WA 98+ "Back in 2014, Salon's president Didier Depond was quoted in the press as saying that “since 2008, there has been no genuinely great vintage in Champagne" and that a 2012 from Salon wouldn't be released. But the just-released 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil shows that he had good reason to change his mind, as to my palate this is, after the 2008, the finest Salon produced this millennium. Unwinding in the glass with notes of citrus oil, wet stones, freshly baked bread, white currants and oyster shell, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a tightly wound core of fruit, racy acids and an elegant pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a long and resonant finish, this is a structured and powerful Salon that's a lot more incisive than, for example, the 2002 at the same stage, but which also carries more muscle and substance than a leaner vintage such as 2007. For readers that have balked at the pricing of the magnum-only 2008, the 2012 isn't far off the latter's level in quality, and will presumably be distributed more conventionally. (09/2021)" (WK)

SPECIAL TIMES SPECIAL PEOPLE WORLD-CLASS PAIRINGS THAT ELEVATE ALL THINGS PASSION

Took part in a Special Club dinner last night and it was amazing. The quality and textures of these fine-crafted wines are exceptional, and their versatility in food pairing is a lavish sensation for the senses. You too will feel as I do, you want it to go on Sine Fine

If texture is what you seek, this Champagne delivers!

The sublime characteristic of this cuvée is from one single plot, Clos Saint-Hélène, which is a 100% Pinot Noir vintage reflecting the village of Cumières.

~ The Champagne Lab

Song To Take In The Texture: Pink Floyd

~ Welcome To The Machine / Make Sure You're One Glass In

2014 SANCHEZ - LE - GUÉDARD

SPECIAL CLUB

Some people see the Special Club of Champagne as yet another form of exclusivity in the wine world. Hélène is a vineyard site in Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne farmed by Jose and Sebastian Sanchez. Their resulting Special Club bottling is powerful and dense, with an alluring textural richness and pleasantly caressing bubbles. Clean and appley on the palate, this is a Champagne for people who crave mouthfeel in their wines. 

It's What We Will Continue To Do! ~ Drink Well!

Finding the time to celebrate should become easier as we traverse through time, quality wines elevate our rhythm as we proceed into the future.

~ The Champagne Lab

2016 Paul Bara Grand Millesime

Grand Cru Brut

Champagne lovers like to talk about how great Champagne pairs with food. Not all bottlings from this revered region fit that bill. Non-vintage, entry level Champagne tends to sing best all by itself, or perhaps with just some simple appetizers. Vintage bottles on the other hand have more grip and a bit of weight than their blended counterparts and often have their best moments at table. The 2016 Brut Grand Cru from Bara is one such wine. Don’t just pair with classic white wine dishes, but stretch your imagination and try with lighter red wine pairings—roasted bird, pork chops or tenderloin, or hearty vegetable dishes. 

YOUR SENSE OF FREEDOM IS CALLING, WILL YOU ANSWER?

Instead of drinking KRUG at the beach, at least here in California, It's time to drink one of the best editions of KRUG in the mountains while you kiss the sky.

KRUG 170ème Édition Is Supreme.

~ The Wine Lab

KRUG 

NV Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition 

Krug's NV Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition is based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by some 45% reserve wines dating back to 1998, with the house drawing on, among many others, 2013 for structure and 2012 and 2003 for generosity. Opening in the glass with aromas of pastry cream, dried fruits, pear, warm spices, freshly baked bread and vanilla pod, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and fine-boned, with excellent concentration, racy acids and a precise, chiseled profile. But if the latter adjective could be applied to the 2013-base 169ème édition equally felicitously, the 2014-base 170ème is more giving and less tightly wound out of the gates and will offer more demonstrative drinking young.