Sparkling
719. Champagne Egly-Ouriet, Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Ambonnay Les Crayères Brut, NV (2013)
Finally tasted this über-grower Champagne at J&B’s grower tasting, and this estate lived up to its reputation entirely. This was my wine of the …
662. Nyetimber, Blanc de Blancs Brut England, 2003
So, finally, via Mr Ward’s inside track, I got hold of some 2003 Blanc de Blancs. And not only that, but in the spangly …
644. Tenterden Vineyards, Chapel Down Pinot Reserve, 2005
Picked up randomly at Albion Café en route to an afternoon callover / meeting at Albion, just before Christmas. And the day after doing …
600. Champagne Ayala, Brut Majeur, NV (2011)
Having had some indifferent experiences with Ayala in the past, it was interesting to hear of the quality improvements under Bollinger, so I got …
568. Nyetimber, Classic Cuvée Brut England, 2003
At last! And it delivered too! After the heat of the 2003 summer, which spoiled Champagne, I’d wanted to see what the best of …
Brachetto d’Acqui: red, sweet, sparkling, different
In the beautiful spa town of Acqui Terme, at the Enoteca Regionale “Terme e Vino” in the 16th century town hall, we were introduced …
567. Antech, Crémant de Limoux Cuvée Eugénie Brut, 2005
From my Hors Concours prize case, this was an excellent example of the quality Crémant de Limoux can achieve, and a good alternative to …
560. Champagne Lanson, Black Label Brut, NV (2011)
This turned out to be an unexpected pleasure. I didn’t have a good impression of Lanson as a Champagne brand, and this was a …
558. Champagne Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve Vintage, 1999
The first couple of bottles of this were underwhelming and somewhat so, respectively – with the acidity disjointed and lack of elegance. Given the …
528. Champagne Georges Vesselle, Juline Bouzy Grand Cru, NV (2010)
Bought from the producer with Katy, but drunk & enjoyed with SJ. A really good, quite profound Champagne, whose weight and complexity grew over …