K&L Top 10 Picks: December 2021

Hand-Picked, Over-Delivering Selections from Across the Globe... Monday Dec 20th, 2021 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( K&L Top 10 Selections: December 2021 Featuring: Vintage Billecart at Best Pricing, Single-Vineyard Sonoma Pinot, Stunning New World Sauv Blanc, Collectible Value Bordeaux, Exclulsive Cask Single Malt, and More... --------------------------------------------------------------- It's time to close out 2021 with a bang—ten bangs, actually. This month features some of the greatest hits we've seen, starting with the unbelievable, 95-point 2020 Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc for under $20. The best-selling 2019 Denman Ranch Van der Kamp Vineyard presents one of our top Pinot buys of the year at over 50% off the market rate, while the always-consistent Beringer estate delivers a 94-point fan-favorite Cabernet from the stellar 2016 Napa vintage at sub-$40 Insider's pricing. Wayfarer Vineyard continues its staggering run of excellence with a 2018 single-vineyard Pinot Noir that notched 98+ points from Wine Advocate and easily contends with the very best of Burgundy for a fraction of the price, while the same can be definitely be said of the otherwordly, 98-point 2018 Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay, a collectible masterpiece, through and through. [Leeuwin Estate]( The Old World continues to thrill us with unbeatable buys, particularly with best-in-market pricing on the 2007 Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart Brut Champagne from our long-time friends at Billecart-Salmon. The 2009 Pagodes de Cos St-Estèphe from Cos d'Estournel shows what kind of legendary quality this vintage brings across the entire price spectrum, and our always-beloved Château Barde-Haut shines again in 2016 with a 96-point collectible stunner for under $50. The supremely talented, direct-import superstar Xavier Vignon brings us another avant-garde treasure from the Rhône at 97 points and under $60, and the K&L Exclusive Cask program has scored a standout winner in the 2007 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old Speyside, which easily outpaces similiar bottlings going for $30 to $40 more—a best buy if there ever was one. Now, let's all look forward to 2022 with a toast of some the finest offerings in the K&L inventory. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2020 Laberinto "Cenizas de Laberinto" Sauvignon Blanc Maule Valley 95 $18.99 [View]( 2019 Denman Ranch "Van der Kamp Vineyard" Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $65) $29.95 [View]( 2016 Beringer "Distinction Series" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60) 94 $39.95 [View]( 2016 Barde-Haut, St-Emilion 96 $46.99 [View]( NV Xavier Vignon "La Réserve XV XVI XVII" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 97 $59.99 [View]( 2018 Leeuwin "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia 98+ $79.99 [View]( 2009 Les Pagodes de Cos, St-Estèphe 94 $84.99 [View]( 2018 Wayfarer "Wayfarer Vineyard" Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir 98 $89.95 [View]( 2007 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old "Signatory K&L Exclusive" Hogshead Cask Strength Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $89.99 [View]( 2007 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne (Elsewhere $160) 97 $129.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [2020 Laberinto "Cenizas de Laberinto" Sauvignon Blanc Maule Valley]( Laberinto "Cenizas de Laberinto" Sauvignon Blanc Maule Valley]( ($18.99) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "2020 was a cool vintage in Colbún, and the 2020 Cenizas de Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc shows it with vibrant acidity and flavors, a very young white with electric minerality and a dry finish. This is still extremely young, and my experience with older vintages tells me the wine is going to develop magnificently in bottle. This fermented at low temperature in stainless steel, where the wine was kept with the lees for eight months. Right now it's sharp and pungent and should get more polished with time in bottle. (LG)" (08/2021) K&L Notes: Rafael Tirado owns one of Chile's truly original properties in the tiny, high elevation section of Maule Valley called Colbún. Some of the vines are literally planted in a "laberinto" (labyrinth) formation, which in Rafael's words would force him and anyone else working the vineyard to slow down and think! Walker]( | K&L South America Buyer | Review Date: October 26, 2021 The Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that not only captivates my palate, but also my imagination. It is named Laberinto because most of the fruit is sourced from a vineyard that was laid out as a labyrinth. In an industry that is otherwise built row upon row upon row of straight lines, this approach is a breath of fresh air. The resulting wine itself is decidedly not straightforward. When given a chance to create his own vineyard, which is essentially in a National Park, Rafael Tirado planted a maze. The soils here are composed of volcanic ash, and the elevation and proximity to Lake Colbún make this a unique and special place to grow Sauvignon Blanc. What a nose on this wine! You cannot pin it down. There are cool tropical notes, fresh green notes, and a stoniness all swirling around like smoke in a crystal ball or almost like the labyrinth on the label. Scents drift by and then are obfuscated, then something new appears, only to disappear and be replaced with something else. The palate is intense, cool, long, and mouthwatering with a mineral edge that's tempered by ripe stone fruit and zesty citrus. The finish is long with the fruit tones echoing off the lingering minerality. This is an annual release that I always look forward to. Every year it exceeds my expectations. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2019 Denman Ranch "Van der Kamp Vineyard" Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $65)]( Denman Ranch "Van der Kamp Vineyard" Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $65)]( ($29.95) Woodhouse]( | K&L Domestic Buyer | Review Date: September 06, 2021 This much-heralded vineyard on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in all of California, planted in 1952! This wine combines those 67-year-old plantings with with Dijon clones 828, 777, and a suitcase clone from La Tâche Grand Cru in Vosne-Romanée. The vines grow on a sloping bench at around 1,500 feet on the western side of the mountain. They're rooted in volcanic and clay loam soils. The fruit is handled very gently, a native ferment before draining to French oak (30% new) for a long 18 months ageing on the lees. This wine really combines power and elegance. The overall feel is very much medium-bodied and refined, yet there's a brooding power and structure underpinning it, perhaps from the old vines, perhaps from this rugged mountain terroir. Dusty red berries, black raspberry, crumbly earth, wild thyme, and briar. Crushed rock mineral tinges, more dried herbs, and woodsy spices. Fine but noble tannins give great framework to the mid-palate. I love the slightly wild, gamey notes this wine has along with the floral top notes and spice. Very serious, age-worthy, terroir-driven Pinot Noir that is a beautiful representation of the this unique and sensational vineyard. At our deeply discounted pricing, these Denman wines are some of the finest values I've ever found in my ten years at K&L. They totally hold up to their original SRPs and qualitatively can stand toe-to-toe with some of the best examples in the region. Stromer]( | K&L Domestic Buyer | Review Date: September 06, 2021 This might be the best Pinot Noir offer we've pulled off this year. Our domestic wine buyer Ryan Woodhouse has secured a significant cache of this pedigreed jewel of a wine. Thanks to his deep connections, he got first crack at this first-class Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir for a fraction of its original price. As one of California's oldest and finest Pinot Noir sources, the Van der Kamp vineyard is highly sought-after by some of the Golden State's best producers. This is my preferred style of Pinot Noir—silky, sexy, elegant, and absolutely sublime. It's complex, driven by red and black cherry with just a touch of wood spice. The finish is long and memorable and encourages the next sip. I give this wine my strongest recommendation. Smith]( | K&L New Zealand Buyer | Review Date: September 06, 2021 The moment this wine hits the glass, you can tell it's crafted with a light touch. The color shows light extraction, which is further affirmed by elegantly layered aromas of ripened strawberry, black cherry, clove, brambles, and spice. There's a ton going on here. It has an incredible sense of depth to its aromas that draw you into the glass. I often remark on how well balanced wines are, but this one is exceptional with soft, sweetened fruit, absolutely perfect weight and texture, and acidity that gently supports. This wine is a total knock-out with a finish that goes on and on. We've had plenty of great deals over the summer on domestic Pinot Noir, but this one is my favorite. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Beringer "Distinction Series" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60)]( Beringer "Distinction Series" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60)]( ($39.95) 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Made with the idea to highlight richness and opulence, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Distinctions includes slightly more valley floor fruit compared to the Knights Valley Reserve and offers a forward, sexy, incredibly satisfying style as well as lots of blackcurrant fruit, ripe tannins, and impeccable balance. Despite the richer, more forward style, it's going to evolve just fine on its balance and concentration." (01/2019) 93 points James Suckling: "This shows a ripe and flavorful center palate with dark-berry and floral character. Full-bodied, framed and focused." (02/2019) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Distinctions is blended of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Sirah, aged in 35% new French oak for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with crème de cassis, blueberry pie and preserved plums over nuances of Chinese five spice, hoisin, chocolate box and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich and decadent, it has loads of spicy layers and a firm, grainy backbone, finishing on an earthy note. (LPB)" (10/2018) Woodhouse]( | K&L Domestic Buyer | Review Date: November 17, 2021 This is a stunning value in a powerful, fruit-forward Napa Cabernet. The Distinction Series Cab from Beringer pulls all their winemaking expertise and unrivalled fruit sourcing together and delivers a seriously good, luxurious Napa Cab without costing you a small fortune. After tasting this wine, we took a sizable position on it and managed to further reduce the price, making this one of the sharpest deals of the holiday season. The wine is absolutely jam-packed with ripe, lush, dark fruit, blackberry, cassis, mulberry, chocolate ganache, loamy earth, and subtle cigar box. Smooth, rounded tannins mean this is good to pop & pour with or without food. It has all the power and bold flavors that we seek in top cult Cabs but at a seriously affordable price point. It's going to make a lot of friends as long as it lasts, but quantity is limited, so don't snooze on this one. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Barde-Haut, St-Emilion]( Barde-Haut, St-Emilion]( ($46.99) 96 points Vinous: "Readers will find a rich, flamboyant wine in the 2016 Barde-Haut. There is not a ton of subtlety here, but I am not sure that matters all that much given how immensely pleasing the 2016 is. Crushed rocks, graphite, lavender, blackberry, plum, and violet infuse a Saint-Émilion that offers tremendous textural richness as well as vibrancy. Most importantly of all, the 2016 is flat-out delicious. This is a decidedly opulent, dark Saint-Émilion with all of the elements impeccably balanced. I loved it. (AG)" (01/2019) 95+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lastly, the 2016 Château Barde-Haut might end up being the best wine ever made at this address from the Garcin-Lévêque family, and it certainly ranks with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Dense purple-hued with awesome notes of cassis, black cherries, spring flowers, damp earth, and violets, it hits the palate with incredible purity and precision, a deep, multi-dimensional texture, sweet tannins (from ripe fruit, not sugar), and a building sense of minerality that shows on the finish. It has the depth of fruit and elegance to shine even today yet will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and evolve for two decades." (03/2020) 94 points James Suckling: "This shows such complex and beautiful aromas of flowers, lavender, light spearmint and currants. Medium to full body, very fine tannins and a long finish. All about finesse and length." (04/2019) Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 27, 2020 The first impression is that this is so focused, pure, and polished. Lovely aromas of blueberry compote and cassis lead to a palate that is full of juicy black and blue fruits, a remarkable textural refinement, and seamless, lightweight tannins. It is clean and fresh from start to finish. It will be fascinating to see how this ages. We've been a fan of this property for a long time at K&L, and even though we've adored some of the past vintages on release (and with some age), it is even more exciting to see how the style has evolved to a more detailed and nuanced take on these recent vintages. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Xavier Vignon "La Réserve XV XVI XVII" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( Vignon "La Réserve XV XVI XVII" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( ($59.99) 97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The NV Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve XV XVI XVII comes primarily from the magical 2016 vintage with smaller amounts from 2015 and 2017. It offers an extraordinary nose of blackcurrants, ground pepper, garrigue, and crushed violets. Rich, full-bodied, and incredibly seamless, with a stacked mid-palate, this is Châteauneuf-du-Pape brilliance all the way. It's terrific today yet will keep for 15+ years." (08/2019) K&L Notes: Xavier Vignon was always a scientist at heart and began his studies in pharmacology in Reims in the Champagne region. A chance encounter with an oenologist ignited his passion for wine and set him on a new path, where he quickly changed his focus to winemaking. Studying winemaking in Champagne and abroad gave him a different outlook in wine production, and he brought that perspective back to Montpellier in southern France, where he finished his oenology degree. With years of wine experience under his belt, his career as a consulting winemaker really started in 1996. Working with top estates and growers, he has created a catalog of contacts that he calls on to get some of the best fruit (that he helps grow) and makes some of the most exciting wines in the region. Harkening back to his Champagne roots, Xavier sets aside small lots of key vintages to make a multi-vintage blend. This wine calls back the 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages. Not a common practice in the Rhône, but Vignon takes a chance on a wine that is both complete and fully expressive. This is deeply satisfying and a tribute to what can be accomplished if you don't follow all the rules, all the time. Mabry]( | K&L Rhône Buyer | Review Date: November 18, 2021 Xavier Vignon has just released one of his most stunning offers to date, and that's saying something from the vigneron who brought us the "1972" and "2000," pristinely aged releases that push the envelope on aging regimens. Vignon's background in wine began in Champagne, where he learned the art of multi-vintage blending. He has taken that winemaking technique and married it to his Châteauneuf program. Blending three of the best consecutive years (2015, 2016, and 2017), he has created a complete, greater-than-its-parts wine. A gorgeous perfume of mulberry, incense, white pepper, and bay leaf explodes from the glass. The fruit is lifted and fresh and fully integrated. This should offer years of exploration, but it is a seamless and exciting wine to drink now. One of our best offers from this producer to date! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Leeuwin "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia]( Leeuwin "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia]( ($79.99) 98 points James Halliday: "Benchmark pedigree Margaret River Chardonnay from the perfect 2018 vintage. Kaffir leaf, ocean spray, nectarine, yellow peach, custard apple and white peach are the start. Saffron curls, vanilla pod and freshly grated nutmeg frame saline acidity, crouched and coiled. Length of flavour extends across the palate in an endless procession of texture and complexity. All of the power, grace and excellence of previous years is here, amplified. (EL)" (08/2021) 97 points Decanter: "THE ICON From an excellent vintage—warm, with very few hot days—this muscular yet lithe Chardonnay suffuses the senses with Leeuwin Estate's clear and penetrating signature perfume of granular pear and fleshier fresh fig. Harmonious lemony acidity makes for an ultra-long, seamless finish, through a palate of acacia, lanolin, smoke and crème patisserie. The concentrated fruit effortlessly mops up the 100% new oak. A luminous, graceful and balanced powerhouse. (SA)" (02/2021) 97 points Wine Spectator: "This impressive white is complex, supple and elegant, though not shy on intensity. Opens with creamy, satiny notes of apricot, pear, lemon curd and passion fruit purée, with touches of toasted hazelnut, salted caramel, jasmine and green tea. The way the details mingle with and complete one another makes this as complex as it is refreshing, with a fresh thread of acidity weaving in and out. (MW, Web-2021)" 96 points Vinous: "Powerful, mineral-accented nectarine, orange, pear nectar, iodine and pungent flowers on the intensely perfumed nose. Smooth, chewy and dry in the mouth, offering wonderfully concentrated yet vibrant orchard and pit fruit flavors complemented by suggestions of fennel, sweet butter, saffron and candied lemon peel. Shows superb definition and finishes minerally, smoky and extremely long, with lingering citrus and pit fruit notes and a touch of smokiness. (JR)" (07/2021) 95 points Wine & Spirits: "The Leeuwin Estate, a former cattle station between the town of Margaret River and the sea, became a vineyard soon after Denis Horgan purchased the vast property in 1969. He planted a parcel of Chardonnay vines in 1975, which continue to produce the fruit for Art Series, a Chardonnay with a proven track record for long aging. Tim Lovett makes this wine by crushing the fruit, allowing it to settle for three days in contact with its skins, then racking it into French oak barrels to ferment with cultured yeasts. He ages the wine in those barrels (all of them new), with lees stirring, for 11 months. While that approach may sound technical—yes, the wine is clean—it results in a Chardonnay that buzzes with energy, quiet at first, then gaining youthful, athletic power. You might catch a sensation of peach, or beeswax, or lemon and milkweed, all of it integrated into a holistic impression and one that retains its integration for days after the bottle is opened. This is a great vintage of Art Series and it should develop beautifully over the next two decades." (10/2021) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2009 Les Pagodes de Cos, St-Estèphe]( Les Pagodes de Cos, St-Estèphe]( ($84.99) 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2009 Pagodes De Cos is a blockbuster that I wish I had more of in the cellar. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot (there's a small amount of Petit Verdot) brought up in roughly 50% new French oak, its deep purple/plum color is followed by a smorgasbord of black raspberry and kirsch like fruits, spice box, dried flowers and licorice. With a huge mid-palate, sweet, sweet tannin, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great finish, it's an incredibly sexy, satisfying second wine that will keep for another 10-15 years." (02/2018) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The brilliant 2009 Les Pagodes de Cos actually has more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than the grand vin (69% versus 65%) in addition to mostly Merlot and a small quantity of Petit Verdot. As powerful as the Cos in terms of alcoholic clout (14.5%), the full-bodied, round, generous Les Pagodes de Cos exhibits lots of crème de cassis and floral notes intermixed with hints of wood/barrique and spice. Juicy, succulent and remarkably fresh and well-delineated, it merits considerable attention from consumers. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Oddly enough, the second wine is superior to many vintages of Cos in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s! (RP)" (12/2011) 93 points James Suckling: "Spices, nutmeg, dark fruits on the nose, follow through to a full body, with very precise tannins and a long finish. A beautiful and racy wine. Second wine of Cos d'Estournel." (03/2012) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Wayfarer "Wayfarer Vineyard" Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir]( Wayfarer "Wayfarer Vineyard" Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir]( ($89.95) 98+ points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard has a medium ruby color and slowly opening perfume of garrigue, dried orange peel, prosciutto and rose petals with mineral-laced cranberry and red and black berry fruits. The medium-bodied palate, grainy and incredibly fresh, slowly gains in flavor amplitude and nuance in the mouth, ending in a fanfare of spicy detail. (EB)" (09/2020) 96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard was just about completely destemmed and spent 15 months in 58% new French oak. This deeper ruby/purple-hued effort offers an awesome bouquet of black raspberries, scorched earth, toasted spices, and flowery incense. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, and a stunning effort. Bravo!" (05/2020) 94 points Vinous: "The 2018 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard is bright, precise and wonderfully nuanced. Sweet red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and mint give the 2018 striking inner sweetness and perfume. Pliant, silky and inviting, the 2018 has so much to offer. Even in the early going, the 2018 is a delicate, absolutely exquisite beauty. (AG)" (04/2020) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2007 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old "Signatory K&L Exclusive" Hogshead Cask Strength Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( Glen Elgin 14 Year Old "Signatory K&L Exclusive" Hogshead Cask Strength Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( ($89.99) K&L Notes: While many distillery owners prefer shell and tube condensers because they are cheaper and easier to maintain, it is no secret that, for many great malts, a worm tub is critical to the final character. Glen Elgin is a classic worm tub distillery. Juicy fruit and palate weight are the major hallmarks of Glen Elgin, situated in Speyside's small hamlet of Fogwatt. The distillery has very long fermentation times (ranging from 80-120 hours) and an unusually clear wort. Combine that with very slow distillations and you have a vibrant, fruity malt. Condense that fruity malt in a slow, meandering worm tub, and you've got robust body. This somewhat paradoxical profile has lead Glen Elgin to be prized by blenders and have a cult following among single malt enthusiasts. Fortunately for K&L customers, Signatory has secured a choice cask for us. Aged 14 years, matured in hogshead. Distilled on 5/1/2007. Bottled 5/21/2021 53.2%ABV. Cask No 800253. It's big and rich with bushels of stone fruit and chewy malt. Whiteley]( | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: November 03, 2021 Don't let the pale straw color of this malt fool you. It's a rich tapestry of fruit and grain with just a light veil of wood. The nose is full of fleshy ripe fruits ranging from nectarine to pear to golden apple. If grain ripened like a fruit, this would be ripe malt as well. A delicate savor feels almost like the crunch of hot, freshly fried tempura. It's chewy and satisfying, yet somehow light. The palate is thick with malted barley and a fresh snowy blanket of citrus zest. If you love malt for malt's sake, this cask is too good to skip. Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 29, 2021 Slowly but surely the fabulous Glen Elgin distillery is gaining fans. We likely have our friends at Compass Box to thank for producing several excellent blends that highlight the gorgeous and nuanced character of this semi-rare distillery. We bought a few barrels from an excellent lot of '95s nearly a decade ago, and over that period have yet to come across one that suited our tastes. This one, however, offers the perfect snap shot of a malt-driven Elgin at an altogether reasonable price. Similar whiskies sell at competitors' shops for $30-$40 more, and none will deliver the purity and zest of this supple offering. The color is pale straw. Slightly shy at first, but with just a few minutes in the glass the nose opens up exceptionally. A pure, linear maltiness encompassed by golden raisins, flecks of cacao, salted caramel, and Barlett pear skins. On the palate, utterly pristine pear and pointed white pepper. The texture is much richer than the color would imply. Oily and chewy with tons of honeyed sweetness up front moving toward roasted almonds and pithy citrus on the back. It's almost shocking how fun this is right out of the bottle, but with a splash of water it explodes with tropical fruit aromas. Kiwi, papaya, yuzu! On the palate, it's still got plenty of weight and adds a toasted vanilla character. Utterly perfect for those who appreciate the malt-driven character that this relatively naked Speysider can offer. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2007 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne (Elsewhere $160)]( Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne (Elsewhere $160)]( ($129.99) 97 points James Suckling: "This is a laser-guided Champagne with fabulous energy and intensity with a tight palate, racy acidity and super fine phenolics. It goes on and on. Fine bubbles. Light pine and praline character. One for the cellar." (12/2020) 97 points Vinous: "The 2007 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is positively stellar. Elegant, polished and sophisticated, the 2007 dazzles with effusive aromatics and gorgeous balance. It's not an obvious wine, though, but rather a Champagne built for long, patient cellaring. The 2007 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay taken from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Verzy for the Pinots and Chouilly, Avize, Cramant and Mesnil for the Chardonnays. In other words, as good as it gets for villages. The wine was done mostly in tank with about 15% of the lots vinified in oak. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. (AG)" (03/2021) [gary.gif]( Westby]( | K&L Champagne Buyer | Review Date: August 05, 2021 This masterful blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay is the quintessential Billecart-Salmon: creamy yet vivacious, generous yet elegant, toasty yet refreshing. The barrel fermentation was increased by 10% for this vintage, and now a full 15% of the total sees large oak barrels, giving this very bright vintage a supple texture to go with its focused finish. This is spectacular Champagne for tonight at 14 years old but will keep for decades if you choose to cellar it. [AndrewTobin.jpg]( Tobin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 23, 2021 We have another amazing offering from Billecart! This often-forgotten vintage was overshadowed by the absolute monster year of 2008, but if you prefer your champagne delicate, elegant, and mineral forward, this one is for you! The nose is light and floral with hints of cherry blossoms, honeycomb, and cream. The palate is so elegant! Soft and light but flavorful all the way through. Sweet peach, soft vanilla cream, and focused minerality help balance this amazing bottle and make it easily one of the best Champagnes I've had all year! [nealfischer.jpg]( Fischer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 28, 2021 This is an impressive Champagne with an assertive and bold presence of zippy acid, bright lemon, orchard fruit, with a touch of floral delicacy. The palate is bright, fun, and beautiful. The fruits are more playful (mixed berries), and there's some buttery richness and chalky minerality complementing the wonderful acidity. The texture stays true to the wine's beauty with extra fine bubbles that dance on the tongue. --------------------------------------------------------------- [New Feed]( [Auction]( [Local]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [BORDEAUX]( | [NAPA]( | [BURGUNDY]( | [CHAMPAGNE]( | [ITALY]( | [RHÔNE]( | [SPIRITS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Delivery]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. 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