In a testament to just how great these wines are and how good the wine making is, let me just tell you what my dumbass did to this wine by accident. I was in my fridge yesterday and saw I had left this bottle entirely full with a cork pulled for over a week. I thought back to when I would've opened it, and my jaw dropped. I had opened it two hours before meal time and then we changed the food plan so we changed wines but I forgot about already opening this wine. I left it in the door of the fridge so I missed it.
The wine is gloriously good… I was shocked that it wasn't completely oxidized. We drank it over the last two days and it was very delicious. Complex with citrus and white orchard fruits, leaning more citrus, zesty and salty brine, loads of minerality, dried wild florals, quite the wine here. Excellent med+ acidity, med/med+ body, med+ length. — 3 years ago
Opened about an hour prior to service. The 2011 Chateau Simone pours a slightly turbid garnet color. Right off the first pour, this certainly isn’t faking the funk on a nasty dunk. Redolent of tart cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, cow pasture, red flowers, earth, mushrooms and grilled spiced meats. On the palate, the fruit and non-fruits are confirmed accompanied by stiff tannins and acid. The finish is long and satisfying. A wild yet charming wine. This was a fabulous pairing with grilled lamb chops. Drink now or over the next 5-10 years. — 3 years ago
Nose has Anjou pear peel, white Carnations, sliced quince, cold yellow apple slice, slight green herbals (crushed celery), steel cut oats with faint vanilla notes.
Palate has ripe pear, (light) under-ripe apricot, light honey, (light) under-ripe pineapple core, slight strawberry, faint oak influence with mild acidity.
Honestly, this needs some time or considerable decant; revisit 2024+? — 3 years ago
When we talk purity and honesty in wine, Larmandier-Bernier instantly comes to mind. An attractive light golden robe and impressive perlage. The nose is instantly striking with plenty of green apple and butter. Lemon and limes along with marzipan. Chalky and fresh, this is one that you really should just sit with for a while and appreciate. The pastry aromas are absolutely killer here. The citrus fruit notes are really prominent over time. So pretty.
A biodynamic Blanc de Blancs from masters of their terroir. Stately and august while remaining approachable. It’s a wine you want to be effusive. Full of personality, charm, and complexity there’s such power and grace with this champagne. Brilliant acidity but there’s no way I would mark this as zero dosage if tasted blind. Laser like precision here. So classy and luxurious.
In the mouth, this is pure joy. Pure finesse and excellence. Terrific texture and balance. Citrus and slight toasted brioche notes. There’s a really nice streak of spice towards the end, especially on the second day. This champagne may not be right for everyone but it’s certainly right for me. I love this. — 3 years ago
David Nicewicz
Wow this was an excellent find in Roma! A perfect bottle of 95 Flaccianello - funky nose of a bit of cheese and blue fruits have way to a palate that was silky and just kept gaining intensity over the 3h it was opened - blue fruits, cedar, truffles and a touch of licorice. What a great experience on a Tuscan classic! — 3 years ago