Vanessa

9.5

Prior notes continue to apply…

When we visited Billecart-Salmon in October of 2021, we received a tour of the stunning estate. Along the way, our guide, Jerome, paused near a traditional “Clos” (a single vineyard, enclosed by a wall) on the property. 

We could see a beautiful stone wall, surrounding a tiny 1 hectare parcel of “Clos Saint-Hilaire,” named after the Patron Saint & local church in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, where Billecart-Salmon is located. 

Although we didn’t go into the Clos, we learned about how special this parcel is to the family; how it’s exclusively planted to Pinot Noir with vines dating back to 1964; how work in the vineyard is performed by hand and horse-drawn plows; how this parcel is farmed according to an age-old savoir-faire, adhering to principles of sustainable viticulture.

The wine is pale gold with a prominent bouquet of yellow apple, Anjou pear, raspberry, lemon curd, white peach, white blossom, desiccated white rose, wet stones, biscuit, brioche, almond paste, marzipan, crusty croissant, pie crust, toast, creamy texture and persistent, fine-beaded mousse and long elegant finish.

This is a 2005 “Blanc de Noirs” Champagne, comprised of 100% Pinot Noir, all coming from Le Clos Saint Hilaire, vinified entirely in oak casks to lend texture and body, and aged over 13 years sur lie prior to its recent release.  Due to the vineyard’s small size, production is very limited, and wine only produced in the best vintages.

Cheers to beautiful wines expressing a singularity of time and place!

Billecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint-Hilaire (2005).  — a month ago

with Deked1

Vanessa

9.0

Artesana is a small production, low intervention, terroir-driven producer of beautiful Uruguayan wines. 🙌🙌 🇺🇾

This wine was made from grapes grown on estate vineyards, harvested by hand, with sustainable farming practices. 🍇🍇

It is a deep ruby hue, offering concentrated aromas and flavors of tart black cherry, black currant, plum, nutmeg, cedar, anise, pepper, vegetal and green notes, alongside meaty characteristics.

It is balanced with good fruit concentration, refreshing acidity, high alcohol (14%), and soft tannins.

It’s comprised of Cabernet Franc (55%) and Merlot (45%) from the region of Canelones, Uruguay.

Acclaimed female winemakers Analía Lazaneo and Valentina Gatti have left us inspired and excited to try more from Artesana.

@Delectable Wine This is the Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. 🙏🙏 — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Henry Fuseler

8.9

1/2025. Good medium bodied cab. Smooth and easy to drink. — 7 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.0

This was a gratuitous pairing favoring a more impressive wine over the right wine. Paired with grilled chicken and lemon polenta over a sliced onion pan sauce. Bordering garnet. Lots of pruney, stewed fruit pointing to a hot vintage (15.5% abv.)
Ripe and spicy tobacco, leather, and fig jam. From magnum and ready to drink. 750’s likely on the decline. Sustainable. — a year ago

Todd Scurci

9.2

#eventide #kerner #slovenianwine — 3 years ago

with Annie

David Kline

9.4

Lime pith swells with shallot, lemon peel and lemon-poppy bread, seashell, chive, carnation, orchids, candied grapefruit peel bouquet. Dry and enticing entry, has a Chablis like austerity, but rounder, showing chamomile and caper with lemon juiciness. .
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#cullen #cullenwinery #wilyabrup #margaretriver #cullenkevinjohnchardonnay #margaretriverchardonnay #Australianwine #biodynamic #sustainable #aussiewine #aussiechardonnay #ozwine #ozchard — 4 years ago

with Courtney, Emily and 1 other

Matt

9.7

Ah, "Terras Gauda Rías Baixas Albariño'-a veritable jewel from the spectacular landscapes of Spain's Galicia, specifically the picturesque Rías Baixas DO, where the Atlantic whispers sweet nothings to the vines. This splendid Albariño unveils a bouquet of zesty lemon, fragrant white flowers, and a hint of sea breeze, tantalising the senses like a playful flirtation. The producer, Bodegas Terras Gauda, founded by the illustrious Ramón V. de Garay, is famed for its commitment to sustainable practices. Fun fact: they pioneered the use of genetic research in their vineyards-a cleverer endeavor than my attempts at crossword puzzles! Albariño, that beguiling grape, is renowned for its bright acidity and versatility; a wonderful partner in crime for seafood, particularly oysters, as the minerality complements their briny sweetness. It also loves the spicy embrace of Asian cuisine, where its zesty notes dance playfully. This delightful nectar has garnered praise, earning a commendable 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Truly, it's one to uncap whilst contemplating life or... other intimate matters far too risqué for polite company! — a year ago

Sara Thomas

9.0

Nice Syrah. Acidity balances out the ripe fruit. Plum, boysenberry, dried herbs, graphite, violets. — 3 years ago

Andrea Wright

9.7

This is a great wine for sharing! Very bright and lots of citrus and some hint of white peach — 4 years ago

Alicia

9.8

Light and citrus with a tart finish  — 4 years ago