Vanessa

9.2

Cheers to this historic bubbly from Merfy!

Chartogne-Taillet is the only grower-producer located in this tiny village, nestled into the southern slopes of the Massif de Saint-Thierry—the northernmost region of Champagne, & one of its oldest winemaking zones, with roots stretching back to Roman times.

Despite its early popularity, and historical significance, Massif de Saint-Thierry is less widely known today—It’s a hidden gem offering diverse microclimates & subsoils ranging from clay to sand over chalk.

We’re grateful Alexandre Chartogne is giving this region, and Merfy, in particular, a sensory voice, by crafting a range of terroir-driven champagnes that honor centuries of family farming and his formative mentorship working under Anselme Selosse.

Featured here is the “Cuvée Saint Anne”— a broader regional expression which blends vintages, villages, and varieties—60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 5% Meunier—from parcels in both Merfy and the grand cru village of Avize (Côte des Blancs).

In appearance, this wine is radiant gold, revealing the delicate influence of oxygen over a period of aging in neutral oak. It has a fine & persistent perlage.

On the nose are harmonious notes of poached pear, fresh apricot, apple salt water taffy, white blossom, gardenia, crusty croissant, apple crisp, cider, brioche, cinnamon sugar lefse, graham cracker pie crust, wet stones, chalk, & toasted almond.

This wine shows vitality & energy on the palate that is bone dry with lively acidity, a creamy mousse, flavors consistent with the nose, & a lingering finish.

Here’s to Chartogne-Taillet’s elegant & expressive champagnes that are deeply rooted in place. — 2 days ago

with Deked1

Shangliao Sun

9.3

Powerful Syrah. Fine tannins. — 2 years ago

Chris MacLean

9.1

Always seems to deliver — 20 days ago

with Sarah

Alexandre Pagliano

8.9

First bottle we had in many years. Was nice and fresh but not as complex as our recollection from great vintages. — 10 months ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Giovanna Fornitani Llorente

9.0

Good ‘ depends on price — 2 years ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.3

Brilliant translucent & bright ruby in colour.
Fresh, lively & slightly funky.
Tart cherry, cranberry, but also some earthy character & rocky minerality. So vibrant. So joyful.
Brilliantly drinkable, juicy and driven by racy cherry acidity + a fine tanninc frame. Light yet with some grip and loads of personality. Purity, depth, beautiful tension.
Sooo good! — 4 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vi rage 2007 | from a jenny | this Cadillac is so beautiful balanced with attractive sweet/sour and excellent potential to end a nice diner. — 5 months ago

Jonathan Wall

9.0

Bright fruit with hints of game, olives, stems. Hits way above its price point ( a K&L bargain… I love a bargain!) — 8 months ago

Michael J Holroyd

10

Delicious, absolutely superb. Hints of cherries, plums, raspberries, warming/baking spices. Long finish, flavors developed over 15 seconds. Needs decanting — 10 months ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.0

Last night I opened the 2016 Château Rose Sainte-Croix made from Left Bank Bordeaux grapes mainly the Médoc - Listrac. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot.

On the nose there is black cherry, blackberry, black plum, black currant, menthol, licorice, spice, some oak and dark earth.

On the palate I am getting black cherry, blackberry, black currant, cedar, licorice, tobacco, herbs, a vegital note, spice and earth.

This wine is full bodied with a smooth mouthfeel medium + acidity and medium + grippy sandy tannins that leave you with a long dark fruit earthy finish. I wish everyone a wonderful weekend, please be safe and stay healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 3 years ago