Midnight Cellars

Mare Nectaris Reserve Red Wine 2020

9.3

Cherry, raspberry preserves, currant, mossy earth, oak and hints of stewed fruit. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 4 months ago

Paul and AEL liked this

Krug

Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend

Pooneet K

9.2

Krug is always most welcome, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. This is edition 169. A bit more yeasty and slightly less acidic than previous versions, to my taste. But if you like the Krug style - which we do very much - it hits the spot per usual.

My wife used to work with Fritz Hatton, proprietor of Arietta wines and auctioneer for Zachys. Fritz always says to have a half bottle of champagne waiting in the fridge in case you need a “midnight snack”, and I have to agree with him! — 5 years ago

Severn, Michael and 13 others liked this

Severn G

Reminds me, I need a Krug split in the fridge!

Shaw and Smith

Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2009

Bob McDonald

9.1

A museum release from the winery - I bought this at a Shaw and Smith tasting in Brisbane a few years ago. An asparagus note initially which blew off. Asian spices, raspberry, earthy mineral notes on nose, carrying through to the medium to full bodied palate. A nice balance between cool climate and warm climate characteristics. Finishes with a little astringency. — 6 years ago

Eric, Clive and 19 others liked this

Launois Père et Fils

Veuve Clemence Mesnil-Sur Oger Blanc Blancs

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

It has been a while since I’ve opened a Clemence. A favorite of mine & Sofia once upon a time. Still drink it, just not as often as I have moved to mostly Extra Brut. This is a Brut at 8g. Excellent Champagne & value at $44.99.

I believe there are only two resellers you can acquire it, one east coast & one west-K&L. You have to buy it pretty quickly once they get their container. It took several yrs building that relationship as Launois is careful about who they let resell their cuvées. In fact, it is even difficult to get in France. K&L has standing orders from some French citizens they ship back to France once they receive it. Kinda crazy.

The palate has nice mousse with lively acidity and micro oxygenation. Lime/lemon pulp w/ zest, stone fruits-white dominant, grapefruit w/ pith, bruised red/golden apples, Bosc pear, caramel, vanillin, some yeast, baguette crust, white spice, gritty, grey volcanics, chalky bits, limestone marl, oyster shells, yellow flowers/lilies, spring flowers with a little greens mixed in, very good acidy, well; made/balanced/tensioned with a smartly polished, elegant finish that lasts minutes and land on excellent minerality.

If you get to Champagne, visit. They have a huge museum of champagne/wine artifacts that date back to BC. My two pics do not show its enormity. They are about 35-40 minutes south of Reims.

They are the only producer I know of that places a rubber casket attached to the bottom of their corks. So, next to never do their cuvées have cork taint.

Enjoying it with the Jasper Hill Farms - Willoughby, buttery washed soft white cheese. Try with Rainbow Crisp crackers or warm baguette. Also, on apples with and w/o honey. — 4 months ago