LeDomduVin: Palatable wines

Palatable wines

Serving great wines around 150 euros can be difficult, as there are many wines in this price range (and under, of course) from around the world. 

Yet, when the host asks for recognizable French labels or crus, my selection usually goes for Champagne, Burgundy, and/or Bordeaux, which constitute about 90% of the wines I buy (and have been buying throughout my 33-year Sommelier and Wine buyer career). 

Navigating the myriad of producers in these 3 regions can be challenging, so I always try to find the best quality-price ratio within the portfolios of my local suppliers. The most palatable wines to match the menu.   

That night I opened: 

Champagne Dom Perignon Vintage 2013

Light, dry, crisp, fresh, zesty, lightly toasted, and mineral, it is well-balanced and satisfying. Ideal as an aperitif and with fish or shellfish starters. A quaffer! 

Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Referts" Burgundy 2019

I do not know what it is or how to describe it, but there is an indescribable sense of minerality and purity in Bachelet-Monnot's wines that I have always loved. Nothing is in excess in their wines.  And this Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Referts" is yet another great example of it. Lightly buttery, mineral, waxy, ample, and generous, with yellow stone fruits and apple aromas and flavors, exceptionally well balanced and lingering. Definitely the type of wine that makes you want to love wine. The first glass is immediately calling for the second.  Loved it.       

Domaine Humbert Freres Charmes-Chambertin Burgundy 2018

I have opened several bottles of this particular wine lately, and it has been excellent every time.  Showing remarkable consistency and potential. Is it the best Charmes-Chambertin I have ever tasted? No, but within this price range (140-150 Euros), it is definitely a great contender! Rich and generous, balanced with ripe dark and red cherry, earthy and mineral notes, refreshing acidity, and a lingering finish. The other day, one bottle was only half consumed; I revisited it 2 days later, and although slightly oxidized, it was still excellent.  What more to ask?     

Cheers! Sante!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domperignonofficial #domperignon #champagne @alexbachelet #bacheletmonnot #domainehumbertfreres #humbertfreres #burgundy #wine #vin #vino #wein #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Frugal night...

Frugal night... 😜

"Frugal" is not an appropriate word when serving 500 euros a bottle, but it came to my mind as that night I only served 2 bottles to a private dinner, while I usually open more than two bottles, hence the word frugal. 😁

You can look at my previous posts for the tasting notes of Selosse VO, as I have opened several bottles lately.

As for Denis Mortet, one of my favorite producers, it had been a while since I opened a bottle, especially "Clos de Vougeot".

Denis Mortet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Burgundy 2019

The bottle I last opened was great. However, this particular one was in a closed and tight phase. I opened it about 1 hour before serving, and it remained muted. It was good but could have been more expressive. Soft, gentle, and delicate on the nose, offering timid aromas of fresh red and dark cherries with earthy and mineral nuances. Despite the juicy cherry fruit and the long and lingering finish, the palate was tight and slightly austere with high acidity, unlike the previous bottle I opened, which was much more exuberant, generous, and ample. 

That is sometimes the issue when opening such young wines that have the potential to age and better develop with time. They go through opening and closing phases, and it can be challenging, even for an experienced Sommelier like me, to define the right opening moment, as top-tier wines are unpredictable in their youth. 

Oh well. Now I know. I better wait a few more years. The problem is whether I will have the patience to do so. 😁👍🍷

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domainejacquesselosse #selosse #champagne @domainedenismortet #denismortet #burgundy #wine #vin #vino #wein #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lifeinwine

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Quatuor

Quatuor

I forgot to post my tasting notes in my previous post, so here they are.

Champagne Jacques Selosse VO "Version Originale" Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut NV (disgorged in Nov 2019)

Selosse makes rich and complex champagnes, and this one was no exception. Beyond its dense golden color, it displayed buttery, toasted aromas, with yellow stone fruits mingling with nutty, slightly oxidative notes, like a Sherry. The palate is rich, layered, complex, ample, and generous, with just enough freshness and minerality to keep it balanced and harmonious. Due to its color and nuttiness, some may say it is already too old, but that is not the case. That is just how this champagne is. The finish is long and lingering. I liked it, but some may find it a bit overwhelming.

Jean-Claude Ramonet Bienvenues Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2018

Ramonet is one of my favorite producers in the Chassagne / Puligny area. The wines, with their zesty fruits, great freshness, and high minerality, have a sense of purity. And it was the case for this Bienvenues Batard Montrachet, a pure delight!

Mongeard-Mugneret Richebourg Grand Cru Burgundy 2019

It was way too young, but I could not resist opening it. Nice, bright, ruby color with medium-deep intensity. The nose bosted beautiful autumnal aromas of dark cherry, toasted oak, venison, flowers, and earth, with smoky nuances. The palate was tight at first, with bright red and dark cherry and high acidity. I usually don't decant Burgundy wines, but I had to decant this one to allow it to better express itself. It took a while to reveal itself. Although I loved it, it will definitely benefit from a few more years in the cellar to display its full potential.

Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan Bordeaux 2016

I have opened this wine a few times lately. It usually shows really well, yet it was in a closed phase that night. For the tasting notes, you can have a look at my previous posts.

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domainejacquesselosse #jacquesselosse #champagne #jeanclauderamonet #ramonet @domainemongeard #mongeardmugneret #burgundy @chateauhautbrion_ #hautbrion #bordeaux #sommelier #tastingnotes #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Mise en place - Part 2: Quartet

Mise en place - Part 2: Quartet

These were the second parts of the "mise en place" I did 2 weeks ago. 

I opened them for a private lunch that weekend, and they showed beautifully. 

Champagne Jacques Selosse VO "Version Originale" Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut NV (disgorged in Nov 2019)

It delivered charm, character, intensity, and concentration with great finesse and beautiful minerality. In my book, it is a classic!

Champagne Salon Cuvee 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut 1996

Probably the most prestigious champagne house, Salon possesses unmatched uniqueness. Despite its age, it was gorgeously fresh and mineral, layered, complex, and long. Amazing! 

Jean-Claude Ramonet Bienvenues Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2018

Ramonet is one of my favorite producers in the Chassagne / Puligny area. The wines, with their zesty fruits, great freshness, and high minerality, have a sense of purity. And it was the case for this Bienvenues Batard Montrachet, a pure delight! 

Domaine Anne Gros Richebourg Grand Cru Burgundy 2020

It is a sacrilege to open such a young wine, yet I could not resist. It was rich, complex, and layered, offering generously ripe dark and red fruits. The palate was powerful and ample yet elegant and sophisticated, balanced and velvety, expanding beautifully towards the seamless finish. Although approachable now, it will reward those with the patience to wait for it. What a magnificent wine! 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domainejacquesselosse #jacquesselosse @maisonchampagnesalon #champagnesalon #salon #champagne #jeanclauderamonet @domaineannegros #annegros #burgundy #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #winelife #wineyearly

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

Ledomduvin: Portrait 

Before continuing to share pictures and descriptions of the great wines I had the chance to open these past few days, I wanted to share this picture of me right before the service (taken last night).

I don't take many pictures of myself, especially when working, as I much prefer sharing the bottles and labels of the wines I open instead. It is much more interesting than showing my face. 

However, as I hadn’t done it for a while, I asked a colleague to take a few pictures of me before the service, and I liked this one. 

I am proud to be a Sommelier and lucky to do a job I love. I have been doing this for 33 years with the same passion, determination, and professionalism, and I will hopefully do it for many more years, sharing my love, passion, and knowledge of wine with all of you. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #portrait #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #wine #vin #vino #wein #lifeinwine #wineinlife #winelife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lovewine

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

Ledomduvin: Mise en place - Opened wines - Part 1

Mise en place - Opened wines - Part 1

Following my previous post on "mise en place," here are some of the bottles we opened last weekend. This is part 1, and part 2 will be in a second post.

Champagne Krug "Clos du Mesnil" Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006

Rich, layered, complex, refined, fine bubbles, zesty, with fresh, delicate aromas of apple, pear, and stone fruits mingling with lightly toasted brioche, mineral, and floral notes. Stunning!

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2019

This is a fantastic wine, with a delicate complexion and incredible minerality conveying a sense of purity. Displaying gorgeous Japanese pear and white stone fruit aromas and flavors, the palate is soft, gentle, rich, waxy, focused, incredibly balanced, and expands nicely from the attack to the long-lasting finish, with that glycerine sensation that makes you salivate and want more. Some remained in the bottle, and I tasted it two days later; it was still delightful. I loved it!

DRC (Domaine de la Romanee Conti) Richebourg Grand Cru Burgundy 1993

One of the guests brought this bottle. It was okay, not great. As I often say, even DRC or Petrus makes lesser wines in lesser vintages. When the wine is bad, the wine is bad, no matter the name on the label.

This was a perfect example. It was not surprising either, as 1993 in Burgundy is a controversial vintage (opinions are divided), but nonetheless relatively poor due to rain during the growing and harvest seasons, resulting in high acidity, tight tannins, and a lack of fruit in many wines. The wine was relatively thin and tight, shy about aromas and flavors, and lacking substance and depth. The guest suggested decanting it, yet even after 1 hour, despite somewhat of a timid opening, it was not necessarily better. Disappointing, in my opinion, and definitely not worth the demanded price.

Chateau Latour Premier Grand Cru Classe Pauillac Bordeaux 2005

This was another stunning wine. It even showed better than the previous bottle I opened the week before. Racy, sophisticated, rich, and layered, yet in an elegant way. Not the powerhouse I thought it would be for such a solar vintage: this wine is all about finesse and refinement. Loved It!

Cheers!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #krug #champagne @pierreyvescolinmorey #pierreyvescolinmorey @_domainedelaromaneeconti #drc #domainedelaromaneeconti #burgundy #chateaulatour #latour #bordeaux #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Champagne Dom Perignon Rose Oenotheque1992

Champagne Dom Perignon Rose Oenotheque1992 

This past weekend, I had the chance to taste this beautiful champagne rose from a magnum bottle for the first time. 

It was exciting and surprising as I don't get to try Dom Perignon Oenotheque very often, especially from the 90s and, more significantly, Rose. 

I did not really know what to expect, so it was like venturing into new ground. 

In the glass, it displayed a strange color that is difficult to describe: something between a pale yet bright "rose-bonbon" and "pinkish-orange salmon". 

Despite its age, the nose was relatively young, fresh, and incentive, boasting red berries and strawberry aromas mingling with earthy and yeasty notes. 

The palate was pleasant, rather elegant, quite rich, and surprisingly dry due to a good amount of acidity. There were still some fine bubbles. The lingering finish is also agreeable. 

Is it the best rose from Dom Perignon Oenotheque I have ever tried? I cannot compare, unfortunately. 

Overall, it was a pleasurable experience. I think the magnum size and good storage condition ensured that it retained its freshness and taste. 

It would be interesting to taste a regular bottle to see if it tastes fresh or shows signs of aging. 

Please let me know if you have ever tasted this champagne and your impression in the comments. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domperignonofficial #domperignon #champagne #champagnerose #rose #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Mise en place! What a line-up!

Mise en place! What a line-up! 

I know, I constantly repeat myself, yet it is true: I'm one of the luckiest Sommeliers I know. 

I mean, look at these wines! Isn't it amazing? 

How many Sommeliers can pretend to prepare, open, taste, and serve such gems regularly? Not many, for sure. 

These were part of a recent "mise en place" for a few private lunches and dinners (in the order of the pictures):

Champagne Jacques Selosse VO "Version Originale" Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut NV (disgorged in Nov 2019)

Jean-Claude Ramonet Bienvenues Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2018

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2019

Champagne Krug "Clos du Mesnil" Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006

Domaine Anne Gros Richebourg Grand Cru Burgundy 2020

Chateau Latour Premier Grand Cru Classe Pauillac Bordeaux 2005

Domaine William Fevre Chablis Premier Cru "Montmains" Burgundy 2019

Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Hameau de Blagny" Burgundy 2018

Domaine Delaporte Sancerre Rouge "Silex" Loire Valley 2020

Such a great line-up of excellent wines! It makes me drool just looking at these bottles. 

In my next posts, I'll tell you about the ones I opened, tasted, and served. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domainejacquesselosse #jacquesselosse #jeanclauderamonet @pierreyvescolinmorey #pierreyvescolinmorey @krugchampagne #krug #closdumesnil @domaineannegros #domaineannegros #annegros #chateaulatour @williamfevre_chablis #williamfevre @alexbachelet #bacheletmonnot #domainedelaporte #champagne #burgundy #bordeaux #burgundy #miseenplace #sommelier #sommlierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: The usual suspect - Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Burgundy 2019

The usual suspect

Those who follow me know that I have opened this wine countless times over the last three years, hence my calling it “the usual suspect”!

What can I say? I love this wine; and it gets better every time I open it

Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Burgundy 2019

It is still a young wine, and over the last three years, it has gone through “open and closed” phases. Yet, this time again, it was open and delicious!

Right after opening, attractive, exuberant scents emanated from the bottle. Dense and bright ruby color in the glass. Beautiful wild red and dark cherry, floral, spicy, lightly oaky aromas combined with mineral and earthy nuances filled the room.

The palate is bright, juicy, complex, layered, rich, yet delicate, elegant, sophisticated, and superbly balanced between the fruit, the acidity, and the integrated tannins. The structured and textured mid-palate leads to the seamless and lingering finish, which immediately calls for another glass. I looooove this wine.

In a recent conversation with a customer, I explained that as a Sommelier, I look for the “Wow!” factor in a wine; this instant gratification and satisfaction that makes you want another glass as soon as you finish the first one.

I love buying, serving, and drinking these types of wine, especially when there is an excellent quality/price ratio.

Wine does not have to be expensive to be good. Plenty of “supposedly” premium wines and established brands, such as Chateaux and Domaines, sell lesser wines, especially in lesser vintages.

Despite the price they command, even DRC or Petrus makes wines that are not worth the cost in lesser years.

For me, whether it costs 10 or 1000 euros, good wine must give you instant satisfaction and gratification and make you want to drink more. And this “Clos de La Roche Vieilles Vignes” from Domaine Ponsot does just that!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domaineponsot #domaineponsot #closdelaroche #burgundy #redwine #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #theusualsuspect #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lovewine

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Casual Tasting

Casual tasting

The other day, a colleague Sommelier made me taste these wines, some of which were featured on his wine list.

It was an interesting tasting as I was unfamiliar with some of them. I heard of them but had yet to taste them.

Champagne Palmer & Compagnie Brut Reserve France NV

Light, dry, crisp, everything up-front and disappearing quickly, unfortunately. I would have loved more substance and a longer finish.

Leeu Passant Chardonnay Stellenbosch South-Africa 2019

Light, crisp, fresh, and mineral, it has fresh butter aromas, lovely acidity, and a zesty mouthfeel. If tasted blind, it would have been challenging to tell it was from South Africa. Very Burgundian for a so-called "new world" Chardonnay. I liked it.

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling Clare Valley Australia 2023

Bone dry, crisp, mineral, and really refreshing, with restrained yet attractive aromas of stone fruits and lime with chalky nuances. Beautiful and well-crafted.

Grace Vineyard Chairman's Reserve Special Edition China 2016

Intense, deep ruby color. Fragrant earthy nose of ripe cassis, black cherry, and black plum with earthy, soil, and leafy nuances. It felt overipped, with burned and smoked flavors. Somewhat rustic. I would have loved to like it more, but I did not. It is a wannabe Bordeaux lacking its French counterpart's depth, complexity, class, and sophistication. It's not a bad wine, but it's not my thing.

Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvee England 2017

Bone dry, crisp, light, fine mousse, nice zesty fruits, good structure, balance, and lingering finish. Compared to the champagne Palmer & Co., I liked it better. Some of these English sparkling wines are undeniably great contenders for Champagne. 

Venturing into the lesser-known path is often surprising. A sommelier must taste everything from everywhere and within any price range. It is the only way to learn, educate, and train the palate and the senses, increase skills and knowledge, and remain open-minded.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @champagnepalmer #champagnepalmer @leeupassant #leeupassant @grossetwines #grossetwines #gracevineyard @roebuckestates #roebuckestates #tasting #wineyearly #sommelier

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).