Focus on the finish, inverse of CdP. — 21 days ago
This was rich, savory showing red & black fruit, earth, game, spice & floral. Seems to be fully mature — 4 months ago
Great bottle! No 🐞 problem with this one. Quite complex and in a very good way right now. — 7 months ago
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷
Overview
This distinguished cuvée from the esteemed family-run house (est. 1818) earns its name “Sous Bois” (“under wood”) by being fully vinified and aged in oak barrels. The blend features ~34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier—a balanced trio that brings both richness and finesse. The oak elevates its texture, resulting in a strikingly layered and structured Champagne that’s a step above the usual non-vintage Brut. 
Aromas & Flavors
Lively orchard fruit like pear, green apple, and citrus mingle with decadent notes of brioche, roasted nuts, vanilla, and a tertiary spice layer from the oak. A mineral undertone provides brightness underneath the creamy, toasty character.  
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined, with a fine and lingering mousse. The palate feels velvety and textured, balanced by bright acidity and a satisfying, mineral-driven finish.  
Winemaking Notes
Fermentation and aging are conducted entirely in oak barrels at cool temperatures. A portion of the wine includes reserve wines, which contribute depth and consistency. Lees aging ranges from 6 to 7 years. No malolactic fermentation in most lots, preserving freshness and clarity.   
Food Pairing
A versatile and luxurious Champagne—ideal with roasted poultry, creamy shellfish dishes (think lobster or scallops), and earthy mushroom preparations. Works elegantly as both an aperitif and a gastronomic accompaniment.
Verdict
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV is a masterclass in barrel-fermented Champagne. It blends textural richness with precision and finesse—bold yet balanced, complex yet harmonious. A standout choice when you want something unforgettable and elegant. — a month ago
1996 Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru
Clos de la Roche, situated in Morey-Saint-Denis, is the most renowned and the largest Grand Cru vineyard of the village. Its terroir is consequently exceptional, yielding wines with striking acidity, remarkable concentration, and a structure that is powerful yet displays extraordinarily refined tannins. It is often considered one of Burgundy's most compelling wines, masterfully combining power with elegance.
The style neither mirrors the robust, muscular, and overtly powerful character typical of its northern neighbour, Gevrey-Chambertin, nor does it precisely replicate the extreme perfume, elegance, and delicacy that define its southern neighbour, Chambolle-Musigny. Instead, Clos de la Roche is the quintessential synthesis of strength and finesse—boasting a solid backbone alongside intricate depth of aroma and texture. Thanks to its pronounced acidity, one should not open a bottle without allowing for at least 15 years of ageing.
Upon opening, after 30 minutes the nose offered aromas of ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, sour plum, rose, and violet. After an hour, further notes of truffle, forest floor, leather, and spice developed. However, the minerality I expected remained elusive.
The bottle's condition was unfortunately not optimal. It lacked the sustained aromatic evolution and explosive bouquet I had anticipated. This fatigue and muted character were likely a result of its shipment from the United States. — a month ago
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
Nice nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Showing red fruits with light oak, licorice and chocolate notes.
Nice length on the finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.
This is a very tasty 5 year old GSM blend from Lirac. Nicely balanced and elegant, with mild complexity. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.
Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aged in concrete tanks and 15% large French oak barrels.
15.5% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$35. — 5 months ago
"Odedi"
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim, and medium plus intensity.
Pretty nose of raspberries, strawberries, light cedar, earth, herbs and chocolates.
Medium bodied with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with raspberries, currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, light oak, chocolates and peppercorn.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.
This young Grenache based blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly, but already enjoyable, even by itself.
This great 2022 vintage is starting to drink nicely now. Well structured and nicely balanced, with a great mouthfeel.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 20 years.
Elegant and robust. Rich and fruit forward. Tannic and tangy. Interesting stuff.
A blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and 5% of other local grapes. Aged in used French oak barrels.
15% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$100. — 24 days ago