: ? (I'm assuming a blend of different vintages but nothing on the website)
Producer: Weingut Esterhazy
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5%
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Purchase Price: EUR 5.99
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Notes:
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Maker’s notes – The noble red with history. Dainty, delicate berry fruit, smooth texture, elegant tannins, concentrated and lingering.
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Somnambulist's verdict: I'm learning that they can make some pretty decent pinot noirs up in the mountains but most of the time you have to go to the Alps to try them, since most wines are consumed locally. While perhaps a little one-dimensional this had lots of fruit and was very quaffable and good value. I've had a lot worse for a lot more money...

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose N.V.

Name: Brut Rose
Colour: Rose
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Year: NV
Producer: Billecart-Salmon
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12%

Purchase Price: ca. EUR 35.00

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Its pale pink colour is adorned with warm glints of gold, and its delicate, slowly rising bubbles give it a persistent mousse. This cuvee unveils a subtle aroma leading to an elegant, delicate bouquet of fine notes of red fruits. A light elegant style, followed by a fresh finish.

Somnambulist's verdict: Probably my favourite Champagne. Frivolous, decadent, awesome.